Discover the heart of McCormick through the voices of those who experience it firsthand. Here, students, faculty, staff, and supporters share their stories of transformation, calling, and unwavering commitment to ministry. Their testimonials offer a glimpse into the vibrant community that makes McCormick a place where faith is deepened, skills are honed, and lifelong connections are forged.
“My decision to choose McCormick Theological Seminary just felt right. It was the right time and the right place for me to accept God’s invitation to journey into deeper meaning and greater depths of understanding. At the time of my decision, I was a Trustee for McCormick and as I learned more about the evolving nature of theological education, I became more convinced that while a seat in the board room was important, becoming a student was the call I needed to accept to transform my life. I was motivated by a desire to explore systemic issues such as food insecurity and African American health disparities within my spiritual and faith contexts.
As a student in the Master of Arts in Ministry program, I was provided an expansive and engaging curriculum devised to illuminate theological, Biblical and practical subject areas. I was blessed by classmates and instructors whose worldviews, expertise and cultural backgrounds illustrated the creativity of God’s grace and love in action. I was fortunate to discover new vocational longings as McCormick supported and encouraged me to pursue emerging interests in spiritual direction and formation. I have felt seen and valued as a student at McCormick. In the classroom, my professors have opened the windows of enlightenment and my peers have informed and inspired lifelong friendships and professional relationships. When I said yes to McCormick, I underestimated the power of that decision to not only expand my academic knowledge, but I have been delighted to also become a part of the McCormick tradition of excellence. This global community of leaders is dedicated to upholding and adapting to the future possibilities of theological education, thoughtful service to humanity and commitment to uplifting the messages of reimagined love and justice for God’s people in this city, in this nation and across this world.”
Monica Moss
Master’s of Art in Ministry
Class of 2025
“Being part of the Latinx Certificate Program at McCormick, fully online, has been a transformative experience. The flexibility of this program has allowed us to continue working with Oseas as a high school coding teacher and Evelina as an Admin Assistant in the Special Education Department. While still serving as assistant pastors and balancing the responsibilities of family life with three children and an active role in ministry, pursuing theological education should have been overwhelming, but McCormick’s online format has made it possible to engage deeply in learning while staying present in all aspects of life. In addition to the convenience of the online format, the teachers and staff have been crucial to our success. From understanding Alexandria to ideas from the writing center, we have been successful due to the wonderful staff.
One of the most rewarding aspects of this journey has been the connections we’ve made not just across the U.S. but also with fellow students and ministers in South America and beyond. Engaging in discussions with people from different cultural and theological backgrounds has expanded our understanding of ministry and leadership. These interactions have reminded us that God's work isn’t confined to one place but moves across borders, languages, and experiences.
Since moving to Arizona in 2013, our family has been deeply involved in our church community, and McCormick has given me new tools to serve more effectively. The program has challenged us to think critically about faith, leadership, and the role of theology in shaping our calling. We must learn the perspective of others, how they feel about theology, and the contexts that have shaped that understanding. Now, as we near the completion of this program, we see how much this experience has prepared us for the road ahead. The lessons we have learned, the relationships built, and the insights gained will continue to shape our ministry, family life, and service in ways never expected.”
Oseas and Evelina Castillo
Latinx Theology Certificate
Class of 2025
“As a Dalit student and minister, coming to McCormick Theological Seminary has been life-changing and life-challenging, leaving behind my family, friends, and the Church. After 13 arduous yet fruitful years of ministries in the rural parts of Tamil Nadu, India, my arrival at McCormick has been a break, a blessing, and a blissful transition.
I never knew about McCormick until I came, and there are various reasons why I chose it. The first and foremost reason is the continuous encouragement of Dr. Rob Worley and Rev. Immanuel Karunakaran. Though everything seemed to be a reset in my life, McCormick gave me open and welcoming hands, a space to act, react, and resist, which became the primary reason for me to continue my studies here. It helped me overcome challenges and reinforce my commitment to justice and pastoral ministry.
