Academics » Ministry & Theology » School of Divinity
The Barnett College of Ministry & Theology has trained transformative church and ministry leaders since our founding in 1935. Through a variety of graduate-level degree programs, the SEU School of Divinity continues this longstanding tradition of providing the highest quality theological and ministerial education. Each degree program is designed to elevate those who serve the local church, increase global missional impact, and ultimately bring more people to Christ.
PhD in Theology (coming soon pending approval from ATS)
The Global Pentecostalism Center at SEU aids in the development of scholarly research that is committed to the service of the local church, nationally and globally.
Most degrees within the School of Divinity are offered fully online, with some offering periodic, in-person cohort meetings. Some degrees are also available at SEU’s 200+ partner sites located around the globe.
In 2025, the competency-based monthly subscription format launched, providing a customizable, accelerated pathway toward degree completion.
DEGREES EARNED
PhD Pentecostal Studies, Bangor University (Wales, UK)
MA Theological Studies, Moody Theological Seminary
BA Pastoral Studies, North Central University
Dr. Chris Palmer is a scholar, author, and ministry practitioner. He joined the SEU family in the summer of 2024 and serves as dean and associate professor in the Barnett College of Ministry & Theology. Prior to coming to SEU, Dr. Palmer’s full-time ministry experience of more than 15 years included the role of lead pastor and doing missionary work in over 40 nations. He has held faculty teaching roles at Moody Theological Seminary, Austin Christian University, and Theos Seminary. Dr. Palmer is the author of eight books, including “A World Without God” (Zondervan Reflective). His articles have been published in theological journals as well as in the Christian Post and other media outlets.
DEGREES EARNED
Doctor of Ministry, Southeastern University
Doctor of Missiology, Asbury Theological Seminary
MA Christian Ministries, Asbury Theological Seminary
BA Sociology, Asbury University
DEGREES EARNED
PhD Religious & Theological Studies, University of Denver/Iliff School of Theology
MA Theological Studies, Southeastern University
MA Ministerial Leadership, Southeastern University
BS Church Ministry, Southeastern University
Dr. Anthony Roberts is a constructive theologian whose research lies at the intersections of theological anthropology, human identity, and Christian theology. His doctoral dissertation, entitled “No Respecter of Persons: A Constructive Black Theology of Otherness,” explores the role of the Holy Spirit in empowering humans to welcome one another’s unique reflection of the image of God. Dr. Roberts has also served as an adjunct faculty member at the Iliff School of Theology and a guest lecturer of theology at the Issachar Center for Urban Leadership.
DEGREES EARNED
DMin Spiritual Formation, Portland Seminary
MA Pastoral Ministries, Assemblies of God Theological Seminary
BA Youth Ministry, Southeastern University
Jeremy Sims is a professor of Spiritual Formation at Southeastern University, where he directs the Doctor of Ministry and Master of Arts in Ministerial Leadership cohort programs. With decades of pastoral and teaching experience, Dr. Sims is passionate about equipping pastors for Spirit-empowered, theologically rooted ministry.
DEGREES EARNED
MDiv, Southeastern University
MA Ministerial Leadership, Southeastern University
BA Ministerial Leadership: Biblical Studies, Southeastern University
Dr. Sarah Cabrera serves as the undergraduate chair for the Barnett College of Ministry and Theology at Southeastern University, overseeing academic programs across the main campus, extension sites, and online platforms. Dr. Cabrera is passionate about reimagining Christian higher education. She works with faculty and ministry partners to provide a Spirit-empowered, transformative learning experience that bridges academic formation and real-world ministry.
DEGREES EARNED
PhD Biblical Studies, University of Sheffield
MDiv, Pentecostal Theological Seminary
BA Bible and Religion, King College
Dr. Robby Waddell, is a professor of New Testament and Early Christianity, faculty chaplain, and director of the Global Pentecostalism Center at Southeastern University. He is a research fellow of the Centre for Pentecostal Theology (Cleveland, Tennessee). Dr. Waddell serves on the staff of Bangor University’s Centre for Pentecostal and Charismatic Studies, where he supervises PhD students. He is a member of the Sheffield Institute of Interdisciplinary Biblical Studies and serves on the editorial boards of Sheffield Phoenix Press and Pneuma: The Journal of the Society for Pentecostal Studies.
