Cooley Seminary Faculty & Staff
Dr. H. Neely Gaston
President
Dr. H. Neely Gaston is the President of the Robert E. Cooley Theological Seminary, a position he has held since 2023. With a remarkable career in theological education, Neely previously served as the Executive Director of the Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary Charlotte campus from 2010 to 2019. Prior to that, he was the Executive Vice President of Erskine College and Theological Seminary from 2002 to 2010. Neely has made significant contributions to the field, including leading a successful $10,000,000 Capital Campaign to build the David Rogers Hall of Mission at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary – Charlotte. He is also known as the co-creator of Digital Live, a cutting-edge global learning platform for distance education. Neely’s dedication to education is further evident in his creation of the Theological ESL program and the Korean Studies Program at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary – Charlotte. Additionally, he has facilitated various education partnerships with esteemed organizations such as the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, the Evangelical Covenant Order, The North American Lutheran Church, and the Anglican Communion. Neely holds an M.Div. from Erskine College, where he graduated with honors, and was awarded a D.D. from Grand Rapids Theological Seminary. Beyond his professional pursuits, Neely and his wife, Lyn, have raised two accomplished children, Megan and John Neely.
Pablo A. Jiménez, D.Min.
Vice-President and Director of the Center for Latino Studies (Vice-Presidente y Director del Centro de Estudios Latinos)
Pablo A. Jiménez is a professor of Pastoral Theology, specialized in Homiletics, Leadership and Church Revitalization. Jiménez has earned several degrees in theology: a Master of Divinity (MDiv) from the Evangelical Seminary of Puerto Rico; a Sacred Theology Masters (STM) in New Testament and Homiletics from Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis, Indiana; and a Doctor of Ministry in Biblical Hermeneutics from Columbia Theological Seminary (CTS) in Decatur, Georgia.
Pablo has written several books in English and Spanish, such as Púlpito: An Introduction to Hispanic Preaching (with Justo L Gonzalez). Pablo is also the editor of La Biblia para la Predicación (UBS). Pablo has taught at various theological schools, both in English and Spanish, in the United States, Latin America and the Caribbean. He produces the podcast in Spanish titled Prediquemos (prediquemos.com); an educational website in Spanish (drpablojimenez.com); and another one in English (drpablojimenez.com).
Español
Pablo A. Jiménez es un profesor teología Pastoral, especializado en homilética, liderazgo y revitalización de la Iglesia. Cuenta con varios grados académicos en el campo de la teología: una Maestría en Divinidad del Seminario Evangélico de Puerto Rico (SEPR); una Maestría en Sagrada Teología con especialización en Nuevo Testamento y Predicación de Christian Theological Seminary (CTS); y un Doctorado en Ministerio con especialización en Interpretación Bíblica de Columbia Theological Seminary (CTS).
Jiménez ha escrito varios libros, entre los cuales se destacan La predicación en el Siglo XXI (CLIE) y Principios de predicación (Abingdon). También es el editor de La Biblia para la Predicación (SBU) y ha contribuido a varias Biblias de Estudio. Jiménez ha enseñado en varias escuelas teológicas en los Estados Unidos, América Latina y el Caribe. Produce el podcast titulado Prediquemos y tiene una página web en español, www.drpablojimenez.com.
John Jaebong Kim
Executive Vice President for Undergraduate Studies
Dr. John Jaebong Kim is a pastor, missionary, educator, and church planter with a deep commitment to ministry and theological education.
Born on February 4, 1969, Dr. Kim holds a B.A. in English Literature from Kangwon National University (1994) and a Diploma in English Literature from Slippery Rock University (1994). He further pursued theological studies, earning an M.S. in Biblical Studies from Abilene Christian University (1997), an M.Div. from Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary (2004), and is a Th.D. candidate at Northpoint University (2020-2023).
With over 25 years of ministry experience, Dr. Kim has served as Assistant Pastor at Yulrin Baptist Church (1997-2001) and Senior Pastor at LA Hangbok Baptist Church (2001-2003). He was the Founder and Senior Pastor of the Korean Congregation at Beijing Living Water Church (2004-2019) and established Mosaic International School in China, serving as Principal for 13 years (2007-2019).
Dr. Kim is also the Founder and President of Living Water Ministry (2008- Present). More recently, he has served as Assistant Pastor at Hyoungjae Church (2020-2023), Senior Pastor at Disciple Making Church (2023-2024), and Vice President at Northpoint University (2022-2023).
Currently, he is the International Director for KPCA NWPTS in Seattle and continues his mission to equip disciples and leaders for global ministry.
John C. Kim
Vice President for Recruitment and Mentoring
The Rev. Dr. John C. Kim is a seasoned pastor, theological educator, and denominational leader with decades of service in ministry and cross-cultural outreach. He has served as the Senior Pastor of Bethel Korean Church of Charlotte since 1996, where he continues to lead a vibrant congregation rooted in Reformed theology and community service.
