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westminster seminary california
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FACE-TO-FACE EDUCATION FOR FACE-TO-FACE MINISTRY
INCOMING STUDENT SPOTLIGHTS
UP CLOSE
by A. Craig Troxel
with Bradley J. Bitner
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2022 ANNUAL CONFERENCE
From Faith to Faith
PRESIDENT'S CORNER
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“But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children. So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us.” 1 Thess. 2:7-8 2
ver the course of the past 20 months I have received some form of the following question frequently: “Has COVID pushed Westminster Seminary California toward virtual degree programs?” Some are surprised when I answer “No” without any hesitation. While we are very thankful for the technological advances that allowed us to continue our Spring 2020 semester during a pandemic, WSC remains as convinced as ever that face-to-face residential seminary education is the best model, especially in preparation for pastoral ministry. One may wonder why we remain so committed to the residential model when a student can read books on their own or listen to lectures on their phone while running errands. It is true that one may get some of the intellectual information of a seminary education virtually. But Christ’s flock needs more than someone who knows the answer to a specific theological question, as important as it is to have those answers. In his first letter to the Thessalonians, Paul painted one of the clearest pictures of the ministry. His description was incredibly personal and intimate, as well as sacrificial. Paul described his ministry to the Thessalonians as “a nursing mother taking care of her own children” (1 Thess. 2:7). As ministers, they shared not only the gospel with the Thessalonian church, “but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us” (2:8). For Paul, ministry was not only sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ; it was living together in a community of love and service. One cannot learn this kind of personal pastoral care merely from a book or lecture. This kind of learning happens in the context of a community that is living, learning, and serving together. If bedside manner is important for medical doctors, how much more important must it be for spiritual doctors who minister to hurting souls? In this issue, A. Craig Troxel examines the importance of face-to-face seminary education from the perspective of the classroom experience (p. 4). In addition, four of our new students share their stories of how the Lord led them to live and study at WSC (p. 8). Thank you for your prayerful partnership and support in preparing the next generation of faithful pastors and servants of the church. Cordially in Christ,
Joel E. Kim WSC President UPDATE | FALL2021
FALL2021 UPDATE | FALL2021 PRESIDENT Joel E. Kim
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EDITOR Marcus McArthur DESIGNER Megan York PRINTER Precision UPDATE magazine is a publication of Westminster Seminary California. For address changes, duplicate mailings, or additional magazine requests, please write or call. Westminster Seminary California 1725 Bear Valley Parkway Escondido, CA 92027 PHONE (888) 480-8474
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FAX (760) 480-0252 EMAIL development@wscal.edu WEBSITE www.wscal.edu PERMISSIONS: UPDATE grants permission for any original article to be photocopied and distributed, permitted that the wording is not altered in any way, no fee is charged beyond the cost of reproduction, and no more than 500 copies are made. Any exceptions to the above must be explicitly approved by Westminster Seminary California. Please include the following statement on any distributed copy: This article originally appeared in UPDATE, a publication of Westminster Seminary California (WSC) and is reprinted with permission. For more information about WSC, visit www.wscal.edu or call (888) 480-8474.
J. 26 BRADLEY BITNER
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MISSION: The purpose of UPDATE is to showcase Westminster Seminary California’s distinctively Christ-centered, graduate education through the work of its faculty, students and alumni who are serving as pastors, teachers, missionaries, and leaders worldwide in light of our overarching mission “to glorify God through graduate theological study. . . for those who will serve in the Christian community and the larger society.” Since 1979, Westminster Seminary California has offered a distinctly Reformed and rigorous education in order to glorify Christ, promote His Gospel, and serve His Church. The strength of our degree programs lies in our faculty’s unified commitment to the inerrant Scriptures and the Reformed confessions. Westminster Seminary California is the only dually accredited seminary in the Western United States serving confessionally Reformed churches. 2020-2021 BOARD OF TRUSTEES Mr. Richard J. Blauw, Jr. The Rev. CJ Den Dulk Mr. Lyle Faber The Rev. Thomas K. Groelsema The Rev. Dr. David W. Hall Mr. Milton D. Hodges Dr. Solomon Jo The Rev. Dr. Terry Johnson The Rev. Dr. Lloyd H. Kim The Rev. Scott R. Korljan Mr. Mark Memmelaar The Rev. Steven D. Oeverman Mr. Ronald W. Prins Mr. Peter Sara Mr. Roger A. Swets Dr. Thomas D. VanderVeen Mr. Kent Van Groningen ©2021 Westminster Seminary California All rights reserved.
