Hi, I’m Sam Albert…

Where are you from?

I was born and raised in and around Charlotte, North Carolina, which is where I was before coming to Gordon Conwell. I have absolutely loved living on the North Shore, and while North Carolina will always hold a place in my heart, you just can’t beat New England Autumn.

Why is discipleship important to you?

While I’ve certainly done a lot of study into what discipleship is, nothing has solidified its importance more than being in a discipleship relationship with a mentor in North Carolina. My faith was catalyzed in that relationship, but I was also shown the love of Christ like never before. My faith would have remained empty and shallow if it were not for him, and I’m excited at the prospect of passing it on. Having received such a gift, it seems foolish and selfish to keep it to oneself.

What makes you excited to disciple at Gordon College?

I’ve interacted with a number of Gordon College students before, and it was exciting to see people in various stages of their faith and academic journeys. I’ve found that college students are willing to ask really hard questions, and are genuinely curious to find the answers. I want to be a part of that! While I may be able to answer some of the questions, I’m more interested in pursuing the answers together.

How have you been discipled in the past?

I was discipled by a pastor of mine for well over two years. He had just been hired at my church when he began discipling me, and from then on, he taught me so much not only about scripture and theology, but most importantly about relationship, laying one’s own life down for others, and pursuing Christ-likeness to the fullest extent. Perhaps most importantly, I felt loved and pursued in a way that I hadn’t my entire life, and in that I saw Jesus so clearly.

What are your favorite things to learn about?

I’m sort of a jack of all trades—pretty much anything from any field interests me. However, like a true seminary nerd, I’m excited to learn anything new and interesting about the Bible, theology, or history that brings new light to my faith. My second and third favorite field of interest are biological sciences and business, both of which I keep up with from time to time.

What do you like to do for fun?

I am a huge board game nerd. I’ll play anything from Settlers of Catan to Dungeons and Dragons. I also love movies and books with rich narratives and deep characters. Rock climbing and ultimate frisbee are my favorite active hobbies, though I haven’t done either since coming to seminary. Besides that, I’ll pretty much enjoy anything as long as I’m doing it with people I love.

Hi, I’m Marcelo Hernandez…

Where are you from?

I am from Miami, FL and my favorite place I lived was probably Winter Park, FL.

Why is discipleship important to you?

Discipleship is important to me because we are commanded to do it.

What makes you excited to disciple at Gordon College?

I live for this!

How have you been discipled in the past?

I have been discipled at Gordon-Conwell through the Discipleship Experience and in so many other moments in my life. My discipleship relationships have been meaningful because they have helped build me into the very disciple I am today. Glory be to God.

What are your favorite things to learn about?

I love learning about God I especially love apologetics and theology.

What do you like to do for fun?

Ministry and playing basketball.

Hi, I’m Lina Kim…

Where are you from? What is your favorite place where you have lived?

I’m from Long Island, NY. I love living in Brookline, a charming suburb of Boston, filled with restaurants and small shops.

Why is discipleship important to you?

Discipleship allows us to experience the joy and refreshment had in life-giving relationships with fellow believers, as we have community with one another in a meaningful and intentional way. I have learned the joy and deep burden of discipling souls in all seasons of faith, and learned that it is not by my own efforts or wisdom that people may be drawn closer to Jesus, but through His work alone. In being discipled by faithful believers, I have come to more deeply appreciate the gift of knowing God, delighting in His word, and having the privilege of being used by Him to further his Kingdom’s cause.

What makes you excited to disciple at Gordon College?

I would love the opportunity to build close discipleship relationships with Gordon College students who have a shared love for God and mission for Kingdom work. I especially enjoy discipling those who are in the process of discerning God’s will, while navigating the transitions and challenges of the unknown in college and young adulthood. It would be a privilege to walk alongside fellow believers at these pivotal moments in their lives, and most importantly, point them to surrender fully to and rely on Jesus.

How have you been discipled in the past?

I was discipled by a mentor at the law firm I worked at. We would have weekly Bible studies before work, spend time in prayer, and keep each other accountable. It was formative for confirming my calling to leave law and move forward with seminary, and if it weren’t for my discipler’s encouragement, I may not have had the boldness to make the leap.

What are your favorite things to learn about?

I love hearing about people’s experiences and the work God is doing in their lives. In seminary, I’m enjoying learning about how to integrate faith and counseling to minister to and serve people in a way that Jesus would have!

