2025 Distinguished Alums Honored at Commencement

Rev. Dr. Mazvita Machinga, Bishop Gift K. Machinga, and Rev. Woong-Min Kim were recognized as the 2025 Distinguished Alums at Claremont School of Theology’s Commencement ceremony in Los Angeles.

Recipients of the award are nominated by their peers for being agents of transformation and healing in the world, and for living out CST’s core values of compassion, justice, and belonging.

Read more about each extraordinary recipient below:

Rev. Dr. Mazvita Machinga

Rev. Dr. Mazvita Machinga is an ordained United Methodist Church Deacon and seasoned psychotherapist with over 20 years of experience in mental health, trauma healing, and substance use rehabilitation. She earned an MTS in Pastoral Care and Counseling (2005) and a PhD in Practical Theology, Psychotherapy Track (2012) from CST, and also holds an MSc in Psychology from the University of Roehampton. As Founder and Clinical Director of Psychotherapy, Care and Counselling Services in Manicaland, Zimbabwe, she serves vulnerable communities through voluntary clinical services, psychoeducation, and innovative trauma recovery programs. Dr. Machinga has held key leadership roles, including Vice Chair of the Zimbabwe National Peace and Reconciliation Commission Committee, Chair of the Zimbabwe Psychological Association (Manicaland), and inaugural President of the Zimbabwe Association of Professional Accredited Chaplains. She also serves on various provincial and church committees. Her work integrates spirituality and mental health, promoting their complementarity and advancing healing and empowerment. Recognized nationally and internationally, her efforts embody CST’s mission to cultivate compassionate leaders for a just and healing world.

Bishop Gift K. Machinga 

With over 42 years in pastoral ministry, Bishop Rev. Dr. Gift Machinga ’04, ’08 embodies dedicated spiritual leadership and community service. He earned a Master of Arts and Doctor of Ministry in Religious Education from CST. Currently the Resident Bishop for the Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, and Botswana Episcopal Area, he has served faithfully in diverse roles across Zimbabwe and the U.S. Known for his compassionate, humble, and wise leadership, Bishop Machinga has held key positions including District Superintendent, Conference Secretary, Chair of the Board on Ordained Ministry, and team lead to the General and Central Africa Conferences. He has also served as Board Member for Africa Upper Room Ministries and Africa’s leader for the General Board of Discipleship. His visionary efforts have supported the development of church infrastructure, health facilities, and UMC campgrounds in Zimbabwe. A mentor to many clergy and laity, he advocates for discipleship, unity among Christian denominations, and spiritual growth. A strong voice for peace and harmony in faith communities, Bishop Machinga’s life exemplifies servant leadership and deep devotion. His enduring impact reflects CST’s mission to form compassionate leaders, rooted in justice, and committed to healing a fractured world.

Rev. Woong-Min Kim

For over four decades, Rev. Woong-Min Kim ‘81 has been one of the most respected pastors in the Korean American United Methodist Church. Born in Korea before the Korean War, his experiences with social conflict shaped his ministry, emphasizing compassion, justice, and belonging. He served a congregation in Korea and six in the California-Pacific Annual Conference, founding two. From 2004–2010, he was District Superintendent of the Hawaii District and later served as Coordinator for the Western Jurisdiction Korean Ministry (2015–2022). Known for humility and deep faith, Rev. Kim empowered laypeople and prioritized community consent, fostering peace wherever he served.

His ministry extended globally—he founded a pasta factory in North Korea during a famine, supported churches and medical missions in Brazil, established congregations in the Philippines, and aided care homes for orphans and those with disabilities in Korea. Rev. Kim also supported ecumenical missions and promoted multicultural, multiracial ministry.

Even after retiring in 2013, he remained active, helping 18 churches partner to support 22 new congregations and serving as Chair of CST’s International Development Committee. Through his leadership, he has helped raise over half a million dollars for CST. Rev. Kim embodies CST’s values, demonstrating how pastoral leadership rooted in compassion and justice transforms communities worldwide.