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INFOCUS
ONMISSION
4. Face-to-Face Education for Face-to-Face Ministry
16. WSC + the Global Church 18. Alumni News 19. In Memoriam
ONCAMPUS 8. Incoming Student Spotlights 10. 40th Annual Commencement 13. New Orientation Format 15. 2022 Annual Conference
INPERSON & INPRINT 20. Robert G. den Dulk Chair of Practical Theology 21. Baugh Building Dedication 24. Honorarium and Memorial Gifts 26. Up Close with Bradley J. Bitner 3
INFOCUS
Face-to-Face Education for Face-to-Face Ministry by A . C R A I G T R O X E L
“T
hough I have much to write to you, I would rather not use paper and ink. Instead I hope to come to you and talk face to face, so that our joy may be complete.” —2 John 12
A MINISTRY MODEL
The only perfect ministry the world has ever known was that of Jesus Christ. It was and can be said of him alone, “he has done all things well.” Truly it was a model ministry. By model we do not mean—as some might suggest—that Christ’s ministry should be emulated in a perfunctory or external way, in that we ought to cast out demons or turn over tables in like fashion. Nevertheless, the New Testament does draw some relationship between what Christ did and what we are to do in his name. For example, Christ taught that he was a “good shepherd” who knew his sheep by name and would lay down his life for them (John 10:3, 11, 16). Similarly, the New Testament describes elders as under-shepherds who must “shepherd the flock” that is among them by exercising care over them (1 Pet. 5:2-3; Acts 20:20). Or again, Christ spoke of the cross, both in terms of his imminent death and as what must characterize his followers (Matt. 10:38; 16:24). So also, the Christian ministry is distinguished by the cross (1 Cor 1:18). Lastly, when Paul pleaded with the Corinthian church “by the meekness and gentleness of Christ,” he was aspiring to a service that would resemble the character of Christ’s manner with others (2 Cor. 10:1; 4:10; 13:4; Gal. 6:14). There is another aspect to Christ’s ministry that we should consider as ideal and worthy of imitation. It could easily escape our notice because it is something so obvious. It is the fact that our Savior ministered face to face. The Gospel accounts describe a ministry of one who traveled from place to place over the course of three years, the whole while pursuing his work in the most personal, familiar, and some4
“It could easily escape our notice because it is something so obvious. It is the fact that our Savior ministered face to face.”
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“The frustrations we feel from living at a distance serve to remind us that we are creatures limited by space and time.” times intimate of ways. It is true that we read of Jesus speaking to and being followed by large crowds, sometimes numbering in the thousands (Matt. 4:25; 8:1; 9:36; 13:2; 14:21). But it is also true that the Gospel accounts record our Savior teaching smaller groups of people; sometimes meeting with just his twelve disciples, and other times with “the three”—Peter, James and John (Matt. 11:1; 17:1; 20:17; Mark 5:37; 14:33; Luke 8:51). But what is truly remarkable is how often Jesus took the time (in a compressed three-year ministry!) to have face-to-face, one-on-one conversations, as he did in the following instances. The centurion (Matt. 8:5-10) The scribe (Matt. 8:19, 20) The woman of Canaan (Matt. 15:21-28) The parents of the demoniac (Matt. 17:14-21) The rich young ruler (Matt. 19:16-22) The widow with a dead son (Luke 7:11) Nicodemus (John 3:1-9) The Samaritan woman (John 4:1-42) The nobleman with a sick son (John 4:47-50) The woman caught in adultery (John 8:2-11) Or, on other occasions Jesus had personal encounters by visiting people in the privacy of their own home. The home of Levi the publican (Luke 5:29) The wedding at Cana (John 2:1, 2) The homes of the Pharisees (Luke 7:36-50, 14:1-24) The home of Mary and Martha (Luke 10:38-42) The home of Simon the leper (Matt. 26:6) Many times Jesus pursued further conversation with those he had just healed. The leper (Matt. 8:2-4) Bartimaeus (Mark 10:46-52) The man born blind (John 9:1f ) The man with the withered hand (Matt. 12:9-14) The invalid (John 5:5-9) These examples reflect a strong current that flowed throughout our Savior’s teaching and discipling ministry (thanks to my friend Rev. Dr. Mark Beach who compiled most of these references). He was not a discontented evangelist who insisted on only addressing large crowds and doing ministry from a distance. Instead, 6
his practice reveals a commitment (dare we say a pattern?) to be up-close and intimate with those whom he served. This concern was even articulated in his teaching: “I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me” (Matt. 25:36).
