Business Details
49 Years
experience
Theological Education & Spiritual Formation in Berkeley, CA
New College Berkeley has been dedicated to theological education and spiritual formation since 1977. Our mission focuses on helping the Church discern and contextualize the way of Christ through workshops, classes, and retreats that cultivate theological imagination and spiritual friendship. We bridge cultural, traditional, and generational divides to address contemporary challenges facing faith communities. Our programs emphasize interdisciplinary dialogue between theology, culture, and current events, creating transformative learning experiences for students and professionals. With over four decades of experience, we maintain affiliations with leading academic institutions while fostering innovative approaches to spiritual growth.Our team of experienced educators and spiritual leaders brings deep expertise in theological education and community building. We prioritize creating inclusive spaces for meaningful conversations that address both timeless truths and modern complexities. Our commitment to excellence is demonstrated through our diverse programming and partnerships with recognized theological institutions. We measure success through the impact of our programs on individuals and communities seeking deeper spiritual understanding. As a trusted resource in the San Francisco Bay Area, we continue evolving to meet the changing needs of faith-based and academic audiences.
Services
Theological Education
Spiritual Retreats
Academic Workshops
Listening Circles
Art & Writing Programs
Christian Study Centers
Community Building
Vocational Discernment
Cultural Engagement
Faith Leadership
Details
- Year established: 1977
Highlights and features
- We offer 40+ years of experience in theological education and spiritual formation
- Our programs integrate theology, culture, and contemporary challenges
- We specialize in intergenerational and intercultural spiritual dialogue
- Our faculty includes recognized experts in Christian studies and theology
- We maintain affiliations with leading theological institutions like GTU
Services
Theological Education
Our theological education programs combine academic rigor with spiritual depth, offering courses that explore scripture, ethics, and contemporary theological issues. Students engage with experienced faculty through interactive classes and seminars. Programs emphasize practical application for ministry and vocational contexts across diverse Christian traditions.
Spiritual Retreats
We design transformative spiritual retreats focusing on personal and communal renewal through prayer, reflection, and guided theological exploration. These retreats create dedicated spaces for deepening faith and cultivating spiritual practices. Participants benefit from structured programs that integrate contemplative practices with intellectual engagement.
Academic Workshops
Our workshops facilitate interdisciplinary dialogue between theology, culture, and current events through expert-led discussions and collaborative learning. Participants engage with cutting-edge theological scholarship while addressing practical ministry challenges. Programs emphasize contextual application for contemporary church leadership and community engagement.
Listening Circles
We facilitate intergenerational and intercultural listening circles that promote understanding across theological and cultural divides. These structured conversations create safe spaces for sharing perspectives on faith and contemporary issues. Participants develop skills for constructive dialogue while building cross-cultural relationships within the Christian community.
Art & Writing Programs
Our creative programs integrate theological reflection with artistic expression through writing workshops and visual arts exploration. Participants engage in faith-inspired creative projects that deepen spiritual understanding. Programs emphasize the role of art in theological discovery and community building across diverse Christian traditions.
People
Craig Wong
Executive Director
Dr. Craig Wong leads New College Berkeley's vision for connecting faith communities across cultural and generational divides. His leadership focuses on fostering theological dialogue and spiritual formation in contemporary contexts. With extensive experience in theological education and community building, he guides the organization's strategic direction.
Elizabeth Watt
Administrative Director
Elizabeth Watt coordinates New College Berkeley's operations while promoting intergenerational faith community building. She facilitates programs that bridge cultural divides through meaningful theological conversations. Her work emphasizes creating inclusive spaces for spiritual growth and professional development across Christian traditions.
Russell Yee
Academic Programs Director
Dr. Russell Yee oversees academic initiatives that help Bay Area faith communities engage with theological, cultural, and historical issues. He designs programs fostering interdisciplinary dialogue between Christian traditions. His expertise enhances the organization's ability to address contemporary challenges through theological reflection.
Kassandra Palmer
Program Communications Associate
Kassandra Palmer manages communications for New College Berkeley's programs while supporting community engagement initiatives. She helps connect diverse audiences with theological education opportunities across the San Francisco Bay Area. Her work focuses on expanding access to spiritual formation resources and events.
Questions
What theological traditions do you serve?
We engage diverse Christian traditions while maintaining academic rigor and spiritual depth in all our programs.
Do you offer online programs?
We provide both in-person and virtual programs to accommodate different learning preferences and locations.
How can I get involved?
Explore our programs, attend events, or contact us to discuss partnership opportunities in theological education.
Are your programs accredited?
We're affiliated with the Graduate Theological Union and Consortium of Christian Study Centers for academic excellence.
What makes your retreats unique?
Our retreats combine structured theological reflection with personalized spiritual guidance in community settings.
How do you approach cultural engagement?
We foster intergenerational dialogue that addresses contemporary challenges through both traditional and innovative methods.
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