Ronald W. Prins, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, announces the appointment of Joel Eunil Kim as the fourth president of Westminster Seminary California (WSC) to succeed W. Robert Godfrey. Dr. Godfrey is planning to retire by end of July 2017.
Rev. Joel E. Kim has served Westminster Seminary California as Assistant Professor of New Testament since 2005. As a teaching elder in the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) he and his family attend New Life PCA in Escondido after serving for a number of years at New Life Fullerton (PCA). He and his wife, Sharon, have two children.
Having grown up in California, he attended the University of California, Los Angeles (B.A.), Westminster Seminary California (M. Div.), and Calvin Theological Seminary (Th. M.). His Ph.D. studies in Historical Theology were with the noted scholar Professor Richard A. Muller at Calvin Theological Seminary. Among his publications, he co-edited Always Reformed: Essays in Honor of W. Robert Godfrey (2010).
He has served Reformed and Presbyterian congregations for over two decades. As the son of a Christian Reformed Church minister, he was catechized with the Three Forms of Unity from childhood. Born in South Korea, his family moved to Southern California when he was nine years of age, where he would learn English and retain his fluency in speaking the Korean language. He has served as a pastor in several churches in Southern California since his graduation from WSC in 1997, has taught in several theological schools, has served the global church through agencies like Southeast Asia Partnership, and, among other notable leadership services, he chairs the Candidates and Credentials Committee of the Korean Southwest Presbytery of the PCA.
Mr. Prins comments that “The Presidential Search Committee has worked diligently since September 2016 to find the man whom the Lord has prepared for this time of leadership in the life of Westminster Seminary California. Through the careful and prayerful process of considering many candidates, with the Lord’s blessing, we are pleased with this selection of Rev. Kim for the future of WSC.”
According to Dr. Godfrey, “Joel Kim brings many gifts to this new role along with his passion for and experience in pastoral ministry. WSC has become a seminary not only for the west, but for the nation and the world. We look forward with hope that our new president will continue broadening our impact for the church as the Lord leads him in this office. I am well-pleased for the faculty’s endorsement.”
That endorsement reads: “The faculty enthusiastically supports the nomination of Professor Joel Kim to be the fourth president of Westminster Seminary California. His love for the church of Christ is manifest, his affection for WSC and his family is exemplary, and he has demonstrated outstanding administrative and teaching gifts. Mr. Kim shows tremendous potential to have a positive impact on our institution at this time as we continue seeking to glorify Christ, promote His Gospel, and serve His Church.”
The WSC Board of Trustees is deeply appreciative of Dr. Godfrey’s loyal service and long tenure as president. “We are extremely grateful,” said Mr. Prins, “that Bob will have a continuing role in the life of the seminary as President Emeritus and as a teacher.”
For further information, contact: Dawn G. Doorn, Vice President for Advancement, 760-480-8474
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