A MINISTRY ROLE MODEL
Surely there is something here. It speaks to how we should go about our work in the church—not on the level of techniques or formulas that must be quantified, or a methodology that should be adopted. No, it is not that. Rather, it takes aim at our attitude, our approach, our manner, and our mode. When we minister to people, we must not overlook the personal, close, immediate, and sometimes private aspect of what we do. Our Lord serves as a role model for us. There is no substitute for serving face to face—whether in the church or in the seminary classroom. Reminding ourselves of the importance of face-to-face teaching, discipling, and training does not mean that we must speak poorly of ministry to large numbers, nor condemn virtual instruction. There is a place for these. In fact, the tendency we see in the ministry of Christ is displayed in the ministry of the apostles. At times they spoke to large crowds (Acts 2.41; 8:6; 13:45; 14:11); and at other times they met with a few people or even just one person (Acts 3:4; 16:14). And as the Lord visited privately in people’s homes, so also the apostles went “from house to house” to teach and disciple fellow believers (Acts 5:42; 20:18). So the issue is not a binary choice between ministry to large numbers or ministry to a faithful few. Having said that, we must “know the times” in order to discern whether ministry currently is carried out in ways that are faithful and healthy. Perhaps what is presently understated is the very thing that should be hoisted high, and what is the hottest ministerial gimmick might actually be “death in the pot.” Surely we have learned some lessons this last year from holding UPDATE | FALL2021
worship services via live-stream. Yes, we devised some creative ways to approximate meaningful fellowship. Much good was done. But if that season revealed anything, it raised our awareness for the necessity of embodied presence as a worshiping community. It has shown us the frustration of looking into a masked face, which hides those familiar expressions that confirm and accent the meaning of another’s words. It has shown us that some things get lost in the virtual crowd. Much good shepherding work can be done by phone calls and emails, but the best of this work cannot be conducted at a distance. Ordinarily shepherds must be in the same pasture; often in the same room; sometimes at the same hospital bed. How else can we “weep with those who weep?” Spurgeon pictured it this way in An All-Around Ministry. If I want to fill up a number of bottles in front of me, I could try doing it with a fire hose; yet most of the water will be lost. However, if I want to make sure of filling them, I must take them up one by one and carefully pour the liquid into them. We must watch over our sheep one by one—by personal talk and by personal prayer (p. 214). Some will argue that ministering to small numbers or discipling individuals is inefficient. It is true that efficiency often leads to effectiveness, but efficiency wscal .e d u
is never the goal. Being effective is the goal. Was the Lord’s ministry efficient or was it effective? By modern standards it certainly was not efficient, nor were the results impressive after three years. Or were they? His labor was not in vain. The fruit of Christ’s discipling a concentrated group of people now covers the face of the earth; and by concentrated we mean often no more than twelve and as little as three, or even just one. Speaking of what is effective, we should consider the impact of the means of grace in face-to-face ministry. Zoom is a dream come true for the church member who is suffering from a guilty conscience. Now they can escape those thorny questions of loyal friends or the shame of letting the communion elements pass by. But this dream is really a hallucination. Pain might be circumvented, but so is healing. Nothing can replace the advantages of pursuing face-to-face ministry in the church or personal instruction in the classroom, for what needs correcting and for what needs mending. In person is simply more effective than being remote. Some things must be close-up and eye to eye. Skeptics of this need only remember Peter in the garden. The one he had just disavowed knowing for the third time, turned and locked eyes with Peter (Luke 22:61). The pain of this look was unbearable. But several days later the same Lord he denied sat across the breakfast fire and drew from Peter the love in his heart, imperfect as it was. To receive such restoration face to face from his Lord would have helped to quell his pestering doubts and fill his heart with a joy that he assumed he would never feel again.
THE CONSUMMATION MODEL
Family members long to be near each other. The church and a seminary community are no different. We do not like distance between us—whether it is distance created by space or perceived distance created by tension. Neither is satisfied until it is resolved in person. John expressed this long-
ing of reunion when he wrote, “Though I have much to write to you, I would rather not use paper and ink. Instead I hope to come to you and talk face to face, so that our joy may be complete” (2 John 12; cf 3 John 14). Paul echoed the same sentiment, “But since we were torn away from you, brothers, for a short time, in person not in heart, we endeavored the more eagerly and with great desire to see you face to face” (1 Thess. 2:17). Jacob rejoiced when he received favor from the brother he had cheated twice, and said to Esau, “I have seen your face, which is like seeing the face of God, and you have accepted me” (Gen. 33:10). Jacob had dreaded their reunion and feared the worst. But Esau’s favor seemed like heaven opening itself to Jacob again. The frustrations we feel from living at a distance serve to remind us that we are creatures limited by space and time. Such feelings reveal our longing for something greater, something more personal, something more permanent. Paul wrote, “For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known” (1 Cor. 13:12). Our hope is to be with our Savior—“to see him as he is,” to see him “face to face,” because that will be “far better” (1 John 3:2; 1 Cor. 13:12; Phil. 1:23). That hope is what undergirds the worth of what we do now and how we do it. The face-to-face ministry we carry out presently anticipates what life is like in a world where we will not be hemmed in by space nor hindered by time. The communion we enjoy now with the living and true God is a foretaste of an unimpaired nearness we will enjoy in heaven. The vibrant fellowship we have now with one another is a foretaste of an eternal familiarity devoid of any trace of sin. Until then, these longings remind us that our faith ultimately centers upon a person, the Lord Jesus Christ, whom we long to see. Until then, we walk by faith and not by sight. Until then, may “the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you…” (Num 6:25).
