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Our experience has been the opposite of the way most people approach ministry. We were pastoring before we had any formal training. It did not take us very long to realize how ill-equipped we were for the position. Soon after we were in the pastorate, we received an invitation to a pastors open house at Seminary of the East. We were immediately taken with the school. The selling point for us was the partners program, where a spouse can take an equal or lesser number of credits for free. We have always tried to work closely and saw that as an opportunity for growth for the two of us. We have not been disappointed.

From our first class at Seminary of the East, the experience has been a source of challenge and development. There have been countless times when we have found immediate application in the church and in our lives for the things we learned. Because we are able to study together, we have been able to help and challenge each other. That has had a great impact on our lives and ministry.

There is also a great spirit at Seminary of the East. The faculty all have a deep love for, and commitment to, education founded upon an even deeper love for Jesus. The students share those values, and together they enter into a love for one another. The discipleship groups have been a constant source of encouragement and strength. We stand with one another in prayer and have seen the Lord move in the lives of many students and faculty.

For us, Seminary of the East has been more than a school; it has been a family adventure. Many times our four children have attended classes with us. We have always felt welcomed and encouraged as we have pursued training at Seminary of the East. For us it was definitely the right choice.

Phil and Joya Prestamo began their studies at Seminary of the East in 1995. They currently serve at First Baptist Church in Freeport, New York, where Phil is pastor.