Sam Hamilton-Poore, M.Div., DASD, D.Min., is the Director of the Program in Christian Spirituality and Assistant Professor of Christian Spirituality at SFTS. An ordained Presbyterian minister with more 20 years experience in congregational ministries, he is also the author of Earth Gospel: A Guide to Prayer for God’s Creation. In addition to directing the PCS, Sam co-teaches the first year course for the DASD and D.Min./PSL on “The Art of Christian Listening,” and the second year course for D.Min./PSL on “The Role of the Pastor as Spiritual Leader.”

Elizabeth Ford Friend, M.Div., DASD, is the Interim Program Manager for the Program in Christian Spirituality as well as Chaplain for the DASD and D.Min./PSL. Beth has completed her coursework towards a Ph.D. in Christian Spirituality at the Graduate Theological Union and is now working on her dissertation.

Elizabeth Liebert, Ph.D., is Professor of Spiritual Life at SFTS. Her most recent books as author or co-author are The Way of Discernment: Spiritual Practices for Decision-Making, A Retreat with the Psalms: Resources for Personal and Communal Prayer, and The Spiritual Exercises Reclaimed: Uncovering Liberating Possibilities for Women. Beth teaches courses in discernment for both the DASD and the D.Min.-PSL, including the second year D.Min. course “Discernment: Systems and Nature.”

Sophia Park, Ph.D., is Adjunct Professor in the DASD and D.Min./PSL and a Sister of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary. Sophia has a special interest in Postcolonial and contextual theologies, as well as in the expression of faith and spirituality through the arts. She is part of the teaching team for the first year DASD/D.Min.-PSL course “The Art of Christian Listening.”

Susan Phillips, Ph.D., is a spiritual director and supervisor in Berkeley, Calif., where she also serves as Executive Director of New College Berkeley, an affiliate of the Graduate Theological Union. She teaches about caring practices and spirituality at several seminaries in the U.S. and Canada, and is the author of Candlelight: Illuminating the Art of Spiritual Direction. She is active in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Susan is part of the teaching team for the first year DASD/D.Min.-PSL course “The Art of Christian Listening.”

Marjorie Thompson, M.Div., is an author, spiritual director, and retreat leader, who worked for many as spiritual director for Upper Room Ministries. While at Upper Room, Marjorie helped to develop and write curriculum for the series Companions in Christ, a congregation-based approach to small group spiritual formation. She is also author of Family: The Forming Center and Soul Feast: An Invitation to the Christian Spiritual Life. Marjorie teaches the first year D.Min.-PSL course on prayer and discernment in pastoral ministry.

Jana L. Childers, M.Div., Ph.D., is Dean and Vice President for Academic Affairs, and Professor of Homiletics and Speech-Communication at SFTS. She is a Presbyterian minister, having served congregations in Kansas and New Jersey. She is the author and editor of a number of books and articles, including Performing the Word: Preaching as Theatre, Birthing the Sermon: Women Preachers on Creative Process, Purposes of Preaching, and Preaching and Performance: Bringing the Sermon to Life. Jana will lead the D.Min./PSL on preaching as spiritual practice.

Laurie Garrett-Cobbina, M.Div., M.Theol., A.C.P.E. Supervisor, occupies the Shaw Family Chair for Clinical Pastoral Education at SFTS. She is also a certified practitioner of guided imagery, reiki, in-surgery spiritual care, as well as a small group facilitator, workshop leader, and lecturer. Laurie has been a contributing author for many books, including Theologies from REM Women of Color, Promise of the Soul, and Having My Say: Reflections on Justice Ministries 1969-1999. She will lead the D.Min./PSL on church administration as spiritual practice.

Charlene Jin Lee, Ph.D., is one of the newest members of the SFTS Faculty, serving as Assistant Professor of Education and Director of Student Formation at the SFTS/Southern California campus in Pasadena. She has previously served in various education and leadership capacities at churches in Richmond, Va., Anaheim, Calif., and Los Angeles. Her Ph.D. research focused on reconceptualizing Christian education through autobiography. Charlene will lead the D.Min./PSL on Christian education as spiritual practice.