A. Craig Troxel is Professor of Practical Theology at Westminster Seminary California. He and his wife, Carol, have five children and one grandchild. 7
INCOMING STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
ONCAMPUS
Koos + Bhless Hagg
Rebecca Williams
H O M E T O W N : Hanoi, Vietnam / P R O G R A M : M.Div., M.A.B.S.
H O M E T O W N : Philadelphia, PA / P R O G R A M : M.A.B.S.
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hless and I are so thankful to be at WSC! Bhless is from the northern highlands of the Philippines; I was born in the Netherlands but grew up in a few different places in U.S. and Canada. In God’s good plan, He brought us both to Hanoi, Vietnam. We met in 2016 and got married in 2017. I had been in Vietnam since 2010, and Bhless since 2012. I had come as a missionary and English teacher, and Bhless had come as an English teacher, looking for ways to be involved in missions. The ministry in Vietnam was a church plant. We found out that church planting is a wonderful way to spread the gospel and to disciple believers. We also found out that church planting is hard work, and we were under-prepared. We both had experience from our families and churches, but this is not the same as formal training. We needed dedicated time away from the field to be trained, equipped, and (when ready) to be sent out again. We came to WSC drawn by its unique character and setting. We had several trustworthy friends recommend the seminary to us. The tight-knit community and genuine interaction between students and faculty were evident when I visited the campus. The seminary’s focus on preparing expert servants for service in the worldwide church is what we believe we need to be well-prepared for future mission. We are also excited by the international communities in Southern California and Westminster itself. I am studying in the Master of Divinity program (four year), and Bhless is studying the Master of Arts in Biblical Studies. Toward the end of our studies, we hope to join Mission to the World (MTW), seek ordination in the PCA (Koos), and return to Vietnam for church planting or church development work. We are excited for all that is to come in these next few years. We are blessed to meet so many wonderful people who are involved with the seminary! Most of all, we give thanks to God and glorify Him for bringing us here to Westminster.
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n one of Jim Elliot’s journals from the years prior to his move to Ecuador, he described how he discerned God’s will not by signs or voices, but by God’s provision for his needs. In my own life, I’ve experienced this same truth, particularly in my decision to attend WSC. The path to seminary was neither a simple one nor one anticipated long in advance – yet I can clearly see the Lord’s hand guiding me here. In 2018, I completed my undergraduate degree in Spanish with a minor in TESOL and moved to Peru to teach English. Aside from teaching, my time in Peru shaped my direction by way of other experiences, especially a weekly children’s ministry. Just before the pandemic, in January 2020, I also went on a short-term mission trip with the Presbyterian Missionary Union to Iquitos and surrounding communities on the Ucayali riverbed, which further weighed on my heart the desire to do missions work. If it had not been for COVID-19, I don’t believe I would be at WSC presently. I returned to the States in April 2020, continuing to teach online for the same school, with a stubborn expectation that I would be back in Peru within the year. During this time at home, however, between frustrated hopes and new hopes, I began to consider attending seminary. Rereading books by Elizabeth Elliot first reminded me of my previous interest in Bible translation, and I also felt a strong yearning to know God more deeply through His Word. As I researched different seminaries and graduate schools, I was particularly drawn to WSC’s emphasis on studying the Scriptures in their original languages. Yet for many months, it did not seem possible for me to attend this year. It was my continuous prayer that God would remove each obstacle if it were His will, and one-by-one He did so. Late this May, I finally decided to pursue an MA in Biblical Studies. Today, I am unsure of the exact route ahead after my studies at WSC. I may have the opportunity to work in the Iquitos area again, and Bible translation still frequents my thoughts. However, I am certain God has provided for me to be exactly where I am, and that He will supply each future need according to His will. UPDATE | FALL2021
Wright Draper
Jefferson de Oliveira
H O M E T O W N : Montgomery, AL / P R O G R A M : M.Div.
H O M E T O W N : Fortazela, Brazil / P R O G R A M : M.Div.
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y name is Wright Draper, and I was born and raised in a PCA church in Montgomery, Alabama. After graduating from Trinity Presbyterian School, I headed 45 miles East to study Business Finance at Auburn University. During these formidable years, I held leadership positions as a fraternity chaplain, treasurer, Inter Fraternity Council chaplain, and served in college ministry in two PCA churches for three consecutive summers. After graduation I moved back 45 miles West to serve for 3 years as a youth director and pastoral intern at my home church, Eastwood Presbyterian. I didn’t think my next transition would be much more than 45 miles. Little did I know, God would soon lead me 2,500 miles West to Escondido, California. It was nearly four months ago when I reconsidered enrolling in the MDiv program at Westminster Seminary California. Prior to this change of mind, I didn’t think God would lead a 26-year-old from Alabama to begin a four-year season of rigorous theological education in Southern California. Frankly, I didn’t think it could happen. But I decided to visit, and that made all the difference. Admissions Assistant Cassady Gilmour organized my campus tour to include meeting with Dr. Bryan Estelle and President Joel Kim, staying with 3rd year students Dustin Burge and Brennan Kiledjian, attending graduation, and meeting a whole host of students, faculty, and professors. I was encouraged by all the conversations, and I was confirmed in my decision. I knew this would be, but I did not know how it would work out. Looking back, it truly is hard to believe that I’m actually here. God has been so faithful and kind to lead me on such short notice and provide for my needs during each step. What a joy and privilege it is to study at Westminster Seminary California, and what a greater privilege to serve a God who does more than we ask, think, or imagine. Upon graduation, which currently seems ages away, I hope to shepherd Christ’s church through word and sacrament as a minster in the PCA.