Second, coming from a seminary rooted in social justice and my personal convictions, I could easily navigate McCormick’s ethos and values. I found no deviations in its pedagogy, which is practiced right from its worship services, teachings, and programs, which are deeply rooted in justice, equity, and siding with the other marginalized sections of society.
Third, coming from an unencouraging ministerial environment in India, McCormick teachers offered me the space and encouraged me through their teaching and mentorship, inspiring me to grow spiritually and intellectually. My McCormick teachers introduced the issue of Racism on this soil, which gave me an immediate understanding of the racial context that constructs the entire social, political, and economic systems in a brief period. As a Dalit, it was easy for me to empathetically navigate and understand the life situations of Black people, drawing commonalities between the Dalits and the Black people in their shared struggles, pathos, and segregation even though their food, culture, and lifestyle differ. McCormick profoundly helped me understand the complexity of the Black communities who are kept constantly in rage and to understand myself as a person of color and a Dalit immigrant who is subtly kept in trauma to accomplish in life and to be conscientious both in a racial and caste context.
It is no wonder that McCormick provided me with knowledge and instilled a sense of hope. Their guidance opened new perspectives, strengthened my theological foundation, and empowered me to recommit to the cause of my Dalit people and continue my work with renewed purpose.”
Rev. Philip Richard Sundaram
Master of Theological Studies
Class of 2025
“Theological education at McCormick Theological Seminary has been an exceptional journey for me! From my first visit, I was welcomed warmly by everyone I encountered, and I immediately felt a sense of belonging. The strong sense of community at McCormick is palpable. The seminary is filled with experts, both in the classroom and on-staff, who are accessible and empathetic, always going above and beyond to support students throughout their seminary journey. This nurturing environment fostered a sense of excitement for me about becoming a student at McCormick, and my initial impressions have only been reinforced over time.
McCormick offers a range of in-person and online courses, making theological education accessible to a broader audience. The seminary's location in Hyde Park, a vibrant and diverse community, adds to the richness of the educational experience. Students benefit from the cultural and intellectual resources of the neighborhood, including the proximity to the University of Chicago.
One of the standout features of McCormick is its collaborative spirit. The seminary shares library resources with several other seminaries and the University of Chicago, providing students with access to an extensive collection of theological and academic materials. This collaboration enhances the learning experience and fosters a sense of camaraderie among students and faculty across different institutions.
Throughout my time at McCormick, I have been continually impressed by the quality of education, the support from the faculty and staff, and the vibrant community. I highly recommend McCormick Theological Seminary for anyone seeking degree or certificate programs, as it offers a truly enriching and supportive educational environment that prepares students for meaningful and impactful ministry. The combination of expert faculty, diverse community, and extensive resources makes McCormick an ideal place for theological education.”
LoRita Purnell-James
Black Church Studies Certificate
Class of 2027
“Hello, My name is Jungsoo Choi, and I am currently writing my dissertation on Young Adult ministry in the Korean D-Min program. I am also an alumnus of McCormick, having earned my M-Div here in 2013. If you're considering seminary, I highly recommend McCormick Theological Seminary.
When I was choosing a school for my theological education, I explored several options. Ultimately, I chose McCormick, not just because my father also studied here, but because of the depth and breadth of the theological training it offers.
McCormick is a place that encourages you to explore theology on your own terms and discover meaningful answers for yourself. Here, you're exposed to a wide range of theological traditions and perspectives. Instead of being handed fixed answers, you're challenged to ask deeper questions and reflect critically. This approach helps balance faith and academics, allowing you to integrate theology into both ministry and everyday life.
From a Korean Christian perspective, McCormick might lean a bit liberal side, but that very aspect broadened my thinking. It pushed me beyond familiar theological frameworks and helped me develop a deeper understanding of faith from multiple viewpoints.
One of the best parts of my experience here has been the people—I've met friends from diverse theological backgrounds, and the conversations and fellowship we've shared have been an invaluable spiritual asset. And of course, I can't forget the incredible professors whose teaching has truly shaped me!
If you're looking for a seminary that doesn’t just teach theology but helps you live it, McCormick is an excellent choice.”
