Drew Theological School
Find Your Programs
Draw the Circle Wide
We are looking for believers, activists, seekers, thinkers, counselors, preachers, teachers, poets and dreamers who value thinking and action.
- Commit to courageous Christianity.
- Dive into ecological and social justice.
- Inspire the church, the neighborhood, the city, the world.
The next generation of faith leaders needs imagination and courage to constructively engage the challenges and opportunities of our age. This is built into how we do things. No matter your degree program, a Drew Theological School education includes interdisciplinary courses that demand out-of-the-box thinking, apprenticeship training that addresses real-world issues and modes of learning that promote adaptability and innovation.
Community News
The Rev. Donna Olivia Owusu-Ansah T’10
Chaplain, JFK Medical Center | Associate Minister, New Hope Baptist Church
The Rev. Dr. Kevin D. Miller T’03,’08
Executive Director of Graduate Admissions, Drew University
Teresita Matos-Post T’14
Executive Director, Beth-El Farmworker Ministry
The Rev. James Lee T’19
Lead Pastor, Wesley United Methodist Church
Olivia DiAgostino T’19
Transformation Program Coordinator, United Methodist Women
STORIES
The Forest is Waiting
We welcome you to determine if Drew is the right fit for you. Join us for a personal consultation with our admissions staff to learn more about our many graduate programs, our faculty, and the admissions process.
Upcoming Events
Ken Rowe Memorial | Tipple Lectures
October 6 @ noon and 6 p.m. | Drew University
En La Lucha: What is “The Struggle” in 2022 for Latinas/for Us All?
October 6 @ 7 p.m. | Online
Evolving Faith Conference
October 14-15
Fall Open Doors
October 20 @ 11:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Drew University
Korean Open Doors
October 25 @ 6 – 8 a.m. ET | Online
African Open Doors
November 1 @ 12:30 – 2:30 p.m. ET | Online
Virtual Open Doors
November 9 @ 5 – 7 p.m. ET | Online
You're invited to join the #DrewTheo community on Tuesday, October 4 to hear from Keegan Osinski, author of "Queering Wesley, Queering the Church." The gathering will be in Rowe Room of the Archives, and a promo code for Osinki's book is offered.
REACH, a summer program for #DrewTheo international students, is led by Professor Kathie Brown. The program has existed for many years, and it has just been renamed this year.
REACH’s renaming seeks to encompass all that the program entails:
R: Religion and research
E: Expansion of English skills
A: Critical analysis of texts
C: Communication and culture
H: Holistic approach to learning
Professor Brown's summer coursework includes time outside of the classroom as well. This summer, students visited the Theological Community Garden with Garden Steward Adrian Mendoza and heard from PhD student Hunter Edwards. Students were able to participate either online or at Drew's campus in Madison, New Jersey, USA.
#DrewTheo MDiv student, Adrian Mendoza T'23, knew that he always wanted to do a pilgrimage in the Holy Land, and he was able to do that this summer on his TheoTREC to Israel Palestine.
Adrian said that he was able to renew his faith, touch and see different sites and artifacts, and leave with "a transformed understanding and imagination of the biblical text that follow the footsteps of Jesus."
"It was also refreshing to see different ways in which pilgrims put their faith and hope to God by connecting to sacred walls and stones," Adrian continued.
"Lastly, hearing and witnessing firsthand the stories of daily realities and struggles of people living in the conflict and navigating the complexity of their inter-woven identities inspired me to be more committed in spreading the message of justice, love, hope, and peace that God calls us to bear and share."
#DrewTheo has a global community, and PhD student Jane Okang T'25 put that into practice this summer. Jane is a part of the Religion and Global Health forum, and a partnership grew with the ACA (Amanfrom CLoK Academy) to host health screenings in the Amanfrom and Agartha-Koforidua communities, located in the eastern region of Ghana.
The events were organized by Jane, a native of Ghana and founder of ACA. ACA is an elementary school that aims to provide affordable education for underprivileged children in rural Ghana while allowing them to develop their God-given potential through education and life skills in a Christian environment.
The rural communities in Ghana have difficulty obtaining essential health support from the government. To address the shortage in medical supplies and care, especially in Eastern Ghana, a local team of nurses and physicians provided the communities with malaria, hepatitis B virus, HIV, and hypotension screenings. They also offered education on the benefits of healthy living, and a team of pastors provided education on prayer, which is critical in the communities plagued with an over-spiritualized health crisis.
