Evans Ledbetter McGowan earns Master of Divinity degree from SFTS

SAN ANSELMO, CA (05/27/2011)(readMedia)-- San Francisco Theological Seminary graduated 62 students in six degree and diploma programs on Saturday, May 21, on a beautiful, sunny day amid the redwoods at Bouick Field. With 20 graduates from Korea, China, Taiwan, Indonesia, Myanmar, Philippines, Mexico and Canada, SFTS continues to stand out as a training ground for international theologians and pastors.

Evans Ledbetter McGowan of Wilmington, Del., is one of 28 students who earned a Master of Divinity degree, the first professional degree in theological studies. He is the winner of the Alumni Fellowship award.

McGowan has already accepted a two-year ordained position with the Lily Residency Program at First Presbyterian Church of Ann Arbor, Mich. He's most excited about discerning which areas of pastoral ministry he is being called to and in what capacity. This residency program gives him ample opportunity to explore God's calling in this way.

With a passion for ministering to young adults, McGowan feels blessed to be heading to a college town since the church is located near the University of Michigan. His SFTS internship is being completed at First Presbyterian Church of Berkeley, near the University of California, where he teaches in the church's Learning Community, helps out with the men's ministry and organizes retreats for 20- and 30-year-olds.

McGowan earned a Bachelor of Arts from Davidson College in 2005 before attending seminary.

Founded in 1871, SFTS has a rich history of service to the church. As an institution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and a member of the Graduate Theological Union, SFTS remains dedicated to being a Christ-centered academic community, rooted in the Reformed tradition that embraces a diverse student body. With a focus on spiritual formation, critical theological reflection, and the skills and arts of ministry, SFTS prepares Christian leaders to serve in congregations, the wider church, classrooms and the public sphere.