Articles

“This world is no friend to grace.” With these words, Eugene Peterson begins his book, A Long Obedience in the Same Direction: Discipleship in an Instant Society.

“The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith” (1 Tim 1:5). The apostle Paul, in one of the most informative biblical books on pastoral ministry, gives this charge to his beloved child of the faith, Timothy.

How do I know if I am called to ministry? What is the pathway to becoming a pastor? How can I grow and explore my gifts? These are some of the most common questions and considerations of those contemplating seminary. As Christians, our primary calling is to follow Jesus. First and foremost, we are made followers by him and for him.

In the last year, we also have all been reminded about the fragility of life and the uncertainties that can come with disease and death: COVID, a plummeting economy, violence in the streets almost unparalleled in history. Often in such times, we turn to the Psalter for comfort. Today, I’d like to take the reader on a brief survey of a familiar Psalm: Psalm 91.

That same vision to prepare Bible specialists was taken out West with the original WSC faculty, and it continues to guide the school today.

Undoubtedly this Synod and its Canons were vital to seventeenth century Calvinism theologically and ecclesiastically. But beyond providing a four-hundredth anniversary about which church historians can write, are the Canons actually valuable for Christians today? Not surprisingly, I answer that question with a resounding, Yes!

“It has been my pleasure to serve the church as a minister and, on loan, as a professor at Westminster Seminary California (WSC) for two decades. Many reasons come to mind when I consider why I feel so privileged to be a part of this institution. But one that stands out is its identity as an old school in a new age.”

Now, cultivating wisdom in hearts and minds is a daunting enterprise. It cannot be produced merely by classroom lectures, research papers, and final exams. Rather, wisdom thrives at the intersection of divinely-revealed truth and life’s confusing experience. And we can only grow in wisdom as a community.

UPDATE sat down with Rev. Kim in order to learn more about his life, career, and vision for WSC.