“The aim of the screenings was to learn more about the health system in the rural areas of Ghana and promote health equity, especially for the ‘underprivileged’ people in rural communities,” Jane said. “Moreover, it is to bridge the gap between church (spirituality) and health (physicality) to promote a (w)holistic health justice.”
This summer, #DrewTheo students traveled across the globe on TheoTRECs to experience new cultures, atmospheres, foods, and adventures. Thurselle Chisolm-Williams was part of a TREC that traveled to Israel Palestine.
Thurselle reflected on events that the group did at each location and said, “One is to read the Holy Scripture that details the work of Jesus there, secondly we sang, and third we engaged in a discipline of faith.”
One such discipline was an anointing of others at the Pool of Bethesda. “I was given red oil from Jerusalem to anoint and pray. Of the many things I’ll bring home, y’all know I’ve got the oil!!” she proclaimed.
While TheoTRECs are a requirement for Master of Divinity students, this distinct opportunity is available to other masters students who are interested in participating in travel courses.
#DrewTheo is hosting a series of Open Doors this fall that is perfectly planned to fit your schedule and needs.
Join us at one of the Open Doors events this fall, whether on Drew's campus or on Zoom! You don't want to miss it.
Jimmy Brooks has a long history with #DrewTheo that began far before he became a student. His journey at Drew started as a part-time employee in food services.
Jimmy's employment at Drew led to his enrollment as a student. "I was hired to work part-time and evenings at Drew’s snack bar. At first, I was kind of intimidated. This was Drew University and I thought it was strictly a religious institution, but I found out differently. It was when I began working catering functions at the cafeteria that I was convinced I would never sit in one of the classrooms, but rather - look at God," he said. "Little did I know I was being prepared to become a student."
After completing the Master of Divinity with a focus in Chaplaincy, Jimmy now works at Union County Social Services.
"My experience at Drew has been transformative because I’ve been equipped to better serve the world. I work at Union County Social Service and I interact with many different situations that require more than handing out tracts. I am present with those I encounter to encourage them through what seems impossible to overcome. I started as a community service aide where I would visit the jail, nursing homes, and community events. I learned sometimes people just want someone to listen. I was able to encourage, give information, and hope to others. My ministry is one of encouragement and pastoral care to and for my co-workers," he reflected.
Jimmy has been a great asset to the entire Drew community and is living out his calling in the field of chaplaincy by listening to others. Read more about Jimmy Brooks at the link in our bio.
The #DrewTheo staff spotlight is featuring Hilary McKane (she / her / hers), Director of Graduate Academic Services.
Hilary began this role in February of 2022, and she appreciates how much the faculty and staff care about students and do everything they can to help them. Hilary says she relies on Google spreadsheets at Drew more than anywhere else she has worked!
Hilary and her husband have seen baseball games together, and they hope to see a game in each MLB stadium.
#DrewTheo is partnering with Grace Episcopal Church in Madison, NJ as they host a Q Christian Fellowship night of worship, fellowship, and prayer! 🌈 Make plans to join us next week on Sunday, September 18 and add your free RSVP at the link in our bio.
The #DrewTheo community officially welcomed our new students yesterday with the ritual of signing the Matriculation book. 🎉💚💙
📷: @domingosabelardo
Make plans to join us for this fall's Tipple memorial & lecture.
We will honor the legacy of Ken Rowe C'59, T'69 with a service by Rev. Dr. Heather Murray Elkins. The evening will include a lecture by Ashley Boggan D. T'17, the General Secretary of the UMC General Commission on History and Archives which is housed at Drew University.
FREE registration is in our Linktree!
Happy Labor Day! After taking today off work, check out these listings on the #DrewTheo Job Board at the link in our bio.
As our semester begins, we welcome all to the #DrewTheo Fall Matriculation service on Wednesday, September 7 at 6:00 p.m. EDT in Craig Chapel of Seminary Hall. Our new students and returning students who have not previously attended a Matriculation are invited to sign the Matriculation book. Dr. Hyo-Dong Lee, Associate Professor of Comparative Theology, will deliver the address.
Known as one of our great traditions and rituals, the signing of the Matriculation book dates back to the origins of Drew University when founded in 1867. If you are not joining us in person, a livestream option is available on Facebook and YouTube.
#DrewTheo now has an Off-Campus Housing Board! Current students can find the link in this week's Drew Theo Update email.
DM us if you have a housing opportunity for students.
#MadisonNJ #NJ #NewJersey
The #DrewTheo Korean Caucus held their Fall Opening Worship Service this past Monday afternoon. The service included a service from Rev. Jung Ung Moon from Calvary Korean United Methodist Church titled, "Who is the calling for?"