What do you like to do for fun?

I enjoy cooking, inventing new recipes, and hosting dinner parties in my free time. I also like to write creatively, drink copious amounts of strong coffee, and explore quaint New England towns along the coast.

Hi, I’m Lisa Martin…

Where are you from?

I’m from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, which is where I lived until I moved here to Massachusetts. I think that both places are so beautiful in their own ways, but the rolling hills of Lancaster and the quirky historic towns are where my heart lives.

Why is discipleship important to you?

Discipleship provides the opportunity to lean on each other’s faith in tough times, to repeatedly remind each other that God is good. The disciplers in my life lent me their faith when I couldn’t believe for myself.

What makes you excited to disciple at Gordon College?

College was a wonderful and incredibly formative time for me, and I was fortunate to have some wise and supportive people around me as I grappled with big questions and ideas. It gives me so much joy to come alongside other students and be one of those people for them.

How have you been discipled in the past?

I have had a number of people in my life who have filled this role for me. Most of the time, it was being able to share honestly about my questions and experiences, and to feel that they would always draw my focus toward God but never judge or condemn me. I owe the fact that I am still a believer in Christ to these people and their gentle consistency.

What are your favorite things to learn about?

I’m endlessly curious about human behavior and have been known to read psychology research for fun. I also enjoy learning about food, trying new cooking methods, and experimenting with different ingredients. Lately, I’ve become very interested in sustainability and love to learn about (and try to implement) lifestyle changes that create less waste and steward resources well.

What do you like to do for fun?

I love people, ideas, and the outdoors, so any combination of these is wonderful. Running takes up a significant part of my free time right now, and I also love to take advantage of the beautiful New England woods by hiking every chance I get. I love a good novel or social commentary, chatting with friends, cooking, camping, singing, and creating handmade cards.

Hi, I’m Tim McCollum…

Where are you from?

I am from the Mid-West, and I had spent the last 6 years living in St. Louis, Missouri where I was working in the legal profession. My favorite place I have lived is actually here on the North Shore, because I love beautiful New England and its rich American history and culture. I’ve gotten to form many close and intimate relationships with locals that have done more for my life holistically in 2 short years than any other place I have ever been.

Why is discipleship important to you?

Whether you grow up in Church or become a Christian later in life, one of the hardest and most joyous things to deal with in the Christian life is how to understand and internalize the depth with which God loves us, especially because we are often not good with loving or even liking ourselves. Discipleship, and especially creating safe space for personal confession and honesty within the relationship, is an opportunity to be relieved of our burdens, bear our wounds to the Lord, and experience the joy of having our wounds seen, heard, and healed by God.

What makes you excited to disciple at Gordon College?

I am excited to disciple Gordon students because I have been in their shoes when I attended Christian Liberal Arts college in Chicago in the early 2010s. College is a time of great maturity, difficulty, joy, and transition, and I find that I am in yet another transition period here at Seminary. In such times as these, it is important to root oneself in the solid and secure presence of God, to fulfill us and guide us in these moments.

How have you been discipled in the past?

I experienced my first intentional discipling relationship this past year with one of my close professors and mentors at the seminary. This was meaningful because I met a like minded man, who has had similar experiences and struggles as me, during a time when I was vulnerable. He created the space for me to share vulnerably, release my burdens to the Lord and encouraged me to walk in newness of life. Genuine discipleship has been the impetus for qualitative positive changes in my life and spirituality in the last two years since I have come to seminary.

What are your favorite things to learn about?

I really enjoy studying the interchange of Christian theology, Scripture, and western philosophy, and the way in which the Church has been influenced by, and has influenced, the intellectual and religious cultures in which it finds itself. I am fascinated with topics concerning cosmological origins, biological origins in evolution and intelligent design. I also enjoy American history and Anglo-American religious and political history. I enjoy keeping up on world events and American politics, as well as geopolitics and predictions from analysts. I have many curiosities.

What do you like to do for fun?

I like going to see new movies in theaters whenever good ones come out, as well as following new premium television series on streaming services. I enjoy going around and visiting all manner of historic sites in the greater Boston area, like visiting the numerous sites along the freedom trail. I enjoy taking ferry rides from Boston and Gloucester when I can to get out on the water. Although I haven’t been able to do it yet, I would also like to visit more shooting ranges and learn fishing and hunting from experienced people.

Hi, I’m Heidi Olson…

Where are you from?

