Author Archives: College of Theology

Sammy Alfaro, Ph.D.  Professor of Theology Sammy.Alfaro@gcu.edu  Dr. Alfaro is a Phoenix native of Mexican descent. He received an M.A. in Biblical & Theological Studies (2002) and a Ph.D. in Theology (2008) from Fuller Theological Seminary (Pasadena, CA). He is an ordained bishop (Church of God, Cleveland, TN) and pastor of New Day Church. HeContinue reading “Sammy Alfaro”

Brett Berger, Th.M. Director, Barnabas Program Department Chair, B.A. in Christian Ministry Brett.Berger@gcu.edu Brett Berger was born and raised in Arizona.  He completed an M.Div. from Phoenix Seminary and a Th.M. from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.  His academic interests include biblical theology, ethics, and spiritual formation.  He and his wife, Audra, have three sons. In additionContinue reading “Brett Berger”

Ryan Brandt, Ph.D.  Professor of Christian History and Theology  Ryan.Brandt@gcu.edu Dr. Brandt teaches theology, historical theology, and honors Christian worldview for the College of Theology. He has published chapters and journal articles on the beatific vision and theosis in Christian thought, contemplation, spiritual reading (the lectio), theological interpretation, and spiritual formation. He is an editorContinue reading “Ryan Brandt”

Pete Charpentier, D.Min. Assistant Professor of Theology and Pastoral Ministry M.Div. Department Chair Pete.Charpentier@gcu.edu  Dr. Charpentier is a native of Louisiana.  He earned undergraduate and graduate degrees in Biblical Studies and New Testament, respectively. His D.Min. work focused on personal disciple-making in the context of pastoral ministry.  Dr. Charpentier has served in various ministry roles for overContinue reading “Pete Charpentier”

John Cheong, Ph.D.  Associate Professor of Missions Missions Course Lead John.Cheong@gcu.edu  John was born and raised in Southeast Asia. He completed his Th.M. and Ph.D. at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and serves as the course lead for intercultural studies at GCU. He spent over a decade in missions in Southeast Asia doing evangelism, discipleship, andContinue reading “John Cheong”

Manny Cota, M.A. Instructor of Philosophy Manny.Cota@gcu.edu  Manny is an Arizona native and grew up on the border in Nogales, Arizona. He completed an M.A. in Philosophy of Religion and Ethics at Biola University, and subsequently spent two years at the Bioethics Institute at Loyola Marymount University where he completed an M.A. in Bioethics.  HeContinue reading “Manny Cota”

Valerie De La Torre, D. Min. Instructor of Theology Course Lead, PSEC Committee Valerie.DeLaTorre@gcu.edu Dr. Valerie De La Torre was born in Los Angeles, California and raised in the small mining town of Miami, Arizona. She is a Grand Canyon College alumna, having graduated with a Music Ed degree with a minor in English. SheContinue reading “Valerie De La Torre”

Daniel Diffey, Ph.D. Professor of Old Testament Daniel.Diffey@gcu.edu Dr. Diffey serves as Department Chair of the Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies programs and is Professor of Old Testament and Hebrew within the College of Theology at GCU. He has an M.Div. in Christian Ministry and earned a Ph.D. in Old Testament. He has beenContinue reading “Daniel Diffey”

Randall Downs, Ph.D. Worship Arts Director Department Chair Randall.Downs@gcu.edu I am originally from Mobile, Alabama and I have lived in Phoenix since 2016. I married my beautiful wife, Ashley, in May 2018 and we live in Anthem, Arizona. For my bachelor’s degrees, I double majored in Music and Christian Studies at the University of MobileContinue reading “Randall Downs”

David Farbishel, D.Min.  Assistant Professor of Theology David.Farbishel@gcu.edu  Dr. Farbishel is from Pennsylvania and lived in Illinois and Texas before settling in Arizona where he is now an assistant professor in GCU’s College of Theology. He studied and worked in engineering, but later completed his M.Div. and served as a pastor for many years before eventuallyContinue reading “David Farbishel”