Author: NTS West

In February, conversations with Korean church leaders led to the formation of a Korean ministry advisory group chaired by Joseph Kang.  Many ideas were exchanged, and the seminary will be working closely with this advisory group to address ministry education needs in the Southern California Korean church community.

On January 9, 2013, San Marino Community Church hosted the seminary leadership and Dr. Bill Robinson, President of Whitworth University for 17 years.  Dr. Robinson led a dynamic consultation with the board of trustees and later that day with an invited group of educators and church leaders — exploring prevailing assumptions about higher education and encouraging development of a different model of education for the church of the future — a model that focuses on passion for ministry.  We look forward to consulting with Dr. Robinson as we move forward!

In September, Calvary Presbyterian Church hosted a gathering for supporters and friends of the new seminary — and heard presentations by Dr. David Tomlinson and other board members.

On September 12, 2012, a M.Div level course on Spirituality for Ministry began at Pasadena Presbyterian Church, with class sessions being taught by a wealth of professors and pastors, each bringing expertise in various spiritual practices to enrich the life of the pastor and the congregation.

Thank you and Informational Luncheon New Southern California Seminary hosted a festive luncheon attended by more than 100 persons on May 23 at the San Marino Community Church. The event offered an opportunity to say thank you to friends who have supported this new venture during its first year as well as introduce new friends to the vision and plans for the coming year. Host pastor Jeff O’Grady brought greetings from his partner congregation. Lynn Cheney, Senior Pastor of the Westwood Presbyterian Church, also a partner congregation, offered a timely invocation. During lunch Ron White encouraged each of the fourteen tables to exchange ideas and question about the new seminary in conversations convened by members of the Steering Committee. After lunch, Coordinator Dave Tomlinson offered “A New Southern California Update.” He spoke about the almost completed process of incorporation as well as talks with the Association of Theological Schools held Continue Reading

On May 17, 2012, the new seminary’s Lay Academy offered its first class for a course on the New Testament – taught by Dr. David Cortez Fuentes at Tustin Presbyterian Church.  We are excited to offer this dynamic model of lay education!

NSCSEM is now officially incorporated in the State of California as: New Presbyterian Seminary; Southern California.  We are immediately moving to the next steps of filing for 501 C-3 (tax exempt) status, securing the first Board of Trustees and developing initial bylaws to file with the state.