Creating Leaders for Communities of Christian Faith, Hope, and Justice
Social action, biblical scholarship, empowered preaching, or worship leadership. We are ready to help you to respond and take the next step.
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We Invite You to Join Us
A Message from LeAnn Snow Flesher, VP of Academics and Professor of Biblical Interpretation
Prospective Students
At Berkeley School of Theology, it is our hope that your sense of calling is rooted deeply in who you are, your passions, skills, and your ties to the community.
Current Students
Berkeley School of Theology is committed to walk with you from orientation to graduation. At BST, we offer academic, personal, financial and spiritual support as you prepare for you life call.
Alumni & Friends
You are a treasured member of the Berkeley School of Theology family. Here you will find new ways to connect with your Seminary, other alums and supporters of BST.
White Christian Nationalism: How It Threatens Our Democracy and What We Can Do Together
The Center for Truth, Racial Healing, and Restorative Justice, 2024 Fall Lecture
The Center’s fall lecture on Thursday, October 17 at 6:30pm PT in Karpe Hall on BST’s campus.
Amanda Tyler, Executive Director of the Baptist Joint Committee (BJC), will speak on the following: White Christian Nationalism: How it Threatens Our Democracy and What We Can Do Together.
Amanda is the lead organizer of BJC’s national campaign: Christians Against Christian Nationalism and the author of the forthcoming book, How to End Christian Nationalism, coming in October 2024 from Broadleaf Books.
Visit BST Week — September 23-27
Have you ever wondered what seminary classes were like? Try a class (or 2 or 3) for FREE!
Join us for Visit BST Week from September 23-27. Each day we are offering 1-2 opportunities where you can experience theological education FREE of charge. The only requirement: you must REGISTER.
The following courses and experiences are available to choose from. Simply follow the instructions, click the button(s), and complete the registration form(s). We can’t wait to see you September 23-27!
January Intersession
Theological Aesthetics — January 6-10
How can we create art that makes a difference in our world today? This course introduces a theological framework and practice of designing creative and prophetic work that changes the world. Informed by theological aesthetics and human-centered design, we will ask students to love God and their neighbor by creating an art project born from spiritual reflection and biblical inquiry. Our journey together is for spiritual creatives and ministry leaders who want to respond to the needs of today’s world.
Dates/Times: January 6-10 from 8:30am to 12:00pm PDT on Zoom
Professor: Rev. Sam Kim
Registration Open: November 4-15, 2025
Questions? Email Lia Rochill, lrochill@bst.edu
Theological Aesthetics — January 6-10
How can we create art that makes a difference in our world today? This course introduces a theological framework and practice of designing creative and prophetic work that changes the world. Informed by theological aesthetics and human-centered design, we will ask students to love God and their neighbor by creating an art project born from spiritual reflection and biblical inquiry. Our journey together is for spiritual creatives and ministry leaders who want to respond to the needs of today’s world.
Dates/Times: January 6-10 from 8:30am to 12:00pm PDT on Zoom
Professor: Rev. Sam Kim
Registration Open: November 4-15, 2025
January Intersession
Following the Light of Epiphany: A 4-week Discernment Group
Epiphany, derived from the Greek word epiphaneia, meaning manifestation or appearance, signifies a moment of sudden revelation or insight. In Christian theology, it marks the manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles, represented by the Magi, and underscores the universal nature of Jesus’ mission.
During these 4 weeks, we will seek insight from God for our own lives and futures by reading, sharing, listening, and praying together. Read more…
4 Sessions on Zoom
Thursdays @ 6:00-7:30pm pacific time
January 9, 16, 23, 30
FREE: Registration is Required
This group will be led by Rev. Dr. Angie Barker Jackson, VP Institutional Advancement.
Let Your Life Speak — A Discernment Group
Join a discernment community! The group will meet weekly over a 6-week period from Thursday, January 11 – Thursday, February 15, 2024. It will be held on Zoom from 6:00-7:30pm Pacific Time and will be led by Rev. Dr. Angie Barker Jackson, VP Institutional Advancement. All participants should purchase their own copy of Let Your Life Speak, by Parker J. Palmer. Group participation is FREE but registration is required to receive the Zoom link.
Listen to your life, hear the wisdom of others, and seek the Spirit together.
Inscripción Al Programa De Entrenamiento De Liderazgo Cristiano
Equivalencia De Licenciatura Acelerada O Maestría Avalada
Inscripción Al Programa De Maestría en Estudios Teológicos
MTS en español con énfasis en el liderazgo cristiano
Arc Initiative
Working locally and globally to offer opportunities for theological reflection, education, critique, and practice related to justice matters in public policy.
