Drew Theological School
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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
Masters Info Session on Zoom
Tuesday, May 30, 5:00 p.m. ET
Doctor of Ministry Lecture and Info Session on Zoom
Thursday, June 1, 6:00 p.m. ET
Admitted Students Day on Zoom
Tuesday, June 13, 4:00 p.m. ET
For incoming masters students
A promise for future endeavors was made during a recent historic visit to South Korea.
#DrewTheo Dean Edwin David Aponte and Executive Director of Graduate Admissions Kevin Miller T’03, T’08 embarked on a momentous journey where they were welcomed by universities, educational institutions, churches, partners, and alums in South Korea. This was the first trip to South Korea by a Theological School dean since September 2019.
Following Aponte’s formal installation as Dean, Drew’s commitment to re-engage and re-enter into conversation about broadening parallel relationships with partners in South Korea officially commenced with the emergence from this phase of the global pandemic. The Theological School seeks to rekindle relationships that were forced to pause due to the pandemic, while acknowledging the pandemic has brought an enhanced global presence to Drew through its flexible in-person and online curriculum offerings.
“In many ways, we’ve always been a global school,” said Dean Aponte, reflecting on the visit. “But now in this new era, we must determine what it means to be global with the ability to nurture digital encounters, where time and space can be bridged in ways that couldn’t before. At the same time, we continue to recognize the value of in-person, face-to-face interaction.”
Dean Aponte continued, “In this new season of our callings, we must determine what it means to be a global seminary. We are at the start of exploring that together with our partners.”
Dean Aponte had the distinct honor of preaching at Yoido Full Gospel Church, known as the world’s largest church, and Myungsung Presbyterian Church, one of the largest Presbyterian churches in the world. Both are considered mega churches with Yoido Church having 480,000 average Sunday attendees and Myungsung Presbyterian Church has an average of 24,000 attendees. Dean Aponte was also welcomed to preach at Chungdong First Methodist Church, regarded as the birthplace of Korean Christianity.
Read the full article at the link in our bio.
#DrewTheo Master of Divinity student, Samuel Smith T`25, knows that his role in a family legacy at Drew means much more than following attending the same school as his father, Steven Smith T`97.
“For me, it means that I am a part of the continuing story of Drew, an institution that actively seeks to build a better world,” Sam said.
Drew was embedded in the formative years of Sam`s childhood. “I was raised on stories of the sense of community, the outside-the-box thinking, and creative scholarship of the faculty and the students alike,” he said.
“Growing up, I was always tagging along to Tipple-Vosburgh lectures and class reunions, and meeting my dad’s old professors and classmates. I experienced Drew’s commitment to social justice and the feeling of community that transcends generational divides.”
Sam, whose maternal grandparents also attended Drew Theological School, plans to use his time at Drew to build upon his childhood experiences. “Being a legacy means that I get to be a part of this ongoing work, just as my father was before me.”
Join the work and commitments to social justice at #DrewTheo by submitting your application for the fall 2023 or spring 2024 entering semester. Email the Office of Graduate Admissions with any questions at grad@drew.edu.
#DrewTheo continues to open our doors and draw our circles wide and wider still, and the community hosted semi-annual Open Doors events last month. During Open Doors week, we welcomed students from across the country and across the globe to our online events, and we welcomed new and returning students to our Open Doors day on campus.
Returning to #DrewTheo this summer in the Doctor of Ministry in Courageous Leadership in a Changing Culture is Rev. Katherine Rollo T`21 who plans to add T`26 to her identifiers. She will begin her doctoral studies this summer with our Courageous Leadership cohort opening in July.
“I am returning to Drew to continue my education because it is a place where all are welcome to discover their God-given gifts in an open and progressive environment,” said Rev. Rollo. “The student body is diverse, and the faculty is nurturing. I cannot think of a place where I feel more encouraged to pursue a Doctor of Ministry.”
In a community that continues to explore new ways to open our doors to prospective students, Assistant Director of Theological Admissions Kirsten E. M. Trambley T`20, T`21 reflected on the opportunities provided to students.
“We will continue opening our doors, metaphorically and literally, in the coming months with more opportunities to engage with prospective students interested in attending Drew Theological School," she said.
