School of Theology

The Ecotheology minor allows you to pursue a scientifically and theologically informed understanding of creation care as you anticipate and shape the future and experience God’s creation through the lens of faith.
Academy: Whether you’re an undergraduate or a seminary student, you’ll experience a rigorous yet supportive academic environment, learning from outstanding biblical and theological scholars who possess a deep Christian faith.
Abbey: In the School of Theology, we stress accountable discipleship, providing opportunities for you to worship and fellowship in intentional Christian community, in order to be formed more and more into the likeness of Christ.
Apostolate: The School of Theology is a place where we prepare you to go into the world. You will participate in service activities — acts of mercy and justice — that will sometimes stretch you beyond your comfort zone for the sake of the gospel.

Are you looking for a community of scholars and friends who have a deep, abiding commitment to Christian faith that reaches around the world and is local at the same time? The School of Theology at Seattle Pacific University is that place. Through a unique model of scholarship, spiritual edification, and service we call “Academy, Abbey, Apostolate^®” students are educated and equipped to engage the culture as thoughtful people.

SPRING QUARTER 2020: All School of Theology, University Foundations, and Seattle Pacific Seminary courses will continue as scheduled for Spring Quarter 2020 (beginning April 13).

Courses will be held in an online format. Please check your email and Canvas for updates and pre-assignments as the start of the quarter gets closer. Check the SOT FAQ for more information as it becomes available.

Faculty News

Esther G. Cen, Assistant Professor of New Testament, begins Sept. 2020

Esther Cen comes to Seattle Pacific from Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. She is completing her PhD (ABD) in Christian Theology (New Testament Studies) at McMaster Divinity College in Hamilton. She received her MDiv at Canadian Southern Baptist Seminary in Cochrane, Alberta. She is fluent in Mandarin, Cantonese, and English, and has three upcoming publications on scholars Mikhail Baktin, Wilhelm Bousset, and Lin Yutang. “I have learned that a teacher can impress students at a distance,” she says, “but can only impact them up close.”

Sègbégnon Mathieu Gnonhossou, Assistant Professor of Theology, begins Sept. 2020

Dr. Gnonhossou (who goes by either Sègbégnon or Mathieu) comes to Seattle Pacific from Eastern Kentucky University in Richmond, Kentucky, where he was adjunct professor of African/African-American Studies. He received his PhD in Public Theology from The University of Manchester in England and his DMin from Asbury Theological Seminary. He has an upcoming publication, “Conversion as an Act of Reclamation: John and Charles Wesley’s Interactions with Two Enslaved West Africans,” and is an organizing pastor of All Nations United Methodist Church-African Ministries. Dr. Gnonhossou is fluent in the African languages of Goungbe, Fongbe, and Torigbe, as well as French and English. He says, “I see teaching primarily as an invitation to a relationship of discovery, reconsideration, deconstruction and reconstruction with an ultimate goal to add life-giving values to human existence.”