BST Bulletin
The Journey of Women's Empowerment
Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction. (Isaiah 48:10)
To be a trailblazer, you have to go through the fire. Just as gold is refined through intense heat, so must we undergo trials that shape and strengthen us. Job 23:10 says, “But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I shall come forth as gold.” I have stood in the furnace of patriarchy, prejudice, and schism, yet through it all, God has been my strength—refining and purifying me for God’s purpose.
One of the defining moments in my journey was becoming the first woman ordained among the Tangkhul Naga tribe. I got my local USA ordination in 2006, and seventeen years later, the Tangkhul Baptist Pastors Association recognized my ordination in 2023! Christianity came to the Tangkhul region in 1896, yet no woman has ever been ordained. This is not just my achievement—it is a historic moment in the church’s history and a faith milestone for all women and young girls serving the Lord faithfully. A new path is created for them, where their calling can be recognized, affirmed, and celebrated.
Latest Events
First Friday Lunch & Learn
Join Berkeley School of Theology by Zoom on the first Friday of the month at 12p Pacific Time to learn about a fun and interesting topic from a member of the BST community!
News and Announcements
BST Hosting Spring Lecture
We invite you to join us on April 24th on BST’s campus or online to participate in our Spring Lecture. Dr. Nazgol Ghandnoosh, the Director of Research for the Sentencing Project is our featured speaker. More information and registration to come soon!
BST Bulletin
President Brenneman in India
From April 1-10, President Brenneman was privileged to preach twice and represent BST and the American Baptist Churches USA at the 125th Anniversary Celebration of the Tangkhul Baptist Churches Association, a gathering of over 20,000 people in Manipur, India. The northeast region of India is home to 1.5M Baptists and some 8500 churches, a source of many BST students, graduates and affiliate faculty over the years. President Brenneman was part of the unveiling of a new monument in honor of Rev. William Pettigrew, the earliest American Baptist missionary to visit Manipur and establish the first public school among the Tangkhul tribal groups, planting churches, and penning the first translation of several biblical books and hymns in the Tangkhul language.
Latest Events
First Friday Lunch & Learn
Join Berkeley School of Theology by Zoom on the first Friday of the month at 12p Pacific Time to learn about a fun and interesting topic from a member of the BST community!
January Intersession
The New Thing: Theological & Historical Inquiry into Innovation
Innovation begins with a regard for resources already present, even in the most challenging circumstances. “Behold, I am doing a new thing,” the prophet says to a people in exile. “It’s right in front of you. Can you see it?” This course will explore the theology that prompts the prophet’s audacious claim of divine action toward a new social situation. The prophetic tradition is not solely about God’s identification with the poor; the theology is about God’s provision of gifts that create prospects for economic reversal. Course participants will consider several moments in the 19th and 20th centuries when people of faith took hold of their assets to create a more just, equitable and sustainable future. The course will conclude with consideration of the new thing in contemporary contexts.
Dates/Times: January 21-23 and 28-30 from 9am-12noon PDT on Zoom
Professor: Rev. Daniel Pryfogle
Registration Open: November 4-15, 2025
Questions? Email Lia Rochill, lrochill@bst.edu
The New Thing: Theological & Historical Inquiry into Innovation
Innovation begins with a regard for resources already present, even in the most challenging circumstances. “Behold, I am doing a new thing,” the prophet says to a people in exile. “It’s right in front of you. Can you see it?” This course will explore the theology that prompts the prophet’s audacious claim of divine action toward a new social situation. The prophetic tradition is not solely about God’s identification with the poor; the theology is about God’s provision of gifts that create prospects for economic reversal.
Dates: January 21-23 and 28-30 from 9am-12noon PDT on Zoom
Professor: Rev. Daniel Pryfogle
Theological Aesthetics
How can we create art that makes a difference in our world today? This course introduces a theological framework and practice of designing creative and prophetic work that changes the world. Informed by theological aesthetics and human-centered design, we will ask students to love God and their neighbor by creating an art project born from spiritual reflection and biblical inquiry. Our journey together is for spiritual creatives and ministry leaders who want to respond to the needs of today’s world.
Dates: January 6-10 from 8:30am to 12:00pm PDT on Zoom
Professor: Rev. Sam Kim
Auditors welcome. Register Now! Questions? Email Lia Rochill, lrochill@bst.edu
CENTER FOR TRUTH, RACIAL HEALING, AND RESTORATIVE JUSTICE
Working locally and globally to offer opportunities for theological reflection, education, critique, and practice related to justice matters in public policy.
Lo que planeo hacer con mi título es servir en mi iglesia local como pastor asociado y en el futuro como pastor principal. Gracias a Dios por la oportunidad de estudiar en BST.
Carlos Mingeli
Graduado de BST 2021
My theological training at Berkeley School of Theology helped set a moral framework around economic and racial justice that will ensure no worker, family or community is left behind.
Minister Cherri Murphy
DMin Candidate and Faith Rooted Organizer, Economic Justice for Black Oakland