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was 17 years old and was walking in deep darkness (Rom. 3:23). But on a Sunday morning, I was sitting on the sidewalk when something happened that would change my life once for all. In my wallet, I found an evangelistic flyer. Its message made me think, and I noticed that I needed Jesus desperately. I was a sinner and hell would be my final destiny inevitably (Rom. 6:23a). To make a long story short, that morning I was rescued by Jesus Christ through the message of the Gospel (Eph. 2:8). An overwhelming desire to learn and share God's Word overpowered my heart. Some years later, I was sent by the local church to study at Seminário Presbiteriano de Brasília (SPB), where I took the Bachelor’s degree in Theology. Subsequently, I passed an ordination exam and was ordained to be a pastor in the Presbyterian Church of Brazil in 2013. After many years serving the local church, my wife and I wanted to serve abroad. Having served in some countries through short mission trips and long ones, we’ve grasped many lessons. One of them was that we would need to be ready for the challenges we could face, especially in post-Christian countries. The more effective we are in sharing the gospel, the more we will be able to achieve our desire: work with church planting. As Abraham Lincoln used to say, “If I had eight hours to chop down a tree, I would spend six sharpening my axe.” For that reason, I thought to myself, “I should sharpen my axe first.” Therefore, we were looking for a biblical seminary that was committed to the Reformed faith. Tiago Cunha, who graduated from WSC last year, was the one who encouraged me to apply to WSC. Following his advice, I submitted my application. And the Lord Jesus gave me this great opportunity to keep “sharpening my axe.” My family and I are deeply grateful to be here, for this is a precious season to learn more in order to work with church planting wherever God leads us.
“What a greater privilege to serve a God who does more than we ask, think, or imagine.” wscal .e d u
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40
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n May 29, 2021, Westminster Seminary California celebrated its 40th annual commencement exercises. Thirty-two master’s degrees were awarded, including 18 Master of Divinity (M.Div.) and 14 Master of Arts (M.A.) degrees. The Class of 2021 is comprised of men and women from 9 U.S. states and 8 countries. These graduates join the more than 1,200 WSC alumni who are serving as pastors, church planters, missionaries, teachers, scholars, counselors, and lay leaders in more than 30 countries around the world. In addition to the 2021 graduates, the seminary invited the entire Class of 2020 to participate in the commencement exercises since the 2020 commencement was virtual due to state regulations during the pandemic. Dr. Dennis E. Johnson, WSC Professor emeritus of Practical Theology, delivered the charge to the graduates, titled, “Him We Proclaim.” Speaking on Colossians 1:24-2:3, Dr. Johnson encouraged the graduates to preach Christ crucified, which is the only panacea for the world’s pandemic of sin and death. Other guest participants included Rev. John Kong (Pastor of Christian Education at New
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COMMENCEMENT
Life Presbyterian Church, Escondido), Rev. Chad Vegas (Senior Pastor of Sovereign Grace Church, Bakersfield), and Rev. William Chang (Senior Pastor of New Life Presbyterian Church of Orange County, Fullerton). The Class of 2021 experienced disruptions caused by the global pandemic for more than a year. We are thankful to our students who remained faithful and resilient despite many changes and challenges, for our faculty and administration who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to support these students, and for our friends and partners of the seminary who remained generous and faithful in the midst of uncertainties. Most of all, we give thanks to the Lord for his abundant provision and protection. Please join us in praying that the Class of 2021 will be filled with the joy of Christ and his gospel wherever the Lord calls them to serve. Video from the commencement service and personal reflections from six of the graduates are available online at wscal.edu/commencement-2021
UPDATE | FALL2021
The following is an excerpt from Dr. Dennis E. Johnson’s 2021 commencement address, “Him We Proclaim.”
