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.
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
Brandon Cash
- Chair, Christian Ministry and Leadership Department
- Professor, Hermeneutics and Preaching
- Ph.D. in Old Testament, Fuller Seminary
- M.Div., Talbot School of Theology
- B.A., Long Beach State University
Brandon Cash obtained his bachelor of arts degree from Long Beach State University, his master of divinity from the Talbot School of Theology at Biola University and his doctoral degree in Old Testament at Fuller Seminary. Brandon has been serving as a pastor at Oceanside Christian Fellowship for nineteen years. He has also served as the chaplain for the Los Angeles Dodgers since 2010. He...
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...
Ben Shin
- Associate Professor of Christian Ministry and Leadership
- D.Min., Dallas Theological Seminary
- Th.M., Talbot School of Theology
- M.Div., Talbot School of Theology
- B.A., University of California, Los Angeles
Benjamin C. Shin has served in the ministry as a pastor, parachurch leader and professor for more than 30 years. He is a graduate of UCLA, Talbot School of Theology and Dallas Theological Seminary. He enjoys reading, music, sports (especially the UCLA Bruins) and spending time with people. His vision and passion includes mentoring leaders, rebuilding churches and teaching the Word of God. He...
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, ...
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...