Faculty | M.A. in Christian Ministry and Leadership (Biblical and Pastoral Ministry)
As a Talbot School of Theology student, you’ll study under top-notch scholars who aren’t just widely published and highly respected in the academic community — they’re also actively engaged in passionate, heartfelt ministry. In addition to the following faculty members who will teach many of your concentration-specific courses, you will also have the opportunity to take courses with a wide range of Talbot professors from other areas of specialization.
Kevin Van Lant
- Director, Pastoral Care and Counseling program
- Associate Professor of Christian Ministry and Leadership
- Ph.D., Rosemead School of Psychology
- M.A., Biola University
- B.A., Biola University
Kevin Van Lant is a licensed clinical psychologist who received his Ph.D. from Rosemead School of Psychology, Biola University. He teaches courses in pastoral care and counseling, marriage counseling, psychopathology and health psychology. Dr. Van Lant has a private psychotherapy practice in Los Alamitos, CA. In his clinical role, he works primarily with depression, anxiety and stress disorders...
Don Sunukjian
- Professor Emeritus of Christian Ministry and Leadership
- Ph.D., University of California, Los Angeles
- Th.D., Dallas Theological Seminary
- Th.M., Dallas Theological Seminary
- B.A., University of Southern California
Donald Sunukjian's lifelong love has been preaching, both as a pastor and a teacher. His passion is to see God's Word presented with accuracy, clarity, interest and relevance. With doctorates in theology and communication and 14 years as a senior pastor, he brings both scholarship and experience to the classroom. He has contributed to The Bible Knowledge Commentary, Biblical Preaching, ...
Mick Boersma
- Professor Emeritus of Christian Ministry and Leadership
- Ph.D., Talbot School of Theology
- M.Div., Talbot Theological Seminary
- B.A., California State University, Long Beach
Dr. Boersma oversees Talbot's pastoral training system and coordinates the seminary's placement service for current students and alumni. Having enjoyed several years of rich and effective pastoral ministry, Mick brings this expertise to the classroom and to his relationships with students. Along with his wife, Rolane, Dr. Boersma is devoted to preparing students for transitioning into...
Research Interests
- Issues and challenges in today's pastoral ministry, especially among Talbot alumni
- Biblical metaphors for pastoral leadership
J. Kent Edwards
- Professor Emeritus of Preaching and Leadership
- Ph.D., Cook School of Intercultural Studies, BIOLA University
- D.Min., Denver Conservative Baptist Seminary
- M.Div., Tyndale Seminary
- B.Th, Canadian Bible College
J. Kent Edwards’ ambition is to change people’s lives with the Word of God and equip others to do the same. Kent is known for his passion for preaching, and brings over 30 years of Christian leadership experience, as a senior pastor, church planter and educator. He is a popular conference and seminar speaker and lectures regularly nationally and internationally. Edwards is the tenured Professor...
Gary Manning Jr
- Director, Master of Divinity program
- Professor of New Testament Language and Literature
- Ph.D., Fuller Theological Seminary
- M.Div., Talbot School of Theology
- B.Ed., University of Hawaii
Gary Manning is passionate about helping leaders in the church interpret and teach the Scriptures more faithfully and more powerfully. Gary studied at Talbot School of Theology and Fuller Seminary. He focuses his studies on the Gospel of John, the Synoptic Gospels, literary approaches to interpretation, and the use of the Old Testament in the New Testament. He is the author of Peter Rabbit...
Gary McIntosh
- Distinguished Affiliate Professor of Christian Ministry and Leadership
- D.Min., Fuller Theological Seminary
- Ph.D., Fuller Theological Seminary
- M.Div., Western C.B. Seminary
- B.A., Rockmont College
Gary L. McIntosh is a nationally and internationally known professor of Christian Ministry & Leadership. He is recognized as the foremost spokesperson for classical Church Growth Missiology in the USA. As a church growth expert, he publishes Growth Points, a monthly publication read by over 7,000 church leaders. McIntosh is in wide demand as a speaker and seminar leader on numerous subjects...
Research Interests
- Generational Change
- Pastoral ministry
- Church Growth / Missional Church / Church Renewal/Health
- Life and Ministry of Donald A. McGavran
- Leadership & Management