The Zinzendorf School of Doctoral Studies' 2019 doctoral colloquium, hosted by Olivet University San Francisco Campus, has successfully concluded with over 50 doctoral students participating.
The colloquium was designed to equip pastors, missionaries, key church leaders, and parachurch leaders to deepen the perspectives of their current vocation and enhance their competences through the theological courses and cohort track meetings.
The Vice President of Academic Affairs and Dean of Olivet Theological College and Seminary Dr. Matthias Gebhardt said, "It is a true joy to have so many great leaders and missionaries in our doctoral programs here at the Zinzendorf School of Doctoral Studies in San Francisco. Their prayer and participation are a blessing to everyone here and having the opportunity to serve them is our blessing as well."
This year's colloquium launched a new ministry tracks in the doctor of ministry program and an updated Ph.D. in Global Theological Studies program. This was very meaningful as a new generation of students are growing along with a whole new generation of teachers. It all can be summed up in the testimony of Dr. Leroy Gainey, former Vice President of GGBTS and ZSDS Colloquium faculty.
"I am truly humbled by the quality and sincerity of these students. At Zinzendorf, this generation of leaders are being refined to become even greater." said Dr. Leroy.
One of the ZSDS faculty commented, "Thank God for His mercy and grace upon the two-week colloquium. I express my deep gratitude on behalf of ZSDS staff and faculty for the support offered by the staff and students at Olivet's San Francisco Camps and the active participation of doctoral students. Soli Deo Gloria!"
Some of the colloquium attendees shared their reflections on the colloquium.
"I am truly grateful to God for the opportunity to begin my D.Min. study here at the San Francisco campus. I want to express my deepest gratitude to OU SF staff and professors for preparing this colloquium. Through their hard work we were given amazing memories and experiences. I gained countless knowledge and have added abundant resources to use for my mission field," shared Sara Sanjaa.
"This colloquium's ministry track was very helpful. D.Min. is a practical study that can be used in the actual mission field. Through the lectures of each ministry track I was able to think of topics for my D.Min thesis. Also, through Q & A sessions with each of the ministry track leaders, I was able to ask specific questions about each ministry and the answers given were informative," shared Allen Gu.