DEGREES EARNED
PhD Christian Education, Talbot School of Theology
MDiv Theology, Knox Theological Seminary
BA Bible and Theology, Lee University
Dr. Chad Causey has served in ministry for 29 years. For the last 22 years, he has worked with OneHope. This an international ministry equips church movements with innovative programs that engage the next generation with God’s Word in dynamic, relevant ways. Currently, Dr. Causey serves as the chief strategy officer at OneHope, where he is tasked with providing strategic direction to both functional and geographical vice presidencies for ministry operations in 150 countries. He also provides strategic support for affiliate partnerships, networks, and movements. In 2021, he accepted a full-time position with SEU focused on leading and developing cross-cultural and missional preparation degrees out of the Barnett School of Ministry & Theology. He is currently the chair of the Bob and Hazel Hoskins School of Mission within the Barnett College.
DEGREES EARNED
PhD, Bangor University (Wales, UK)
DMin, Oral Roberts University
MSTS, Southwestern Assemblies of God University
MM, Southwestern Christian University Graduate School
BS Biblical Studies, Southwestern Christian University
With a PhD from Bangor University and a Doctor of Ministry from Oral Roberts University, Dr. Chris Green has taught across various institutions for over a decade, including Southwestern Christian University and Pentecostal Theological Seminary. He is the author of many scholarly articles and monographs, most recently “All Things Beautiful: An Aesthetic Christology,” the first of a trilogy to be published by Baylor University Press. In addition to his writing, research, and lecture/preaching schedule, Dr. Green is also a teaching pastor at Sanctuary Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
DEGREES EARNED
PhD Old Testament, University of St. Michael’s College at the University of Toronto
MATS Old Testament, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary
BA Biblical Studies, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary
Dr. Daniel McNaughton began serving as a prrofessor of Old Testament and Spiritual Formation at Barnett College of Ministry & Theology in 2016. Before that, he served in various pastoral and teaching roles in the northeast region of the United States for over 30 years. Dr. McNaughton was the founder and lead pastor of Spring Valley Community Church in Royersford, Pennsylvania, where he served for 6 years. He continues to serve as a consultant and coach for Learning to Follow Ministries, which helps leaders develop healthy, discipling, and multiplying churches. He co-authored “Learning to Follow Jesus” and “The Spiritual Coaching Toolkit.” He trained church planters with the Church Multiplication Network of the Assemblies of God. He also served as a Church Ministries and Biblical Studies professor at the University of Valley Forge for over a decade.
Dr. Josh Mayo is a Faculty Mentor in the Master of Arts in Ministry Leadership program at Southeastern University, where he helps ministry leaders earn degrees without losing their minds — or their ministries. He loves being a contributor to SEU’s competency-based theological education program, proving that you can mix academic rigor with real-life ministry chaos. Driven by a desire to love God with all his heart, soul, and mind, Josh often points back to St. Augustine’s reminder: “You cannot love what you do not know.” That pursuit led him to not one but two doctoral degrees: because apparently one wasn’t stressful enough.
Dr. Elizabeth (Ellie) Canfield has been a professor for over seven years now. She currently resides in Florida, is married to Timothy Canfield, and they have a son, Moses. She also has an Italian Greyhound named Noodle. She has lived in South Carolina, Missouri, and was born in Michigan. She grew up as a missionary kid in Indonesia and the Philippines during her teen years. She is currently ordained with the Assemblies of God and is serving under A.G. U.S. Missions as an endorsed chaplain. Her doctoral dissertation was on “The Operation of the Holy Spirit in Pastoral Counseling and Chaplaincy.”
Dr. Steve Saccone is a pastor, author, and ministry leader with nearly two decades of experience shaping communities of faith and developing emerging leaders. He has served in influential roles at Mosaic Church in Los Angeles, Willow Creek Community Church in Chicago, and Awakening Church in Silicon Valley—holding positions such as Teaching Pastor, Executive Pastor, Campus Pastor, and Youth and College Pastor.
