CENTER FOR INNOVATION IN MINISTRY AT SFTS
The Center for Innovation in Ministry is an expression of San Francisco Theological Seminary’s commitment to remain on the growing edge of the ever-changing spiritual, social and economic challenges facing society.
We seek to stimulate collaborations and ignite positive breakthroughs. We link up individual innovators and partner with congregations, educational organizations, and groups seeking to act positively in the world. Together we create, discover, incubate and disseminate effective responses to our common challenges.
People of goodwill everywhere can engage through partnerships, online courses, on-campus and off-campus seminars, and various social media platforms to find the deep wisdom that can make the world a better place for us all.
Director of The Center for Innovation in Ministry at SFTS
Rev. Floyd Thompkins,
Director of The Center for Innovation in Ministry at SFTS
Floyd Thompkins is an extraordinary communicator, and his dynamic leadership is marked by his gift for connecting to all people. He is particularly skilled at facilitating sensitive real-world subject material, implementing meaningful and relevant community initiatives to make a positive difference. His ministry is one of ethical and compassionate action.
Rev. Thompkins served as a dean and chaplain at two world-class institutions, Stanford and Princeton universities. He developed unique, highly effective programs to empower underserved teenage youth and young adults in urban and rural areas—in East Palo Alto, CA and rural South Georgia. He led Antioch Baptist Church, the oldest African American Church in San Jose, CA, and was the Education and Administrative Pastor of Covenant Christian Church in Douglas, GA.
As Associate Dean of Memorial Church at Stanford University, Rev. Thompkins founded Black Church, the largest multi-cultural religious gathering on the Stanford campus. He also implemented a special freshman support system still being used as a base academic support program. In Georgia, he was executive director of the Bower Fund and with Youth Empowerment Today, organizations dedicated to mentoring at-risk youth through middle school, high school, and into college. He is a curriculum writer and a published author with several books to his credit.
His awards include the Presidential Award for Community Service from President Bill Clinton, The Benjamin E. Mays Fellowship from the Rockefeller Foundation, and the Edward G. Howel Preaching Award from Princeton Theological Seminary.
