Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary

You probably know Dr. Gregg Watson. We worked together in seminary at the Physical Plant.

 

Charlene,

I had the opportunity to have dinner with your President, Dr. Jeff Iorg, and his wife in October. I had a chance to meet him again at the Georgia Baptist Convention in November.

If Dr. Iorg is indicative of GGBTS then GGBTS is a conservative seminary that is missions minded and has a great heart for evangelism.

You have a great man at the helm and God will bless his ministry as your new President.

 

Charlene,

I know several Eddie's at the GBC. Could you give me a last name? If I know him I'd be glad to give him you or your friend's greetings.

If you see Jeff or Ann, please pass on to them that Alan and Claire of Truett-McConnell College said hello and they are in our prayers.

Blessings!

 

Jeff Iorg used to work in the Northwest, where I also ministered for a couple of years. I met him on a couple of occassions (Baptists in the Northwest have typically met each other at least once, as there are so few there) and thought he was a good guy. This opinion was confirmed by friends of mine who had him in class at the GGBTS extension center in Vancouver, WA. I was pleasantly surprised to hear that he got the Big Man job at GGBTS.

As to the liberal-ness/conservative-ness of GGBTS, from what I gather, it is probably right of center, but not as far right as the other seminaries. This is probably a function of where they are. There are so few Baptists out there that you have to get along to have any sort of presence. This results in a pull toward the center. I am not saying this is right or wrong, just that I think that that is the case. Also, if San Francisco/Mill Valley is anything like Washington State, then they are probably not as concerned about the broader (some might say political) issues that occupy so much of the thought processes of the rest of the American Baptist world. Again, I am not saying this is right or wrong, just that I think that that is the case.
While it is probably not as strong academically as, say, Southern, from my limited knowledge, Golden Gate will afford the determined student a good education with a mission focus.

Lon

 

GGBTS?

Liberal?

Who would say such a thing ... ;o)

I have noticed that many people that brand liberal quickly are trying to hide their true theology ...

I have heard it as well ... told them they were mis informed from what I knew ... and moved on

 

I think GGBTS is the best seminary in the SBC. They have been exempt from all the politicians in the south who like to fight. On the west coast and many other places people are busy trying to win others to Christ so they don't have time to fight.

 

Well, you know as a graduate of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary...everyone else seems to be a little liberal! LOL!
I remember back in college (early 90's) hearing that GGBTS was a little more left of center, but from what i understand that is no longer the case. I considered going to GGBTS due to the fact it had such a great emphasis on international missions.
Right now, i don't think any of the SBC seminaries can be considered liberal at all, and i think that is a good thing. Our seminaries now represent who we are as Southern Baptists.

bobbyd

 

GGBTS is a school that is in a unique position to go to the "mission field" without ever having leaving the area. Being away from the southern fundamentalism that dominates the other seminaries is a very helpful thing and has been for many years. Although the seminaries are becoming more and more monochromatic it is good to have at least one seminary away from the heart of the political, good ole boy epicenter of the SBC.

 

Does Karen Jones teach youth ministry there? She is a friend of a friend and reputed to be an excellent professor

 

Dr. Bob,

Where is your son on staff?

 

A lot of folks would agree with you. The SBC is now quite worried about all the people leaving. Just read what Draper is all concerned about lately.

 

Folks throw out the term "liberal" for a variety of reasons, usually not understanding what the term means, at least theologically. I'm not sure where Golden Gate is on the theological spectrum (I'm a grad of SBTS), but one thing is for certain: it isn't liberal. The fundamentals of the faith (e.g. the authority and sufficiency of Scripture, the virgin birth of Christ, His bodily resurrection, His second coming) are held and believed. Such things would be dismissed and denigrated in liberal seminaries.

Bill

 

I just finished up at good ole SWBTS in Ft Worth and can say that Golden Gate raises some eyebrows around the convention still. We all joked that its the "cool" school since you can go surf after going to class. Plus its in San Fran so its a great view.

Anyhoo...I think Golden Gate is a good seminary. I don't think it'll be in San Francisco much longer, but its a good seminary. Beautiful view of the Bay area. The ministry opportunities available outside your door are amazing.

 

It's actually not in SF now - Mill Valley is on the North side of the bay. I have visited the Mill Valley campus and you're right, it is indeed a beautiful setting. Had you heard they were moving?

 

Preach

Isnt it about time you updated your blog? That month long vacation to get married and go to your new church has gone on about long enough!

Welcome back

 

hey there Jimmy, I've been completely stacked and haven't had the time nor the energies to put together a substantive blog post. I'll try to get around to it soon. Thanks for checking in!

Everything is going great with marriage and FBA so I'm extremely happy and blessed