Join us tomorrow on Thursday, June 1 for our Doctor of Ministry lecture and informational session hosted by the Office of Doctoral Studies and Graduate Admissions. Register now at the link in our bio to become part of the #DrewTheo community!
Takundanashe Rejoice Chinogwenya T`25 is a #DrewTheo #MasterOfDivinity student, and she traveled to #SouthKorea during spring break for her #TheoTREC. As a requirement of the #MDiv, students travel to locations across the globe to experience the religions, foods, traditions, movements, and cultures of an area of the world that is new to them.
Takundanashe had the opportunity to wear a traditional dress called a hanbok, view traditional Korean dancing in the Korean Folk Village in Yongin, eat new varities of food, and study the stories of Korean Comfort Girls-Women. The TheoTREC was led by Rev. Dr. Angella Son who has researched extensively about the tragedies experienced by these girls and women who were taken captive during war.
"As a person that is fascinated by other cultures, the South Korean TheoTREC was a dream come true," Takundanashe said.
"Dr. Son made sure that the trip included several aspects of Korean culture - namely the food, architecture, religion, markets, history, and traditions which made it a fully immersive cultural experience. We visited to the War and Women Museum and attended a protest outside the Japanese embassy in Seoul."
She continued, "The experience was both beautiful and heartbreaking, and it further strengthened my passion and desire to pursue social justice advocacy and speak out for the marginalized, vulnerable, and silenced members of society."
Thank you to Takundanashe for sharing about her experiences. As she is in the Master of Divinity in Social Justice Advocacy, we are accepting applications for masters students entering this fall to join alongside her in their theological studies. Check the links in our bio for more information on how to apply.
Rev. Dr. Traci West, #DrewTheo James W. Pearsall Professor of Christian Ethics and African American Studies, was awarded with the student-nominated Theological School Teacher of the Year Award. Congratulations, Dr. West!
At the #DrewTheo 155th annual Commencement, Rev. Dr. Daisy L. Machado was the guest speaker and was presented with an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree.
Dr. Machado is the Executive Director of the Hispanic Summer Program, and she is an ordained minister in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), and she was the first Latina ordained in the Northeast Region. As a historian, professor, and author, she has also been the first Latina dean to serve at various theological institutions.
“Graduates, ¡felicidades! You worked hard to get to this day, and I remind you that your journey has just begun,” said Dr. Machado during her Commencement address. “God will make a way. And do not remain silent, but dare to reveal God to the world.”
She remembered a quote from the late #DrewTheo Professor of Ethics and Theology, Ada María Isasi-Díaz, who said, “La vida es lucha” or “Life is struggle.”
“Always bear in mind that, yes, life is struggle,” Dr. Machado remarked. “But if we live the struggle in hope, we can discover the joy of traveling without an umbrella, of walking barefoot in the grass, of enjoying the beauty of sunsets, and laughing out loud when we hear the laugh of children."
“It is believing that God is still with us and it is the surety that we do not journey alone.”
Thank you to Dr. Machado for her inspiring and encouraging words of hope along the journey, and congratulations on her honorific Doctor of Divinity!
#DrewTheo is proud to partner in sponsorship with the #HamptonMinistersConference next month in Virginia!
If you`re attending the conference, stop by our table and see Rev. Dr. Kevin D. Miller, Executive Director of Graduate Admissions. Be sure to send any prospective students our way in order for them to start a free application to any of our upcoming masters and doctoral programs.
We look forward to connecting with our #DrewTheo alum once again at this historic conference!
Congratulations to the #DrewTheo class of 2023!
Scholarly excellence, progressive leadership, and unwavering service were celebrated at the annual #DrewTheo Honors Convocation.
Over 50 prizes were awarded during a lively ceremony in Craig Chapel and over livestream as many award winners are online-only or hybrid students.
Dean Edwin David Aponte recognized the students’ academic achievement. “What we do here at #DrewTheo is very important. Your service and achievement here is known far and wide. The awards and prizes are made possible by the faithful investment of those who came before us.”
Theological School faculty presented the awards to the students. “You don’t make choosing prizes easy,” said Dr. Stephen Moore, Edmund S. Janes Professor of New Testament Studies. “Too many of you are exceptional.”
See the link in our bio for the full listing of awards. Congratulations to all of our exceptional students for finishing the spring 2023 semester at #DrewTheo!
