08/26/2026
Some seasons of leadership are measured in years. Others are measured in what they make possible.
On August 28, Dr. James E. Brenneman will step down as president of Berkeley School of Theology, concluding two full terms. He leaves an institution transformed: enrollment more than quadrupled, re-accreditation earned at the full ten-year term, and BST's first Spanish-language pathway now reaching from the BA-Equivalency through the Doctor of Ministry. Under his leadership, BST inaugurated the Center for Truth, Racial Healing, and Restorative Justice, launched the Arc Initiative for Asian American theological leadership, and today stands among the ten most interculturally diverse seminaries in the nation.
He would be the first to say none of it happened without struggle. He often returns to the image of Jacob wrestling through the night: tenacious, willing to be wounded in the striving, and stubbornly expectant of blessing. That is the character he left deeper in this school than he found it.
"Every leader has a kairos, a God-appointed time, and mine at BST has been fulfilled. It is time to pass the mantle, trusting that what comes next will be greater still. I leave with a full heart and an open hand, praying that BST's best and most fruitful days are yet to come."
Thank you, Dr. Brenneman. What has been formed here goes with you, and what you formed here remains.