I’m originally from Minnesota but I’ve lived in Sweden, Romania and China. Before coming to Gordon-Conwell I was serving for 15 years in amazing China!

Why is discipleship important to you?

We need each other! I’ve always looked for disciplers in my life and have looked for opportunities to disciple others. When we journey together, we all grow in Christ and life is colorful, joyful, full of love and comfort when we need it.

What makes you excited to disciple at Gordon College?

College is an exciting time of life—listening for God’s call, deepening your relationship with Christ in a new place, and living new experiences in a great community. There is so much potential for a life transformed by Christ that brings him glory!

How have you been discipled in the past?

I was in a discipleship group all through my teen years, and we are all still friends years later! Our discipler invested in our lives and she shared her life openly with us. She showed me what it meant to disciple others and over the years I’ve loved discipling other young Christians through sharing our lives, looking at the scriptures together, and building a meaningful friendship in Christ.

What are your favorite things to learn about?

I love learning about missions, the Bible, and leadership.

What do you like to do for fun?

I play the violin in several worship teams. I love to hike, explore new places around the North Shore, and travel internationally.

Hi, I’m Leigh Peterson…

Where are you from?

I am from Akron, OH—I love the sweet Midwest!! My favorite place I have lived is probably Upland, IN, where I went to college and where I lived when I was first married.

Why is discipleship important to you?

Discipleship is important to me because it is a beautiful opportunity to walk alongside fellow brothers and sisters in Christ and grow in our love of Jesus together!

What makes you excited to disciple at Gordon College?

I live at Gordon College in Chase Hall (my husband is Josiah) and have daily interaction with students. I would love to get plugged in with students at a deeper and more intentional level! I am excited to grow in our walks with Jesus together as we mutually encourage one another!

How have you been discipled in the past?

Throughout high school to post college I have been discipled by a trusted female adult who felt like a big sister to me. These discipling experiences were so meaningful to be able to have someone who was a couple steps in their faith in front of me, to ask questions with, and to process life with. Our relationship felt like a safe space to ask the hard questions and to work through them together.

What are your favorite things to learn about?

I love learning about Global Christianity, social justice issues, and new recipes that stretch me to try new ingredients!

What do you like to do for fun?

I love to cook, garden, read, check out bookstores, thrift stores and coffeeshops! Recently, I have been getting into crocheting and candle making!

Hi, I’m Shari Soza…

Where are you from?

I am from Northeastern Ohio! While I love Massachusetts, I am a proud Ohian at heart.

Why is discipleship important to you?

Discipleship is important to me because it has given me someone to lean on not only when things are difficult, but when life is good too! It has shown me accountability as well as the joy of being curious about the Lord with others.

What makes you excited to disciple at Gordon College?

I love working with college students and I know that Gordon is rich with students hungry to pursue the Lord further. I can’t wait to walk in that alongside them.

How have you been discipled in the past?

I was discipled during my senior year of college, and it was incredibly impactful for me. It was a large part of why I decided to apply for graduate school, and it brought me a lot of comfort and guidance in the changing season that is graduating college.

What are your favorite things to learn about?

I love learning languages, learning about cultures different from my own, and learning about the different church experiences people have had!

What do you like to do for fun?

I adore coffee shops and reading. Catch me in downtown Beverly with a latte and a good book anytime! I also enjoy painting my nails and hanging out with my kitty.

Hi, I’m Ray Unang…

Where are you from?

I was born and raised in Jakarta, Indonesia, and I love my hometown! Yes, it’s busy and crowded, but it is full of excitement, energy, and especially, street foods!

Why is discipleship important to you?

I wouldn’t be here if someone hadn’t shared the gospel and discipled me. It changed the course of my life and humbled me in every way possible.

What makes you excited to disciple at Gordon College?

I would love to hear your stories! What brings you to Gordon? What is your passion? And if possible, I would be more than happy to navigate this thing called “college life” together!

How have you been discipled in the past?

One of the seniors in my college insisted on inviting me to join a small group. I was hesitant and skeptical at first, but later, it turned out to be one of the greatest gifts in my life. I can say that God found me and I found myself. And it has never been the same since then.

What are your favorite things to learn about?

I love traveling to new places, learning about their cultures, and trying their foods. I also love to learn the Bible, which is why I’m at seminary!

What do you like to do for fun?

Watching football (not the American kind; the real one), cooking and hosting a dinner, taking a slow nighttime walk.