Jungsoo Choi
Doctor of Ministry
Class of 2026
“Before each McCormick Board Meeting, trustees consistently ask, “can we spend more time with students and faculty?” My response is always the same—yes! It is when we gather with the MTS community in lively worship, break bread with students, or listen, transfixed, to a professor’s ground-breaking research, that we remember why McCormick matters.
McCormick mattered to me 20 years ago when I was a student. McCormick is the community that exposed me to different voices, revealed how my faith was a lens through which to make sense of the world, and taught me to be a pastor. Someone made my education possible; now it’s my turn. I think of myself as not only a donor, but an investor.
I invest in McCormick because of the people—the nimble faculty and staff who envision the most crucial new offerings, challenging us to keep the experience affordable. Our new president brings expertise, deep faith in God, and a palpable energy! Together, we are imagining how to make MTS accessible to more students.
I invest because of the institution—our new space might look different, yet our values remain constant. McCormick’s remarkable ability to adapt to the changing context for theological education and the church reassures me that we will not just survive but thrive. Collaboration with our ecumenical neighbors provides opportunities to be sustainable well into the future.
And I invest because of the students—our world desperately needs progressive leaders who will serve God, the church and society with a passion for justice and a love for our neighbors. Fortunately, this is precisely the kind of leader McCormick is equipped to develop! It feels more essential than ever to invest in this work, and I hope you will join me.”
Rev. Amy Pagliarella
Chair, McCormick Board of Trustees
MDiv, Class of 2007
“The challenges of education in the public and theological sectors are immense. These challenges include maintaining relevance, fostering transformation, and promoting innovation, and the gospel message that we strive to convey to our communities and mission fields must also have these characteristics. We are present in more than 40 countries, which requires us to be a church that responds to the global generation of our time. This demands that we prepare and train leaders who acquire and possess the ability to discern the changing structures of society.
The online, hybrid, and face-to-face academic programs have been very innovative, accessible, and affordable. As a result, the academic relationship with the McCormick Theological Seminary has grown over the last 15 years, allowing us to graduate around 100 students in master's and doctorate programs, of which twelve more graduated this year, providing and enriching a broad and solid ministry and leadership in the fields in which they serve.
I am grateful to the faculty, staff and administration for making us feel part of their mission to ‘provide a transformative educational experience.’”
Bishop Armando Tamez
Secretary for Christian Education
“When you learn, teach, when you get, give.” Dr. Maya Angelou
This is a lesson I learned, early on, as I watched my mother interact with her Head Start classroom and as she opened the doors to our family home for those who needed immediate shelter. I would be amazed at the capacity my mother had to love and care for so many at one time, even her own five children and husband - I simply thought she was magic. But as she (Robbie Banks Cannady) explained, it was not magic, it was God that gifted her even mandated that she actively love and extend herself to make all who she encountered feel welcomed and loved.
This is the same sort of “magic” I experienced when I matriculated in 2006 – McCormick embraced me almost immediately, leaving no doubt that God had called me to this place. It was the Pilgrimage in Faithfulness course and reading Parker Palmer’s Let Your Life Speak: Listening for the Voice of Vocation that helped me to fully understand my mother, the way she showed up in the world. She did not serve in a church, but her vocation was clear – this is the place that I gained a clearer picture of myself and a fuller understanding of my vocation. This was transformative learning – which I believed and continue to believe everyone should have access to.
This is one reason I said yes to serve on the staff in 2010 and concurrently agreed to give a recurring monthly gift. McCormick Theological Seminary is worth the investment as we continue to invest in people who want to explore, who want to impact and who want to be community changemakers. Access to these transformative learning experiences and opportunities should always be available. As my giving supports this, I will continue to give and ask others to do the same.