Born on November 15, 1956, Dr. Kim holds a Bachelor of Arts in Theology from Washington Bible College (1980), a Master of Divinity from Tri-State Theological Seminary (1985), and a Doctor of Ministry from the University of Louisiana (1991). His academic formation reflects a deep commitment to biblical teaching and pastoral leadership.
Dr. Kim has also held significant roles in broader church leadership. He served as an Executive Member of the ARP Outreach North America (2010–2016) and was Chairman of the Evangelism & Multi-Ethnic Ministries Committee within the same body, headquartered in Greenville, South Carolina. Additionally, he acted as Moderator of the Korean Church Committee in the City of Charlotte from 2019 to 2021, fostering unity and vision among local congregations.
Suk Ho Moon
Dean of Theology
Dr. Suk Ho Moon is a distinguished theologian, professor, pastor, and author with extensive contributions to modern theology, apologetics, and Christian spirituality.
Born on October 5, 1952, Dr. Moon holds a Doctor of Theology (Th.D.) in Systematics and Modern Theology from the University of Stellenbosch, South Africa, a Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) from Fuller Theological Seminary, and multiple theological degrees from Westminster Theological Seminary and Chong-Shin University.
He has held prominent academic positions, serving as Professor and Dean of Theology at Atlanta Cumberland Theological Seminary (2023-Present), Professor Emeritus at Chong-Shin University (2007-2016), and Adjunct Professor at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary (2011-2021). He was also a Professor at Chong-Shin University (1987-2007) and has directed various theological programs.
Dr. Moon served as Senior Pastor at Hyo-Shin Bible Presbyterian Church in New York (2007-2022) and has been actively involved in Christian leadership, including roles as President of the Korean Churches Association of Greater New York (2020-2021) and the Korean Clergy Association of Greater New York (2017-2018).
A prolific author, he has published numerous books in Korean on theology, spirituality, and apologetics. Additionally, he has translated significant theological works into Korean, contributing to Christian scholarship.
Dr. Moon continues to shape theological education and church leadership, dedicating his life to the study and teaching of Reformed theology and Christian spirituality.
Pastor Jimmy Jones
Pastor Jimmy Jones is married to Karen Jones for 30 plus years. They have one son Tyler Jones who has served our country in Afghanistan, as a U.S. Army Cavalry Scout. Pastor Jones is a native and life-long resident of Lexington, South Carolina. His early professional career included involvement in family businesses in the home building and home furnishing industries. Pastor Jones became a minister in 1994 and has served as a pastor to the homeless, poor, and needy for the past 25 years. Pastor Jimmy, as he is more commonly known, is the founder and CEO of Christ Central Ministries Inc. Ministry offices are located in downtown Columbia, South Carolina.
Renée B. Stewart
Dr. Renée B. Stewart is a distinguished leader in organizational communications, strategic planning, and ministry leadership, with extensive experience in executive management, federal contracting, and community development.
She holds a Ph.D. in Organizational Communications from Regent University, an M.A. in Mass Communications/Research (Academic Scholar Award), and a B.A. in Journalism from the University of South Carolina.
Dr. Stewart currently serves as President of Christ Central Ministries Missions Group (CCM), overseeing international and domestic mission stations, policy development, and strategic planning. She has also held key managerial roles at Savannah River National Laboratory and Savannah River Site, leading business operations, compliance programs, and leadership development initiatives.
Her academic contributions include serving as an Adjunct Faculty member at Aiken Technical College and a Teaching Assistant at the University of South Carolina, instructing courses in business, English, and communications.
A prolific author and speaker, Dr. Stewart has published extensively on strategic leadership, business success, community leadership, and faith-based initiatives. Her research on organizational trust has been presented at national conferences, and she continues to explore community-based solutions to poverty and leadership development.
Certified as an Ordained Minister (Church of God) and holding executive leadership credentials from Cornell University, Dr. Stewart combines her expertise in business, faith, and public service to impact organizations and communities globally.
Janet Perrigo
Janet E. Perrigo is an experienced educator, writer, and ministry leader with a distinguished career in Christian education and community outreach. She currently serves as Director of Domestic Missions College at Christ Central Institute in Wagener, South Carolina, where she oversees campus operations, develops curriculum, and coordinates chaplaincy training programs across multiple states.
With prior service as Vice President of Student Affairs at the same institution, Janet has a strong background in student services, campus ministry, and academic support. She is also a seasoned freelance writer and editor, contributing to outlets such as HealthLinks and Textbroker.com, with over 1,100 published articles spanning topics from education to healthcare and human interest.
