School of Christian Studies - More
San Diego School of Christian Studies offers seminary-level theological education to laity. The School is designed for life-long learners who wish to deepen their faith as they broaden their knowledge. The School offers four to five classes per semester. They typically range from one-day seminars to classes that run one evening a week for two to five sessions. Classes are in Old and New Testament, church history, theology, Christian ethics, world religion and other topics.
Statement of Purpose
The purpose of the San Diego School of Christian Studies is to offer opportunities designed to challenge participants to grow in their understanding of the Christian faith in order to worship God in spirit and in truth and to serve the church and the world in the spirit of Christ.
The School
The San Diego School of Christian Studies offers a challenging curriculum for the serious student. Courses are provided in a wide range of general and specialized religious topics. A ministry of the First United Methodist Church of San Diego, the school is open to — and encourages enrollment by — persons of all religious faiths.
Curriculum
SDSCS offers courses in biblical studies, theology, church history, and religion and society. General studies and a variety of specialized courses are offered. No papers are required and no tests are given in the courses offered; however, students are encouraged to read assigned materials and to participate in class discussions.
Scholarships
Scholarship assistance is available. Contact Rev. Elbert Kim at (619) 297-4366 or
Classes are held on the campus of
First United Methodist Church
2111 Camino del Rio South
San Diego, CA 92108
Childcare provided with reservation 48 hours in advance. For additional information phone: (619) 297-4366.
Members of the SDSCS Board of Directors:
Elbert Kim, D.Min. First United Methodist Church of San Diego, Pastoral Liaison to the San Diego School of Christian Studies
Ben Christensen, Ph.D., Prof. Emeritus, San Diego State University, Dean of the San Diego School of Christian Studies
Other Board Members:
Bonnie Bobzien, M.D., Pathologist, Tri-City Medical Group
Kathee Christensen, Ph.D., Prof. Emeritus, San Diego State University
Elisabeth Cogdill, M.A., Retired school counselor and administrator
Kay Gilbert, Ph.D., Certified Nurse Midwife, Kaiser Permanente; Prof., School of Nursing, SDSU
Betsy Hamblin Massee, B.S., Radiology, staff, retired, UCSD
Kenneth L. Holmgren, M.S., Administration of Criminal Justice
Ernest V. Leal, B.S., Certified Public Accountant
Russ Locke, D.Min., Pastor, Nestor United Methodist Church
Sallie Manley, J.D., Attorney, Trusts, Estate Planning
John C. Mathison, Ph.D., Department of Immunology and
Microbial Science, The Scripps Research Institute
Simon Mayeski, B.A., Software developer
Richard Smith, M.Div. Retired clergy, United Methodist Church