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n our own time of plague, how will you, graduates, minister to frightened people, suffering people, and still probably people who are in denial? What will you say? In fact, looking beyond just the coronavirus issue, in our own time of political polarization, what do you have to offer to a shattered world? In our own time of injustice and violence in American streets, schools, shopping malls, and the rest of the world, what do you have to say? What does this deeply wounded world populated by dying men and women – whether they realize it or not – what does this world need to hear from Westminster Seminary California graduates? The apostle Paul writes to the Colossians and says simply this: “Him we proclaim” (Col. 1:28)…. He speaks to the whole people of God who have put on compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, patience, and love. And then he says to all of us, “let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom.” So it’s for all of us: talk about Christ. And, of course, this is not the only place where Paul sums up the whole message that he preaches: I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. Nothing but Jesus Christ crucified. So Jesus Christ was not only intrinsic to Paul’s message, Christ is exhaustive of Paul’s message. That’s all he wanted to talk about. Now put that theme alongside what Paul said to the elders of the church in Ephesus in Acts 20: In effect, “I held nothing back. I taught you everything that would do you good.” So how do those two summaries of Christian preaching go together? Nothing but Christ
crucified, and that means anything and everything that you need to fare well in this fallen, broken world. It sounds as if Paul is claiming that Christ is God’s panacea to the world’s pandemic of sin and death. A panacea promises to cure whatever ails you…. How could he say that? If we could ask Paul today, “How dare you make such a claim? For our time of plague, how dare you say that?” What would he say? We don’t have to speculate; we have his epistles. And that in a sense is what he is answering throughout his epistles. He talks about who Christ is, what Christ has done, and what Christ is doing to bring redemption to our guilt-stained world, to bring reconciliation to our conflict-shattered world, and to bring resurrection life to our deathcursed world…. I would daresay that in the superb education that you received at Westminster Seminary California, you are just beginning to discover the glory and grace of the Lord Jesus Christ. But it is our privilege – and yours as graduates – to keep spending the rest of your lives following in Paul’s footsteps learning Christ more and then sharing Christ, following Paul’s focus as he says to the Philippians his goal “that I may know Christ and the power of his resurrection, and share in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.” Come to know Christ. In him you have the panacea for the world’s woes. As dying people interacting with dying people, proclaim him! What message, what mission, could compare with that?
“As dying people interacting with dying people, proclaim him! What message, what mission, could compare with that?”
G R A D U AT E Q U O T E S
HIM WE PROCLAIM
ALAN GILES | M.Div. “It's our duty to walk out of this seminary and out of this wonderful village into a dying world proclaiming the everlasting life that is found in Jesus Christ alone.”
TIAGO FERREIRA DA CUNHA | M.Div. “I made friends here who I'm taking with me in my heart. Now I'm going back to my country and I'm taking with me great memories of this institution.”
KENDRA DAHL | MAHT “This mom went to seminary afraid she wouldn't fit, that she might fail, that she would quit. By God's grace and the generous love of his people, I was completely wrong.”
AUSTIN REIFEL | M.Div. “The struggles faced here are only but the beginning of what is ahead. But I can promise that in the midst of the grind, our god is faithful.”
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Experience WSC first-hand by being a student for a day! JANUARY 14, 2022 MARCH 11, 2022
WSC will reimburse you up to $400 for your travel expenses. Contact our admissions team today to learn more. ADMISSIONS@WSCAL.EDU
Travel Grant
NEW ORIENTATION FORMAT HIGHLIGHTS ACADEMIC SUCCESS, COMMUNITY
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his fall WSC implemented a new, expanded orientation schedule for incoming students. This new format places greater emphasis on student success in the classroom and enhanced campus community. While previous orientations occurred on a single day, the new format devotes three days to introducing incoming students to academic and community life at WSC. This expansion of the orientation schedule is part of an intentional effort to enhance student preparation, both inside and outside of the classroom. The first day featured President Joel E. Kim’s devotion; an overview of enrollment, registration, and financial aid matters by the enrollment team; a new student and faculty lunch; and an evening reception. This reception has long been a favorite event on the academic calendar among the entire WSC community as each new student introduces themselves and tells the story of how they came to study at WSC. The second day kicked off with a session with Academic Dean Ryan Glomsrud walking
new students through the academic expectations at the seminary, followed by a Westminster Student Association “How to Survive Seminary” workshop. Dean of Students Chuck Tedrick discussed student life at WSC over lunch. Later that evening, the seminary hosted a special dinner on campus for international students and spouses. On the final day of orientation, new students enjoyed Dr. Troxel’s discussion of the spiritual life of a seminary student, followed by break-out sessions for each degree program. These sessions highlighted the unique requirements and emphases of their respective degree program. The orientation activities culminated with a campus-wide ice cream social held in the WSC Village. The positive feedback from participants has led the seminary to continue this expanded orientation format for the foreseeable future. It is our prayer that it will serve incoming students well in preparing them for seminary education, as well as a lifetime of service to Christ’s church.