#DrewTheo Doctor of Ministry student Rohin Beach T’25, also known as The Sneaker Preacher, has been the Assistant Preacher at the Community Baptist Church of Englewood since 2019.
For decades, Rohin has immersed himself in his ministry, using his platform and his passion for #sneakers to encourage and lend his voice through writing, rapping, and mentoring. “Sneakers transcend generations, cultures, industries and backgrounds,” he said.
But attending a lecture at Drew featuring Rev. Otis Moss III changed everything, leaving Rohin inspired for more. He’s now working toward his vocational goals through the #DMin in #CourageousLeadership in a Changing Culture.
"[Rev. Moss`] lecture on social change inspired me to raise my level of leadership. It was the conversations with the faculty that gave me the confidence to take the steps to engage in the exciting academic process," Rohin shared. "Drew is an hour away from my home, which allows me the space to attend classes and spend time with my family.
For his DMin project, Rohin is analyzing the role of #faith in #hiphop culture. "I am working towards creating a curriculum that will help students and teachers understand the ways faith and hip-hop culture inform one another," he said.
We are cheering on Rohin as he completes his first year in the DMin. Applications are now open for this summer`s cohort in Courageous Leadership in a Changing Culture as well as two cohorts opening in the fall semester.
#DrewTheo MATM student Catey Miller T`24 is completing her internship with the United Methodist Church`s United Women in Faith organization. She was part of a guest post earlier in the spring semester regarding her internship, and her second post is presented today focusing on vibrant and #intergenerational aspects of #TransformativeEducation.
Catey`s internship - and entire #DrewTheo experience in the Master of Arts in Theology and Ministry - has been completed online from her home state of North Carolina, USA. She is a part-time student which allows her to work full-time and remain active in her church.
Catey was drawn to #DrewTheo at a United Methodist seminary fair, and she said, "[Drew] was the only school whose presentation specifically said they were LGBTQIA affirming and fully inclusive, and that’s really important to me in my theology." She has continued to stay true to her theological path as she plans for a career in ministry without following a typical ordination process through pastoral leadership.
Associate Dean of Vocation and Formation, Rev. Dr. Tanya Linn Bennett, suggested an internship with United Women in Faith and connected Catey with #DrewTheo alum Olivia DiAgostino T`19. On the Mission u team at UWF, Catey is a part of writing conference curriculum and working toward transformative religious education.
"I’m so impressed by the internship placement process," Catey said. "Dean Tanya was right; it’s been so great. I’ve gotten to do so many cool things that I would not have had the opportunity to get involved with otherwise."
Catey said that being an online student and an online intern feels natural to her as a millennial. She admits that not being on campus in The Forest feels a bit disconnected, but she assured that the access and flexibility make up for any negative experiences.
"There are so many students from across the world in my classes at Drew that I never would have met otherwise," Catey concluded.
If you`re interested in joining the #DrewTheo community as an online or on campus learner, start your application at the link in our bio.
#MATheology #MAMinistry #Ministry #Seminary #TheologicalSchool #TheologicalEducation
The #DrewTheo application deadline for fall 2023 entry is approaching soon, and we want to be sure your questions are answered. Make plans to be with us on Tuesday, May 30 at 5:00 p.m. ET on Zoom.
We`ve got you covered, whether you`re applying for a certificate program or one of our masters degrees:
🔥 Master of Divinity
✨ Master of Arts in Theology and Ministry
🌈 Master of Arts in Religion
⚡ Master of Sacred Theology
Register today at the link in our bio or by following the website in the graphic to join us on Tuesday, May 30 at 5:00 p.m. ET on Zoom. You don`t want to miss it!
#TheologicalSchool #TheologicalEducation #Seminary #MasterOfDivinity #MDiv
Congratulations to Rev. Dr. Francisco Pelaez-Diaz on his recent article, "La Santa Muerte - Saint Death,” published in Bloomsbury Religion in North America, Latin American Religions in North America.
Rev. Dr. Pelaez-Diaz is the #DrewTheo Assistant Teaching Professor in Latinx Studies and Ministries. Access his full article at the link in our bio.
#LatinxMinistry #LatinxStudies #Latinx
Are you a preacher, a leader, an activist, a dreamer? If you`re considering a continuation of your theological studies through a Doctor of Ministry, #DrewTheo is the place to be!