Janet’s foundational work in education includes nearly two decades as founder and principal of Greater Claremont Christian School in New Hampshire, where she also taught secondary students and introduced the Classical Education Model. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Social Welfare from the University of Maine and has completed graduate-level coursework in education, along with certifications in Mental Health Coaching and First Response Chaplaincy.
Robert W. Bell
Dr. Robert W. Bell is a seasoned pastor, theologian, and professor with extensive experience in pastoral care, counseling, and theological education.
He earned a Ph.D. in Psychology of Religion from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (1994), where he specialized in pastoral approaches to anger. He also holds a Th.M. in Psychology of Religion (1990), an M.Div. in Theology (1982) from Erskine Theological Seminary, and a B.A. in Medical Technology (1976) from Erskine College.
Dr. Bell has over three decades of experience in ministry and theological education. He served as Pastor of Young Memorial ARP Church in Anderson, SC (2016-2022) and Pressly Memorial ARP Church in Statesville, NC (1982-1989). Additionally, he was a Professor of Pastoral Care & Counseling at Erskine Theological Seminary (1994-2015), where he also held leadership roles such as Academic Dean and Director of Counseling & Professional Assessment.
His clinical training includes Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) and pastoral counseling residencies at hospitals and counseling centers. He has been actively involved in community service, serving on the Board of Directors for Collins Home Family Ministries and William H. Dunlap Orphanage Foundation.
A published author and seminar speaker, Dr. Bell has contributed to pastoral counseling, Christian education, and emotional well-being from a biblical perspective. He continues to impact church leadership and pastoral care through teaching, writing, and mentoring.
Chan Eung Jeon
Dr. Chan Eung Jeon is a distinguished theologian, pastor, and professor with extensive experience in ministry and biblical studies.
Born on May 29, 1953, Dr. Jeon pursued his theological education at Seoul Presbyterian Theological Seminary, earning degrees in Church Music (1984) and Theology (1986). He furthered his studies in the United States, obtaining a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) from Erskine Theological Seminary (1995) and a Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) from The School of Theology at Oral Roberts University (2001).
Dr. Jeon has dedicated decades to pastoral ministry, serving as an assistant pastor at Atlanta Young-Nak Presbyterian Church (1992-1997), the lead pastor of San-Sung Presbyterian Church (1997-2011), and a cooperative pastor at Missions Centered Church (2018-2023).
Alongside his pastoral work, Dr. Jeon has been an educator in biblical studies and languages. He has served as a Professor of Old Testament at Georgia Christian University (2001-2018), Reformed University (2017-2020), and currently teaches at Atlanta Cumberland Theological Seminary (2023-Present). Additionally, he was a Professor of Hebrew at New Orleans Theological Seminary (2013-2015).
With a passion for theological education and pastoral leadership, Dr. Jeon continues to impact students and congregations, fostering a deeper understanding of Scripture and faith.
Yong Hwan (Jake) Kim
Dr. Yong Hwan (Jake) Kim is a dedicated theologian, pastor, educator, and researcher with a strong background in Christian education, practical theology, and youth ministry.
Dr. Kim earned his Ph.D. in Educational Studies from Talbot School of Theology, focusing his dissertation on the spiritual formation of adolescents in Korean immigrant churches. He also holds an M.A. in Youth, Family, & Culture from Fuller Theological Seminary, an M.Div. from Chong Shin Theological Seminary, and a B.A. in Theology from Chong Shin University.
With over two decades of teaching experience, Dr. Kim is an Assistant Professor of Practical Theology at Georgia Central University and holds adjunct professorships at Fuller Theological Seminary, Grace School of Theology, and Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. His expertise extends to Christian apologetics, youth discipleship, and spirituality.
In addition to academia, Dr. Kim has been actively involved in ministry, serving as Senior Pastor of Peacemakers Presbyterian Church (2014-2024) and holding various pastoral roles in churches across the U.S. and South Korea.
He is a member of multiple professional organizations, including the International Enneagram Association and the North American Professors of Christian Education Conference. His scholarship includes conference presentations and book reviews in Christian education.
Dr. Kim continues to shape theological education and pastoral ministry, fostering spiritual growth and leadership development in the next generation.
Ramón O. Martínez Orabona
Dr. Ramón O. Martínez Orabona is a pastor, theologian, educator, and professional with extensive experience in ministry, counseling, and leadership.
He holds a Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) in Pastoral Leadership from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary (2022), a Master of Professional Studies (MPS) in Urban Ministries from Nyack College (2007), and a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Finance from the University of Puerto Rico (1993). Additionally, he received a Music Diploma in Cello from the Conservatory of Music of Puerto Rico (1989).
Since 2017, Dr. Martínez Orabona has served as Senior Pastor of Iglesia Bautista El Redentor in Bayamón, Puerto Rico. He also works as a Complaints Officer at the Office of the Patient Advocate (since 2021) and previously served as a Corporate Studies and Procedures Analyst at the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (2016-2021). His earlier career includes management roles at Zales Corporation (1995-2002).