Dr. Keila Boychak currently serves as Academic Operations Coordinator under the Office of the Provost at Southeastern University, where she also chairs the Institutional Review Board (IRB) and serves as the Main Campus Lead Instructor for CORE 1111 and 1112. In addition to her administrative and teaching roles, she holds the rank of Assistant Professor. She believes deeply in the importance of reaching and empowering all generations—whether in ministry, education, or professional settings.
Dr. Scott Adams resides in Youngsville, Louisiana, with his wife, Kelly, and their four children: Carsten, Hudson, Preslie, and Aniston. With nearly two decades of pastoral experience, he currently serves as the Executive Teaching Pastor at Our Savior’s Church and Dean of Our Savior’s College. In addition to his local ministry, Dr. Adams is an adjunct professor at Regent University’s School of Divinity, where he teaches a variety of theological, methodological, and ministry-related courses.
Professor and Pastor Randall Allison serves as the Dean of the School of Theology at Southeastern University’s Christ Fellowship extension site, while also teaching as a full-time lecturer and serving as a Research/Writing Pastor at Christ Fellowship Church. He earned degrees from Baylor University and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, then spent ten years as an Associate Pastor at a thriving church in Las Vegas, Nevada. His journey eventually led him to South Florida, where he has served in various roles within Christ Fellowship’s Discipleship ministry. When Christ Fellowship partnered with Southeastern University, Randy was invited to lead as Dean and full-time lecturer.
Dr. Mark Langner is an experienced pastor, executive leader, and adjunct professor whose diverse background in ministry, organizational leadership, and corporate management enriches his contributions to theological education. Holding a Doctor of Ministry with a concentration in organizational leadership from Southeastern University, Dr. Langner brings a blend of pastoral expertise, executive oversight, and strategic systems development to his work as a professor and doctoral project chair.
Dr. Sean Sloan has dedicated nearly three decades to ministry, with a deep passion for helping individuals and families experience genuine transformation through the Spirit and truth of God. Alongside his wife, Michelle, he has served faithfully in multiple ministry contexts, investing in discipleship, spiritual formation, and the development of Christ-centered homes. Sean believes that life with Christ is an extraordinary adventure: one marked by continual growth, discovery, and the ongoing work of God in everyday life.
Josh Willaford is the Director of Leader Development and Network Secretary for the Ohio Ministry Network. In this role, he oversees ministerial credentialing, ministerial development, the SEU Ohio Regional Campus, the Ohio School of Ministry, and the adult and nextgen ministry departments. He is a graduate of Central Bible College, and he holds a Master’s in Practical Theology from Wesley Seminary and a Doctorate in Ministry from Southeastern University. Prior to joining the Ohio Ministry Network team, Josh served for ten years at New Life Church in Aurora, Ohio. During his tenure, the church grew to three campuses in the Akron area.
Ermias Feleke serves as the Site Director at SEU at Crossroads Community Cathedral, where he exemplifies a deep commitment to excellence in developing future leaders through positive influence and dedicated discipleship. By leveraging his skills in leadership development and youth ministry, Dr. Feleke effectively engages diverse audiences, inspiring them to pursue their educational goals.
Nathan Swedberg studied at the University of Virginia, where he received a Bachelor of Arts in both Foreign Affairs and French, followed by a Master of Public Policy degree. Nathan and his wife, Moriah, have one beautiful daughter, Olive Ray. For four years, Nathan and Moriah were responsible for Milestone College’s outreach to local schools and the community through C3 Student Leadership.
The Southeastern University School of Divinity, part of the Barnett College of Ministry & Theology, is accredited by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS). Our ATS membership connects us to a community dedicated to excellence in theological education and provides access to accreditation, research, and professional development resources that strengthen our academic and spiritual formation.
Commission’s Statement of Accreditation Status
Outside of the School of Divinity,* SEU offers many additional learning opportunities in ministerial contexts.
*The programs in this section do not carry ATS accreditation.