PUC’s department of theology offers a greater variety of courses in the general education program than other theology departments. Our faculty has a tremendous gift helping our students think about God, the word, and the world. Through discussions and prayer, students develop and grow in their faith.
Katrina Blue, Associate Professor of Theology and Christian Spirituality, loves having the opportunity to help students think about their faith and what it means to them personally. To give you more insight into the strong community within this department, Katrina kindly answered some questions for us.
What is your favorite thing about teaching in your department?
One of the things I enjoy about the PUC Theology Department is that we have a clear mission to equip our students and prepare them for ministry with a strong practical emphasis. It is a tremendous gift to be able to impact someone’s thinking about God, to help them develop and grow in their faith, to open the mind about God, His Word, and the world. I love having the opportunity to help students to think about their faith and what it means to them personally. There is the academic/knowledge aspect of learning new things and also the personal growth aspect: both are important. It’s great to get to work with such committed people who love the Lord.
What makes your department unique compared to other departments at PUC?
I love the genuine caring spirit amongst my colleagues. Each one is gifted in teaching. They are kind people, courteous, generous, creative and spiritual. We all bring something unique to the table. When we gather to talk, discuss, and pray we are a harmonious group. The Spirit is present. We are able to have vibrant discussions, we listen to each other, and we grow. I cannot speak for other departments as I only know ours, but I do believe that together, we make a great team!
What makes your department at PUC unique compared to the same program at other colleges and universities?
PUC’s Theology Department is unique because we offer both Greek and Hebrew to our majors which is an excellent preparation for the Master of Divinity and gives students a solid basis for understanding God’s Word. We also offer the integrated “Lab church” to students ranging from freshman to seniors. This practical, hands-on experience, integrates majors with our local pastors and lay ministry leaders who are mentoring them for ministry and service.
Can you share a few examples of exciting things alumni from your department are doing?
Many of our students go on to complete the MDiv program at Andrews, which they are very well prepared for by taking our degrees at PUC. Many have become pastors, chaplains, church planters, or work in various ministry fields building the kingdom of God. We are honored to have been a part of their spiritual journey in Christian leadership and ministry.
What’s something your department is well known for? Why do you think that is?
When I attend professional meetings each year with fellow religion and theology faculty from all over the country and world, so many have come over to tell me that they began their career as a teacher/scholar at PUC, and the warm memories they have of our school. They want to know which office I am in, and of course, what courses do I teach? They are surprised at the great variety of courses that we offer in our general education program and for our majors, much more than other religion/theology Depts. Truly, this is a great Department that is known and loved by generations of people who have taught and studied here. Religion faculty at other schools continue to express their appreciation and support for us. We have a solid academic and teaching capacity. Historically, the PUC Theology Dept. is also known for the Des Ford controversy which happened about forty years ago. I have seen a lot of healing take place over this. It was incidental that it happened at PUC with a visiting scholar, it could have happened anywhere.
What’s something a new student can look forward to about joining your department?
Students receive personalized attention. They can learn and grow in our regional context with close interaction with professors and local pastors. That counts for a lot as students are able to make strong connections, and receive excellent training opportunities which have helped launch careers. The church has a great need of young servants of God, women and men. All are called to work in the Father’s vineyard: the world. We also support students who are taking a dual degree or double major. If you do not want to become a pastor, but would like biblical and theological training alongside whatever other professional degree program you want to pursue, we are here to support you also. Whatever your calling in life, adding a theology or religion major can equip you for a life of ministry in whatever field you will end up working in. So many have told me, “Oh, I wish I could study religion/theology,” when in their 30s, 40s, and 50s. Why not take the opportunity now while in college?
Visit our website to learn more about the department of theology.