Olivet Theological College & Seminary (OTCS) hosted a Faculty Development Retreat at its San Francisco (Mill Valley) campus this summer. The retreat centered on enhancing courses, exploring collaborative projects, and providing professional development opportunities for faculty members.

On the first day, participants shared best practices and innovative teaching methods. Discussions focused on balancing theological instruction with practical biblical perspectives to boost student engagement. Emphasis was placed on developing well-constructed rubrics to ensure clarity and consistency in grading, thereby improving students' understanding of expectations and their overall learning experience. The diverse experiences shared by faculty members made for a productive exchange of ideas, fostering mutual learning and improvement for future courses.

The second day shifted to administrative and technological advancements. Faculty discussed strategies for the upcoming academic year, offering practical advice on optimizing Populi classrooms to create more efficient and user-friendly online learning environments. The potential for a course consortium was explored, paving the way for collaboration with other institutions. Additionally, faculty examined how their academic work could enhance ministries within the World Olivet Assembly, ensuring alignment with the broader mission.

The OTCS Faculty Retreat successfully laid a strong foundation for future initiatives that integrate academic and spiritual growth. Dr. Esther Jung from the Practical Theology Department noted, "I felt the Holy Spirit guiding us throughout the retreat. Thank God for nurturing and guiding us delicately through these gatherings."