Following the service, delicious Korean food was available as well as an opportunity to discuss the ordination process for United Methodist students.
📷: @the_emmaculate_ruefelly
💚💙 Let's kick off a new school year right, #DrewTheo community!
💚 Whether you're at in person orientation on Thursday, chatting at the Welcome Back Reception on Thursday evening, or joining us Friday for online orientation, we are thrilled to meet you.
💙 Welcome to Drew, and keep us in your tags so we can share all of the #DrewTheo goodness happening within our global and local community.
#DrewTheo’s Global Faiths and the Earth course is an example of the unique and enriching curriculum offered by our school.
The course, required of nearly all Master of Divinity (#MDiv) Master of Arts in Theology and Ministry (#MATM) students, lays the foundation work of #interfaith communication, coalition-building, and leadership by exploring the respective attitudes and practices of various faith traditions toward the earth and the shared challenge of the current environmental crisis.
Global Faiths and the Earth was designed by Dr. Laurel Kearns (Professor of Ecology, Religion, and Society) and Dr. Hyo-Dong Lee (Associate Professor of Comparative Theology) to encourage students to explore the religious worldviews and practices of many faiths with a particular focus on issues of eco-justice.
By introducing the teachings and practices of several of the world’s faith traditions, students learn how religious communities can effectively respond to environmental crises by learning from and working with one another.
Check out the full story in our #Linktree to learn what students and alum are saying about the impact on their lives and ministry.
#DrewTheo knows that real world experiences contribute greatly to a modern #theologicaleducation. Through internships and ministry placements, students have the opportunity to apply, test, challenge, and assess the knowledge gained in the classroom.
Through a summer internship, Master of Divinity student Tapiwa Manyonga T’23 had the opportunity to gain valuable experience with the Exploring Leadership Internship (ELI) Project, an initiative of the Minnesota Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church (UMC) designed to support young adults exploring a call to vocational ministry and provide a practical and experiential discernment processes.
During her internship, Tapiwa was able to preach, lead Sunday worship, and engage a sermon series on biblical women, Tabitha and Deborah. She also led a Bible study group on the Book of Ruth and engaged in the church’s youth activities.
“Drew prepared me well for this internship because the classes I took in the spring really gave a foundation of what I am doing now,” Tapiwa said. “The United Methodist History, Doctrine, and Polity and New Testament Narratives courses, as well as the many preaching classes, are really helpful in my internship.”
#DrewTheo welcomed students in the Doctor of Ministry (#DMin) Bible, Theology, and Leadership in the #Korean Context cohort to the popular summer intensive at Drew’s Madison, New Jersey, campus.
The cohort, taught in the Korean language and held primarily in South Korea, is a reflective and innovative concentration that focuses on inward and outward examinations of effective practices of ministry in Korean contexts.
The Rev. Dr. Younglae Kim T’90, professor of Christian education at Methodist Theological University in South Korea, is the faculty convener of the cohort.
Students have not been able to participate in the intensive course on campus for the past two years due to the pandemic. “We’re so pleased to be able to come back to campus as we celebrate the tenth year of this DMin cohort,” said Kim.
Drew is known for its strong ties to Korean Methodism, as many South Korean students point to Drew’s connection with Rev. Henry Appenzeller T’1885 as a driving force to study at Drew. Appenzeller, a graduate of Drew Theological School, became the first Christian missionary to Korea. His work was integral in establishing the #KoreanMethodistChurch, schools, and universities, and translating the Bible into Korean.
Faith leaders across the globe continue to reimagine what ministry looks and feels like and adapt accordingly. The Rev. Dr. Sidney Williams, #DrewTheo Adjunct Professor in the Doctor of Ministry program, knows this too well.
Rev. Dr. Willams leads the Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Morristown, NJ. Founded over 180 years ago, the church has a rich history rooted in traditions.
As Rev. Dr. Williams teaches his #DMin students, faith leaders must be prepared to confront the challenges of our ever-changing landscape and become better equipped to respond with innovative and courageous leadership that will inspire others and foster change in their communities and beyond.
Rev. Dr. Williams is committed to a vision of ministry that extends outside the doors of Bethel AME. Through pastoral care and visits and community outreach, Williams is focused on helping those in need. “This defines how I do ministry,” Rev. Dr. Williams said. “It defines the core elements—practice, teach, preach.”
“I love my neighbors so much, there’s a reward in that. The community values our work.”