Sam Rima

Director of a seminary doctoral program, married with 4 kids and 1 dog.

Sam currently serves as the Director of the Doctor of Ministry Program at Bethel Seminary in St. Paul, MN, where he is also a faculty member in the Center for Transformational Leadership. Additionally, Sam serves as a partner with Trans4m: Four World Center for Social Innovation, based in Geneva, Switzerland. Before coming to Bethel, Sam was the Executive Minister for the Columbia Baptist Conference, where he oversaw churches in Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana. In his role as District Executive he also was responsible for the oversight of Lake Retreat (Revensdale, WA), Camp Bighorn (Plains, MT), and Northwest Church Planting (Vancouver, WA). Though he grew-up in the Pacific Northwest, he has been the senior pastor of churches in southern California, Omaha, NE, and Sioux Falls, SD. After receiving his BA in Political Science from Eastern Washington University, Sam served as a staff member for a U.S. Congressional Campaign in Washington State's 5th Congressional district and almost ended-up in Washington, DC.

Sam lives in St. Paul, MN with his wife of twenty-four years, Sue, and three of their four children, Seth (18), Hillary (16), and Sammy (14). Their oldest daughter, Jill (22), is married and lives in Roseville, MN with her husband Matt

Personal Interests:

Sam is an avid fly-fisherman, Upland Bird Hunter and camper. He has also enjoyed climbing in his native Pacific Northwest. On the more domestic front, Sam greatly enjoys reading and writing, as well as tennis and working out at his local YMCA.

Education:

B.A. in Government & Political Science, Eastern Washington University -1981
M. Div., Talbot School of Theology, Biola University - 1986
D. Min., Talbot School of Theology, Biola University – 1996
Candidate, Ph.D. in Spiritual and Socio-Economic Transformation at the University of Buckingham, U.K.