Join us on Thursday, June 1 at 6:00 p.m. ET on Zoom as we highlight this year`s three DMin cohorts:
💚 Courageous Leadership in a Changing Culture
💙 Pastoral Identities and Partnerships with Rev. Dr. Gary V. Simpson
💚 Social Impact with Rev. Dr. Sidney Williams
Applications are open today with more information at the link in our bio or here:
www.Admissions.Drew.edu/Apply
#DoctorOfMinistry #DMin #TheologicalSchool #Seminary #NewJersey #NJ
#DrewTheo and #DrewU are proud to announce that the Center for Religion, Culture, and Conflict will host the New Jersey Institute for Emerging Leaders (NJIEL) this summer in June.
The NJIEL seeks to respond to the widening divisiveness in today’s society by preparing young leaders to foster peaceful and pluralistic relations in their communities, using religion as a positive force. The Institute is built on CRCC’s international Institute on Religion and Conflict Transformation and attracts renowned academics, practitioners, and thought leaders as faculty.
Participants` capacities will be built in areas including:
👉 Civil Dialogue
👉 Conflict Resolution
👉 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
👉 Leadership and Community Organizing
Check out more information at the link in our bio including registration information for young leaders across the state of New Jersey.
#DrewTheo alum the Rev. Dr. Johnnie D. Brooker, Jr. T’14, T’20 has been named Senior Pastor of Abyssinian Baptist Church in Newark, New Jersey.
Brooker landed the position after an extensive national search. The historic church, founded in 1917, boasts one of the largest congregations in New Jersey.
“After much prayer, I was led by God to apply for this opportunity because I see a vibrant church of young, middle aged, and seasoned saints doing ministry with a spirit of excellence,” Rev. Dr. Brooker said.
“I envision that this church will continue to be a space where people can worship, learn, receive job placement opportunities and academic support, all while we demonstrate and model the work of Christ.”
Rev. Dr. Brooker is currently the Senior Pastor of Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Dover, New Jersey, a position he has held since 2007. He earned a #MasterOfDivinity and a #DoctorOfMinistry from the Theological School.
#MDiv #DMin #NewarkNJ
#DrewTheo students, professors, and guests dove deep into religious translation at the 20th annual Transdisciplinary Theological Colloquium (TTC). Organized by Drew’s Graduate Division of Religion’s PhD students, this year’s conference theme was Haunted (by) Speech: Translating Religions and Religious Translations.
“The TTC has a long history at the Theological School, starting in the early 2000’s as a way to not only have sophisticated and nuanced conversations about theology, but also to bring in many well-known and exciting scholars into said conversations,” said Michael Anderson, PhD student and Program Assistant at Drew Theological School.
“It came into a brief pause in 2020, where it converted to accommodate our social distancing protocols, and then remained asleep in 2021-2022,” continued Anderson. “The idea of it coming back, waking up as it were, in 2023 has opened up a lot of new possibilities for the conference. Not the least because by being hybrid, it has allowed us to engage more global perspectives and voice. This TTC is also special as it is one of the few ‘solely grad student run’ TTC events. I think there is something really important about how grad students are orienting the direction of a major theological conference, alerting all of us to what we think are the pressing issues in theological and religious education today.”
Many Drew PhD students presented, moderated, or were respondents during the event, including Anderson, Susan Chang Saridakis, Julian Cook, Hunter Edwards, Carolina Glauster, Esther Inuwa, Eunchul Jung, HaYoung Kang, Minenhle Nomalungelo Khumalo, Tzu Yu Lin, Isabella Novsima, Jane Okang, Erin Parks, Beth Quick, Rose Sharon, Amiel Wayne, Kenia Vanessa Rodriguez, and Yajenlemla.
The event featured a keynote presentation on two of the three days. Assistant Professor of Transnational Christianity and Gender Studies Minjung Noh led the charge with her presentation on “Translating Religious Material Culture: The Korea Repository (1895) Print of Buddhist Prayer Beads.”
Read the full article at the link in our bio.
Melissa McHenry T`24 transferred to #DrewTheo to complete her #MasterOfDivinity in #SocialJustice Advocacy and hasn`t looked back! “As a Methodist seminary with clearly articulated values of social justice and inclusivity offering an online pathway, Drew felt like a place I would be able to call home,” she said.
