After three years of diligent work, the SEM class of 2025 has officially graduated! Three students shared with us how going through SEM changed them. Plus a graduation photo gallery!
Pierre (Minnesota)
What does God truly…really…look like? That’s the question my three year SEM experience raised, and I’m glad it did. See, my picture of God was distorted. Being black in America will do that to you. It will distort the true face of Love, God’s face. And that was hard. But SEM helped me work through my distorted picture. Some layers of my picture were removed with ease, while others came through frustration, questions and a gracious community. It was the community of SEM, the cohorts, pastors and teachers that helped me the most, as the Holy Spirit brought healing to my view of God. So, what does God truly…really…look like? Jesus. And I find that to be relieving.
Caroline (UK)
It was a huge leap in the dark when I enrolled in SEM 3 years ago, as I had no idea what I was committing to. All I knew was I enjoyed the Sunday sermons, Musecast and Gathering Groups but being a podrishioner on a different time zone I often felt spiritually isolated. I yearned for more consistent connection with like-minded Christians and to somehow go deeper with God.
Despite having studied the Bible for decades, at times during SEM classes I thought my heart would burst with joy as puzzle pieces finally fitted together and pennies dropped. I had wanted to be close to God and serve him when I was scared of him. It’s hard to describe how much happier I am now that I know my Heavenly Father is so much nicer than I had previously believed. This isn’t wishful thinking on my part but based on reliable biblical teaching.
Even better than the transformative classes was having a peek behind the curtain to see first hand how Woodland Hills really is when confronted by opposing views and life’s disappointments. I learned more by observing character, genuine reactions and inspirational Kingdom behaviour from the instructors and classmates.
With graduation, I am starting to grieve for all I am going to miss—the connections, conversations, revelations and the meeting ending in the early hours of the morning. All have given me a deep joy as they changed me from the inside out. I’m so very grateful I took the leap of faith.
Post-graduation, I will continue to work full time in my secular job but with a different heart and motivation. I’m also working on a long term strategy to be more available, because, worthwhile as my job is, passing on what I’ve learned about the real good news excites me even more. While I’ll miss the scheduled classes I am determined to stay connected by attending post-SEM groups so I can continue to learn to love together.
Megan (Texas)
I entered SEM with three goals: to learn how to read and apply scripture in a transformative way, to overcome habitual sin and to discern God’s call on my life. Through SEM, I’ve discovered that the missing link in all three goals was quality communion with God. I’ve learned that transformation doesn’t come from striving but from abiding.
The instructors provided diverse, biblically grounded perspectives that made complex theology accessible. These teachings, combined with the support of spiritual friendships and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, have helped me break free from mental and spiritual strongholds, allowing me to see myself and others through God’s eyes.
The SEM community has been a powerful example of the Body of Christ, helping remove the scales from my eyes and the walls from my heart. SEM has also reshaped my perspective on ministry and calling. I now understand that my identity is rooted in being with God, not doing for God.
After graduating from SEM, I look forward to a lifelong journey of learning that will continue to deepen my understanding of God’s boundless love for me and others. As I abide in and surrender to that love, I am committed to living a life of mission—helping others discover, experience and share this same transformative love with the world around them.
Congrats once again to our grads! We are proud of you and excited to see where God takes you next.
If you’re interested in learning more about SEM, click here.
