Rev. Charolyn Jones 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.

Rev. Charolyn Jones of Los Angeles, Calif., is one of 28 students who earned a Master of Divinity degree, the first professional degree in theological studies. She attended the SFTS Southern California campus in Pasadena, which will close on June 30.

Jones is an ordained itinerant deacon in the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, currently serving as an associate minister at Brookins Community AME Church in Los Angeles. She is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) by the Project Management Institute (PMI). Interests include implementing ministries such as feeding, legal clinics and prayer for congregations and community at large.

Last summer Jones helped set up a free legal clinic at Ward African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church in Los Angeles. The purpose of the free legal clinic was to provide legal services to thousands of low-income residents in the greater Los Angeles area on a nondiscriminatory basis, helping families by providing the same level of professional, quality services as residents of affluent communities. Volunteer professionals provided advice on such topics as expunging criminal records, landlord and tenant disputes, employment, real estate, family, divorce, child custody, civil, criminal, probate, social security and personal injury.

Jones was born and raised in Los Angeles, earning Bachelor of Science and Master of Business Administration degrees from University of LaVerne 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.