Steve Yamaguchi became Fuller’s dean of students in August 2014 and joined the faculty as assistant professor of pastoral theology in 2015. For the previous 11 years he served as executive presbyter of the Presbytery of Los Ranchos in Southern California. In this role he was a catalyst helping congregations grow in their missional outreach. Yamaguchi’s Doctor of Ministry from Claremont School of Theology focused on transforming PC(USA) governing bodies from organizations modeled on corporate hierarchy into communities of Christ-followers sent into the world.

Born and raised in South Central Los Angeles, Yamaguchi has a passion for urban ministry and sees Holy Spirit-inspired, grassroots collaboration as key to Christ’s mission through us. A favorite part of Steve’s presbytery service was supporting imaginative and courageous pastoral candidates and new pastors, a passion he brings to his role at Fuller working with students discerning and preparing for their vocational dreams.