Melissa said the staff at Drew were crucial in her transfer process, and they "have been really helpful in explaining the process and mapping out credit accumulation."
At Drew, she shared that professors and colleagues in classes have been great. "I love the diversity in religion, denomination, and theological learnings as well as race, age, gender identity, and location." She continued, "I’m appreciating how the curriculum helps me answer questions about Christianity that I’ve been asking for decades, and that assignments and class discussions are designed to hold space for me to wrestle with my understandings. I anticipate that I’ll be making lifelong friends here."
While Melissa thinks toward graduation next year, her plans are to take a well-deserved vacation afterward.
If you`re interested in transferring to one of our masters programs at #DrewTheo, reach out to the Office of Graduate Admissions via email at grad@drew.edu. Find more info about the academic programs at Drew Theo at the link in our bio.
#DrewTheo is pleased to welcome Dr. Dong Sung Kim C’07, T’11, T’22 back to The Forest as Assistant Professor of Hebrew Bible, starting in fall 2023.
Dr. Kim is currently an adjunct professor at the Theological School, teaching Hebrew Exegesis and Bible and Its Interpreters.
As a three-time graduate of #DrewU, Dr. Kim earned his PhD with distinction and Master of Divinity from the Theological School, and Bachelor of Arts in economics with a minor in business management from the College of Liberal Arts.
His dissertation is entitled, “Deuteronomistic Unhistory: Politics of Time, Affect, and Nationhood in Judges’ Narrative World,” and it is expected to be published as his first monograph in 2024.
Dr. Kim was born and raised in South Korea. His current academic interest is reading biblical historical narratives with what Asian American writer Cathy Park Hong calls, “minor feelings,” a term that Kim deploys to engage with biblical stories and reflect on the time-binding forces of communal trauma, national identity, diaspora, migration, and the various forms of belonging and marginalization generated by those affective experiences.
“I look forward to learning with Drew’s students and faculty members, and to building together a stronger coalition to advance our shared values and commitments,” said Dr. Kim.
“Dr. Kim’s research is exciting in its focus on strategies that engage biblical narratives in ways that invite closer readings of the life, death, and rhythms of the socially and historically marginalized communities that are alternatives to the dominant society within and outside the biblical contexts,” said Dean Edwin Aponte. “His teachings and research will certainly bring forth rich and edifying conversations amongst our students and faculty.”
Read the full article at the link in our bio. Join us in welcoming Dr. Dong Sung Kim to the #DrewTheo faculty!
At #DrewTheo, we celebrate that April allows an overlap between Abrahamic faith traditions and care for earth. This overlap is not annual, and the theological community has responded by offering celebrations of Passover, Ramadan, and Easter alongside tomorrow’s commemoration as #EarthDay.
Henry Norkplim Anyomi T’25 is enrolled in the #MasterOfDivinity and works as the Program Coordinator for the Center on Religion, Culture, and Conflict. In his role with the CRCC, he took on the important work of organizing the Drew community.
“I helped my office organize an interfaith dinner, dubbed, Passover-Ramadan-Easter Iftar Gathering, aimed at enabling adherents of Judaism, Islam, and Christianity to leverage these celebrations to break bread together and to deepen their relations,” he said. “It’s such a blessing to be able to practice the knowledge from my interfaith classes in real life, something I look forward to continuing in future as a faith leader and peacebuilder.”
Adrian Mendoza T’23 is graduating soon from the Master of Divinity, is the Theo Community Garden steward, and student leader in the #DrewTheo caucus, TERRA. He said that April “has given [him] affirmation of our calling to care for all of God`s creation.”
He helped lead a recent chapel service with an interfaith seed blessing. Adrian said, “[This] provided me with opportunities to engage and deepen my connection with people from different faith traditions. Being able to participate in and witness the religious celebrations of our Muslim and Jewish siblings calls me to be more intentional in knowing them, being in dialogue with them, and in understanding how we can all work together as one community that cares for each other and for the earth.”
Adrian was a leader in the #DrewU #WorldwideClimateTeachIn held at the end of March. In representing TERRA, Adrian has been able to “integrate professional research and practical experience” in advocating for ecological action through his theological studies.
Thanks to Henry and Adrian for their leadership within the #DrewTheo community. May we take Earth Day as a reminder of inclusion and care for interfaith siblings and ecological action.