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Deborah Hearn Gin, M.Div., M.Mus.

Director of Diversity Studies, Office of Diversity Planning and Assessment
Assistant Professor, C.P. Haggard Graduate School of Theology
Phone: (626) 815-5446
Email: dgin@apu.edu
Fax: (626) 815-5468
With a long history in the field of music, having been a professional soloist and pianist, Deborah Gin, M.Div., M.Mus., has performed at venues such as the Crystal Cathedral, Santa Barbara Mission, and Forest Lawn. In 2007, Gin became the director of diversity studies in the APU Office of Diversity, where she provides university-wide oversight regarding diversity issues in curriculum development and assessment. In addition, Gin serves as an assistant professor in the Ministry Department of the C.P. Haggard Graduate School of Theology.

Education

Ph.D. - Higher Education/Pedagogy, Claremont Graduate University, (in progress)
M.Mus. – Vocal Arts, University of Southern California (USC), Los Angeles, 2000
M.Div. - Azusa Pacific University, 1993
B.S. – Psychobiology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, 1987

Expertise

  • Cultural perspectives on the Bible
    The undergraduate Bible courses I teach have a distinct cultural twist in approach and content; because my section is designated for international students, we typically have 8-12 countries represented in a class of 20 students (both international and third-culture students). Significant time is given in class to explore the relationship between biblical cultures and the various cultures of today.
  • Fun and relevant ways of studying the Bible
    I’ve been teaching hermeneutics from an inductive Bible study method for 8 years; my philosophy of teaching this course includes a variety of approaches, including the use of color, small- and large-group activities, competitions and games, observation and analysis of TV programs, music, journaling, Lectio Divina, and various modes of technology.
  • Proper singing and vocal technique
    I completed a master’s in vocal performance at USC; I also studied posture and body technique under the Alexander method; my specialty is French mélodies, particularly those of Claude Debussy.
  • Taize worship
    Taize (with accent) style of worship brings the ancient to the contemporary. I have directed several ensembles in this form of worship for the non-liturgical church setting. When conducting the ensembles, I typically provide history, philosophy of worship, and benefits of this form of contemplative worship.

Courses Taught

GBBL 511 – Seminar in Biblical Interpretation
GMIN 578 – Worship Leadership
GMIN 618 – Philosophy of Ministry
UBBL 100 – Introduction to Biblical Literature: Exodus/Deuteronomy
UBBL 230 – Luke/Acts

Professional/Scholarly Presentations

Presentations
"Liturgy of Word and Table: Asian American Contextual Liturgy." Institute for the Study of Asian American Christianity, SUmmer Immersion Program. Los Angeles, California, July 25-28, 2007.

"Asian American Women's Stories: Panel Discussion on More Than Serving Tea." Moderator, Azusa, California, February 13, 2007.

“Widening the Margins: Examples from the Lives of Pandita Ramabai and  Ruth.”  Address to Korean Fellowship, Azusa Pacific University. Azusa:  February, 2005.

“Inductive Bible Study Method.” Youth workers’ training seminar, Assemblies of the Firstborn Annual Conference. Azusa: January, 2003.

“Inductive Bible Study Method.” Sunday School teacher training seminar, Alpha Ministry. Azusa: January, 2003.

View All Professional/Scholarly Presentations

Professional Experience

Academic Experience
Director of Diversity Studies, Azusa Pacific University, Office of Diversity, 2007-Present

Instructor, Azusa Pacific University, Haggard Graduate School of Theology, 2003-Present

Adjunct Professor, Azusa Pacific University, 1995-2003

Director of M.A. Worship Leadership Program, Azusa Pacific University, 2003-2007

Industry Experience
Music educator (piano studio), 1987-95

Coordinator of Student Services and Assessment, Azusa Pacific University, 1995-2000

Director of Student Services, 2000-03

Ministerial/Para-church Experience
Youth pastor and choir director, Korean Church of the Nazarene, 1984-97

Soloist and worship leader, Far-East Broadcasting Chorale, 1997-98

Choir director, Jung Bu Young Nak Church, 1998-2001

Soloist, First Chinese Baptist Church, 2001-02

Adult Sunday school instructor and Taize ensemble director, Board Member for Worship Arts, Evergreen Baptist Church, 2002-present

Professional Involvement and Accomplishments

Honors, Awards, Recognition
$1,500 Activites Grant Award, Kern Family Foundation (2007, 2006, 2005)
Cum Laude (USC)
Outstanding Student Scholarship
Phi Beta Kappa Scholar
Voted Senior Speaker (Haggard Graduate School of Theology Graduating Class)

Associations, Boards, Committees
American Academy of Religion, Member, 2007-present
Association for the Study of Higher Education, Member, 2005-2006
Institute for the Study of Asian American Christianity, Observer, 2005-present
Consultation for Asians/Asian-North Americans in Theological Education, Association of Theological Schools, Invited Participant, 2005
Asian American Center Incubation Team, 2005
Asian American Women in Leadership Initiative, Core Leader, 2004-present
Women in Leadership Development (W.I.L.D.), member, 2002-2005
Consultation for Asians/Asian-North Americans in Theological Education, 2005
Seminar for Racial/Ethnic Women in Theological Education, Association of Theological Schools, Invited Participant, 2004
California Teaching English as a Second or Other Language, Member, 2003-2004

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