As an educator, he has taught Thanatology, Counseling, and Biblical Studies Methodology at the Leadership Theological Institute (2010-2012) and has presented lectures on congregational revitalization at various theological conferences.
Fluent in Spanish and English, Dr. Martínez Orabona is an active member of the Ministerial Council of the American Baptist Churches – Puerto Rican Chapter and continues to impact communities through pastoral leadership, theological education, and advocacy.
José Antonio Álvarez
Dr. José Antonio Álvarez is a theologian, scholar, educator, and author dedicated to theological education and biblical research, particularly in Latin America.
Originally from Mexico, Dr. Álvarez overcame a challenging childhood in orphanages and on the streets, eventually migrating to the United States, where he encountered the gospel and dedicated his life to Christian ministry in 1992.
He holds multiple graduate degrees, including an M.A. and M.Div. from Regent University (USA), an M.Litt. from the University of St. Andrews (UK), and pursued doctoral studies at the University of Aberdeen (UK). His academic journey has also led him to conduct archaeological and biblical research in Scotland, Spain, France, England, and Israel.
As an educator, he has taught Old Testament courses at Gordon-Conwell Seminary and Western Seminary and has served as an academic consultant for various theological institutions across Latin America. His work includes developing bibliographic resources for seminaries in Mexico, Costa Rica, and Guatemala.
Dr. Álvarez is a prolific author, having published numerous books and articles on church history, biblical theology, and pastoral leadership. Committed to transforming nations through theological education, Dr. Álvarez continues to train pastors, professors, and emerging leaders, fostering a strong theological foundation for the Latin American church.
Nelson E. Cruz
Dr. Nelson Ernesto Cruz is a pastor, professor, and theologian with over 20 years of experience in ministry and theological education.
Originally from El Salvador, Dr. Cruz pursued theological studies in the United States, earning a Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) from Dallas Theological Seminary (2018), a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) from Fuller Theological Seminary (2005), and a Bachelor of Theology from Latin American Theological Seminary (1995).
Dr. Cruz has served as a pastor and church planter in multiple congregations, including Iglesia Fraternidad Cristiana de las Asambleas de Dios in Montebello, CA (2017-Present) and Iglesia Cristiana Fundamental La Trinidad in Los Angeles, CA (2006-2017). His pastoral work includes preaching, teaching, pastoral care, and community outreach.
As an educator, he has held professorships at Latin American Theological Seminary, Life Pacific University, Gordon-Conwell Seminary, and World Mission Maranatha University, teaching a wide range of biblical, theological, and pastoral courses. He also specializes in online theological education and curriculum development.
Dr. Cruz has contributed to the Spanish edition of the Family Bible and has been recognized for his excellence in teaching, receiving awards such as Teacher of the Year at Latin American Theological Seminary (2016) and the Faculty Excellence Award from LABI College (2018).
Committed to Christian education and ministry, Dr. Cruz continues to train pastors, leaders, and students, equipping them for impactful service in the church and community.
Arlene Hernández
Dr. Arlene Hernández is a dedicated pastor, biblical counselor, and educator with extensive experience in ministry and theological education.
She holds a Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary (2022), a Master of Divinity from Wesleyan Seminary at Indiana Wesleyan University
(2016), and has completed the United Methodist Church Ministerial Course of Study at Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary (2011).
Dr. Hernández has served in pastoral ministry for over a decade, including her role as Associate Pastor at Wesley Hispanic United Methodist Church (2011-2015), where she led preaching, teaching, and congregational care. She also served as Small Group Director at Christ Fellowship Miami (2015-2019), overseeing leadership development and spiritual formation.
Since 2019, she has been an active Congregational Care Biblical Counselor at Christ Fellowship Miami, providing Bible-based counseling to individuals seeking spiritual and emotional guidance.
In addition to her pastoral and counseling work, Dr. Hernández is committed to theological education, aiming to equip future leaders with a solid biblical foundation. She also holds a Certificate in Neurostrategic Coaching (2017), enhancing her ability to guide individuals through spiritual and personal development.
With a passion for ministry, education, and pastoral care, Dr. Hernández continues to impact the church and theological institutions, nurturing spiritual growth and transformation in her community.
Daniel Rivera
Daniel Andrés Rivera Rosado is an Ordained Minister of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Puerto Rico. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology (University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus), a Master’s Degree in Divinity (Evangelical Seminary of Puerto Rico), and is a doctoral student in Education (Ph.D.) at the University of Arizona, Global Campus. Daniel also has served in the area of Chaplaincy in Schools and Hospitals, directed youth ministries and developed Christian educational content. He has been an assistant professor at the Evangelical Seminary of Puerto Rico and the Sacred Heart University.
He is currently the Director of the Bible Institute of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Puerto Rico.