I N C O M I N G C L A S S S TAT S
34
incoming students
26
M.Div. students
7
M.A. Students
+1 VISI T I N G ST UDE N T
15
states
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foreign countries
church denominations
13
SUMMER COURSES ON CHURCH-CULTURE ENGAGEMENT
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pair of professors taught summer courses on WSC’s campus based on their respective award-winning books. David VanDrunen, Robert B. Strimple Chair of Systematic Theology at WSC, taught a course related to his recent Politics after Christendom: Political Theology in a Fractured World (Zondervan Academic, 2020). The book won Christianity Today’s prestigious 2021 Book of the Year award in the “Politics and Public Life” category. The course examined the Christian’s role and status in contemporary pluralistic political communities, offering a biblical-theological model of political engagement and exploring themes such as race, religious liberty, justice, authority, and civil resistance. Students learned how the Bible prepares them to live in societies that are indifferent or hostile to Christianity, societies in which believers must live faithful lives as sojourners and exiles. In addition, the WSC community had the honor of welcoming Carl Trueman, Professor of Biblical and Religious Studies at Grove City College, back to campus. Trueman taught a summer course based on his recent book, The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self: Cultural Amnesia, Expressive Individualism, and the Road to Sexual Revolution (Crossway, 2020), which won The Gospel Coalition’s 2020 award for best book in the “Public Theology and Current Events” category. In this course, Trueman led students in exploring the origins and development of modern identity politics and reflecting on how this affects the church, as well as how Christians should respond. Both of these summer courses provided WSC students valuable opportunities to explore how the church should engage a changing culture in a faithful, biblical manner. The seminary community was thrilled to have each class meet in person on campus, which provided additional opportunities to interact with the professors face to face.
POLITICS AFTER CHRISTENDOM David VanDrunen
Politics After Christendom reflects on the status and responsibilities of Christians in their contemporary pluralistic political communities, presenting a biblical-theological model of political engagement.
THE RISE AND TRIUMPH OF THE MODERN SELF Carl R. Trueman
In this timely book, Carl Trueman analyzes the development of the sexual revolution as a symptom—rather than the cause—of the human search for identity.
“VanDrunen outlines a much-needed path forward for Christian conviction and integrity in political life.” B E N S A S S E , U . S . S E N AT O R
JANUARY 14-15, 2022 | ON THE CAMPUS OF WSC • ESCONDIDO, CA John Calvin said that faith is the axis around which everything in the Christian life rotates. Westminster Seminary California is pleased to invite you to join us for our 2022 Annual Conference: From Faith to Faith. Our conference will explore various facets of doctrine and life as they touch upon the centrality of faith in the Christian life. In particular we will examine the nature, heart, gift, challenges, and hope of faith.
PLENARY SESSIONS & SPEAKERS
REGISTER TODAY!
FRIDAY, JANUARY 14 | 7PM PST
Early Bird Registration ends 12/1/2021
The Anchor of Faith | M I CH A E L S . H O RTO N The Heart of Faith | A . CRA I G T ROX E L
Three ways to register now:
SATURDAY, JANUARY 15 | 8AM PST
• Phone: Call (888) 480-8474
• Online: (recommended) Visit wscal.edu/conference
The Gift of Faith | J O E L E . K I M The Crisis of Faith | W. RO BE RT G O D FRE Y The Hope of Faith | BRA D LE Y J. BI T NE R Questions & Answers | S PE A K E R PA NE L
• Mail: Complete, detach, & mail the form below to:
NOTE: Cancellations and refund requests must be made in writing, by email to conference@wscal. edu, or by fax to (760) 480-0252, and received by January 2, 2022, in order to receive a full refund, less a $10 cancellation fee.
Westminster Seminary California Attn: Annual Conference 2022 1725 Bear Valley Parkway Escondido, CA 92027
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ONMISSION
THE GLOBAL CHURCH WSC +
tiago ferreira da cunha M.DIV., 2021 | Brazil
Working at local church in the Presbyterian Church of Brazil—preaching regularly and teaching the Bible
“As a seminary in Southern California, with Mexico as its neighbor and with close ties to Asia, WSC has always been engaged actively in missions, both near and far."
