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School of Theology

Become Equipped for Transformational Ministry

The School of Theology cultivates a vibrant Christ-centered community dedicated to real-world ministry, guided by expert faculty who are deeply invested in their students’ growth. Through programs in biblical studies, Christian ministries, philosophy, theology, and youth and family ministries, students are equipped to integrate a resilient Christian faith with academic excellence and a vision for their life in the world. With excellent preparation for seminary, church and parachurch ministry and leadership, and Christian educational ministry, students can also take advantage of additional resources and support available through the Center for Vocational Ministry.

Find Your Program

The School of Theology prepares students to integrate a resilient Christian faith with academic excellence and a vision for their life in the world.

Rooted in the Wesleyan theological tradition, Azusa Pacific University's Undergraduate School of Theology aims to:

  • Nurture critical thinking and habits of the mind that move beyond the superficial.

  • Create space for exploring important and pressing questions within a Christian context, preparing students to be a compelling presence in a diverse world. 

  • Inspire curiosity and imagination about the historical and cultural forces that shape the world of the Bible and our interactions with it.

  • Deepen students’ capacity for theological and moral reflection rooted in Scripture and its interplay with tradition, reason, and experience.

  • Model a value for human and cultural diversity as a pathway toward virtuous engagement with the world. 

Learn More

Faculty Spotlight

Now, as a professor in Azusa Pacific University’s School of Theology, Birge gets to help students wrestling with similar questions, guiding them as they learn more about God and refine their faith. “I’m not afraid of students who ask difficult questions. Truly, the only non-faithful response is to stop asking,” she said.

Read Article

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About the Interim Dean

Matthew Elofson headshot
Matt Elofson, PhD, began working at APU as a full-time lecturer in the School of Theology in 1998. He later was an adjunct faculty member, returning in 2008 as an assistant professor in the Department of Practical Theology before earning the rank of professor in 2015. He has also been chair of the Department of Practical Theology and interim dean of the School of Theology. Among his other roles at APU are faculty senator (2008-15); a member of the Faculty Evaluation Council (2019-22), including chair for two years; and a member of the Athletic Advisory Committee (2014-21). Since 2022, Elofson has been a senior participant or principal investigator on three Lilly Endowment grants totaling $3 million. Elofson earned a PhD in Theology at Fuller Seminary, where he previously earned an MA in Theology (Youth Ministry) and a second MA in Theology (Biblical Studies and Theology).

School of Theology Faculty

Contact Information

Email: [email protected]
Phone: (626) 815-5496

Hours

Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Location

Duke Academic Complex
static map of school of theology's location