School of Theology

Become Equipped for Transformational Ministry

APU’s School of Theology offers a vibrant community with hearts for Christ, real-world ministry experiences, and expert faculty who care about their students—preparing graduates to impact life and culture for God's Kingdom.

With programs in biblical studies, Christian ministries, philosophy, theology, and youth and family ministries, the School of Theology prepares students 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.

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Mission Statement

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

Vision Statement

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.

FAQs on Biblical Authority

Resources

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.

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Articles

Matt Elofson and Will Johnston smile together in front of Munson Chapel

The Value of a Lifelong Student-Professor Relationship

February 10, 2025 | Theology

Professor Paul Boles stands in front of the prayer wall on APU's West Campus.

Faculty Feature: Paul Boles ’99, PhD Grows in His Faith Alongside His Students

September 20, 2024 | Theology

Hector Castaneda and a team of APU students served in Uganda on a Global Engagement trip this summer.

Global Engagement Stories: Hector Castaneda ’25 Learned What Service Is in Uganda

August 19, 2024 | Theology

Olivia's team in the Dominican Republic waving at the beach

Global Engagement Series: Olivia Redmond’s Experience in the Dominican Republic

August 12, 2024 | Theology

Global Engagement Series: Cameron Faiai ’26 Spreads Joy Through Music in the Philippines

August 05, 2024 | Theology

APU students served in Thailand on a Global Engagement trip

Global Engagement Series: Hannah Hawley ’24 Solidifies Her Belief in the Importance of Service

July 29, 2024 | Theology

heather and her team taking a selfie by the water in Spain

Global Engagement Series: Heather Buck’s Experience in Spain

July 15, 2024 | Theology

About the Interim Dean

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