|
Julius J. Kim, Ph.D.
Dean of Students
Dear Students,
Some faculty members look forward to the beginning of summer
so they can do the things that they have been putting off
all semester: reading important new books, re-working
lectures with new insights, and finishing up some writing
projects. I, however, get busy with something entirely
different. After school gets out at the end of May, I along
with a few student assistants begin to plan our annual
Summer Sabbatical for the Center for Pastoral Refreshment
(CPR). Well, what is CPR and what is the Summer Sabbatical?
Five years ago, Korean church leaders from various
conservative Presbyterian and Reformed denominations in
southern California approached Westminster Seminary
California (WSC), and voiced concern for the future
well-being of their pastors. Specifically, they outlined
some of the unique pressures Korean pastors face in their
ministries to first generation immigrants, as well as to
second and third generation offspring, who experience
American culture very differently from their parents. Here
language, traditions, and community expectations can all
complicate the local ministry of Word and Sacrament.
The Center for Pastoral Refreshment grew out of these
conversations. After receiving a generous grant from the
Lilly Endowment Inc., the Seminary committed its resources
to train and mentor Korean pastors as they press on in
faithfulness in their high calling as ministers. Because of
its location in Escondido, California, the Seminary is
uniquely located near high urban concentrations of Korean
Americans, as well as being strategically placed near the
Pacific Rim.
Through the Summer Sabbatical, a carefully designed program
of refreshment, including both spiritual and physical
renewal, Korean ministers are reenergized to return to their
churches better equipped to lead their congregations with
vision, enthusiasm and renewed passion. This year’s program,
for example, includes two special seminars to help deepen
their understanding of theology and ministry: Dr. W. Robert
Godfrey will facilitate a course entitled, “Preaching from
the Gospel of Matthew” and Dr. Peter Jones will present a
course entitled “Gospel Truth, Pagan Lies.” In addition to
these courses, pastors will participate in different
activities that promote the building of collegial
relationships for ongoing accountability and mutual
encouragement. All of these activities take place at the
beautiful Pala Mesa Resort in Fallbrook, CA, where golf,
tennis, swimming, and hiking are but some of the
recreational amenities that provide physical refreshment for
these pastors. Through programs like the Summer Sabbatical,
it is our hope that WSC will remain committed to not only
train future pastors of the Gospel, but also to sustain
pastoral excellence for those already engaged in ministry.
The development of lasting relationships and a renewed
spirit of refreshment is already apparent. A recent
participant who had been struggling with fatigue and
depression confided that the entire CPR program experience
had been a “timely gift from heaven,” rejuvenating him for
the ministry. His and others’ experience of much-needed
spiritual, mental and physical refreshment encourages us to
expect that CPR will continue to meet a vital need.
|
|
 September
07: Senior Reflections
May
07: Senior Reflections
March
07: CWiPPThink
January
07: Winter Term
November 06:
Reformation Day
September 06:
Welcome Back
August 06:
Summer Greek
July
06: CPR
June
06: Sign Up and Gear Up
May
06: Reflection by Michael Schout
April
06: den Dulk Lectures
March
06: Student Association
February
06: Preaching Christ
December
05: Mentors
|