Rev. Nannette Dixon
Vice President for Community Engagement and Alumni Relations
MDiv, Class of 2009
“The pathway to seminary can be an unexpected turn on a journey. That is how it was for me – a new and unfamiliar path, but one that I quickly learned had been forged, smoothed, and cultivated by many who traversed this path before. I also recognized that I wasn’t on this new/old path alone – in fact, this path was quite crowded. A familiar and growing “cloud of witnesses” – family (both here still and beyond), friends, as well as mentors and guides – were accompanying me on this path. So, an unexpected turn continued onward to a pathway to doctoral studies in biblical studies, then a call (literally – ring, ring!) came to join the faculty of McCormick Theological Seminary in 2019. As I have continued on this journey through theological education as a faculty member and now, as interim dean, I am glad that this journey in theological education remains a crowded one. The opportunities to imagine and co-create with our learners, faculty, and staff have been transformative and inspiring. I am ever more grateful for the opportunity and invitation to trust the journey with our McCormick community.“
Jina Kang, PhD
Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the Faculty
Assistant Professor of Hebrew Bible/Old Testament
”Serving at McCormick Theological Seminary is more than a profession—it is a sacred calling that aligns deeply with my faith, passion for education, and commitment to leadership development. As Assistant Dean of Student Services, I am privileged to walk alongside students as they embark on a journey of academic rigor, spiritual growth, and transformation. My role allows me to cultivate and co-create spaces where students—regardless of background, identity, gender, culture, or theological tradition—feel seen, supported, and empowered to answer God’s call. Whether guiding students through academic challenges, fostering spaces of belonging, encouraging vocational clarity, or simply offering a listening ear, I serve because McCormick embodies what theological education should be—rigorous, relevant, and deeply relational.
As a co-vocational pastor, I serve because McCormick is a place where scholarship intersects with the sanctuary and “the streets,” where the pursuit of justice is not just a theological concept but a lived reality, and where leaders are formed to engage the world with integrity, resilience, and compassion. I witness this every day in the diverse voices, courageous conversations, and transformative experiences that shape our students’ intellectual, spiritual, and vocational formation. Equally rewarding is the opportunity to serve alongside a community of dedicated colleagues—faculty, staff, and administrators—who share an unwavering commitment to student success and to nurturing “the gifts of women and men for faithful Christian ministry and leadership.” Their wisdom, collaboration, and support not only enrich my work but also create an environment where students can thrive.
Seeing our students emerge as faith leaders, equipped to transform communities in an ever-changing world, is both humbling and inspiring. This is sacred work. This is why I am honored to serve at McCormick.”
David Watkins
Assistant Dean of Student Services
“My commitment for teaching, passion for students and my lived experience as an international student came together in my call to serve at McCormick. My current role as Director of International Student Support and Student Services gives me joy of interacting and working with all students and especially, the international students.
After completing my PhD in Hebrew Bible, I was aspiring to teach at a theological institution and especially at McCormick Theological Seminary because of its committed academic excellence it renders to the Christian leaders and ministry. Teaching has always been my passion. By serving as an adjunct faculty, I teach Greek Exegesis II and co-teach Ezekiel: Imaginations in Exile with Dr. Jina Kang. My teaching ministry at McCormick by teaching Biblical languages and Hebrew Bible is an amazing journey that I cherish.
The diverse atmosphere at McCormick is an asset that brings together students, staff, and faculty from various countries, ethnicities, backgrounds, and experiences. At McCormick, one of the core values is cultural diversity. The diversity in our community has contributed not only to the fabric of the community but also has contributed to the academic and social formation, helping us to learn from one another. Working as the Director of International student support, I witness the fact that our lives intersect and weave in as a beautiful fabric as we share our lives, experiences, and stories, forming together as a McCormick family through the global conversations and our sharing during the fellowships. All the simple coffee or lunch conversations that happen in the Student Center are often a continuation of class discussion or critical reflections of the Bible or society that are more meaningful to the present context to create an inclusive and liberated world.
I find my IKIGAI as I work at McCormick doing the work that I love and am passionate about. I am glad to be part of this amazing community as I groom myself in the transformed leadership and also contributing to the vision and mission of the seminary to engage in this transformational experience of the students.”
Chrisida Anandan
Adjunct Faculty, Director of International Student Support & Student Services