rev. peter cho
M.DIV., 1993 | Villa Elisa, Paraguay
Pastor of Marangatu Church and General Director of the Cerritos School, which offers Christ-centered education for young people
President Joel E. Kim 16
UPDATE | FALL2021
ALUMNI ABROAD
1 OR MORE
CURRENT INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
5 OR MORE
oguz n. alhan
m.div. | Smyrna, Turkey Hopes to return to Smyrna, Turkey, and help the local church with various parts of the ministry such as teaching, preaching, translation, publication, and training future elders
aaron sasane m.div. | Pune, India
Desires to return to India to serve in the local church and pass on the education he received at WSC
mark george
m.div. | Kandy, Sri Lanka Hopes to return to Sri Lanka to train and encourage pastors and to establish and build up churches
mokhatla mokhatla M.DIV., 2021 | Lesotho
Started a Bible teaching ministry in Lesotho called Informed Worship
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ALUMNI NEWS 1984 Dave and Anne Bennett continue to live and minister in Phoenix, AZ. Dave has been doing urban multicultural work through Barrio Nuevo for 15 years. Anne has been a Chaplain with the DOC at Florence, AZ, Prison for the last 5 years. Anne will retire in December as Dave will continue with Barrio. They are thrilled to have all 4 grandsons live in greater Phoenix. 1989 Jim Newheiser is the Director of the Christian Counseling Program and Associate Professor of Pastoral Theology at Reformed Theological Seminary, Charlotte, and released two books this past year: Money, Debt, and Finances: Critical Questions and Answers and How to Love Difficult Parents: Wisdom for a Challenging Relationship. 1990 Paul Traina served the Lord as a tent-making missionary in Russia from 1999 to 2001 and is currently serving (since 2010) as a missionary to Ukraine, in the city of Kremenchuk. He was married in November of 2020 to Helen, a citizen of Russia. 1996 Rita Cefalu co-edited a Festschrift for Dr. T. D. Alexander, titled, The Seed of Promise: The Sufferings and Glory of the Messiah, which was published in May 2020. 2004 Kevin Daane transitioned from his 16-year career as an associate pastor at New Life Presbyterian Church in Escondido, California, to the Director of Ministry Engagement for Engaging Disability with the Gospel, an organization under the umbrella of the PCA's mission arm, Mission to North America. Kevin will be reaching out to churches all around North America, helping to equip leaders to start disability ministries in their churches, and working with a team of specialists to develop resources. He'll also be coming alongside pastors who have been diagnosed with disabilities or who have spouses/children with diagnosed disabilities to give pastoral encouragement and counsel. 2005 Brian Mills completed a doctoral degree in higher education leadership at Oregon State
18
University in Spring 2021 and serves as Associate Professor, Director of Assessment & Accreditation Liaison Officer (ALO) at Bushnell University (Eugene, OR). 2008 Stephen Roberts and his wife, Lindsey, welcomed their third child, Canaan Simeon, in March 2021. Stephen is serving as an Army Chaplain in North Carolina. 2009 Ariel Flores has been approved and recommended for Palliative Care and Hospice Advanced Chaplaincy Certification with the Association of Professional Chaplains. 2011 Zachary Purvis started a new post as Lecturer in Church History at Edinburgh Theological Seminary. Chris Coleman planted Peace United Reformed Church in Vancouver, WA, in February 2020. Chris and his wife, Melissa, welcomed their first foster child in April 2021. 2012 Joshua Henson received a Th.M. and a Ph.D. in Old Testament Studies from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in May 2021. The title of his dissertation was "To End In Silence Or Song: The Original Inclusion of Chapter 3 in the Book Of Habakkuk." Josh is currently minister of Word and Sacrament at Grace Covenant Church in Virginia Beach, VA, where he has served since 2016. Daniel "Dinko" Kim and his wife, Priscilla, welcomed their daughter, Emery, in February 2021. Daniel continues to serve at Christ Central of Southern California as an assistant pastor. Kris Marriage and his wife, Caitlin, welcomed their third child and first daughter Miriam Hope on January 25, 2021. 2013 Clay Smith and his wife, Janine, welcomed their son, Yancy Frederick, on August 14, 2021. He is adored by his sisters, Ybeltje (5) and Anzora (3). 2014 Joshua Christoffels has accepted a call to serve as the Pastor of the Hammond Christian Reformed Church in Hammond, Indiana. He is also enrolled in a Chicago Course on Preaching program with the Charles Simeon Trust.
2015 Harrison Perkins has been made associate pastor at London City Presbyterian Church and has become part of the online faculty in church history for Westminster Theological Seminary (Philadelphia). 2016 Mike Brummel was ordained as Associate Pastor of First Christian Reformed Church in Lynden, WA, in Feb, 2021. He is also a Th.M. candidate at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary and expecting his first child soon. Seung-Joo (John) Lee completed his Ph.D. research on Franciscus Junius through the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam in July 2021. He is living in Australia with his wife, Dasol, and currently working for Reformed Theological College in Melbourne as Academic Support Officer and Ministerial Intern at Knox Presbyterian Church of Eastern Australia. Dan York and his wife, Megan, welcomed twins in March—a girl, Vesper Lydia, and a boy, Solomon James. He is working to finish his Ph.D. through Durham University in the U.K. 2017 Austin and Michelle Reed recently moved to Traverse City, MI, to take the call as Pastor of Redeemer PCA. Michelle is finishing a second Masters degree to become a therapist, specializing in trauma and mental illness. Jason Vander Horst and his wife, Ardis, welcomed another child into the world on February 23, 2021. Aidan Jacob is their third son, joining his older brothers, Elias John and Zachary Norman. Jason also contributed a chapter to a book that was published this past summer: “A God of Choice” in Let Justice and Righteousness Prevail: Sermons and Reflections for the Pro-life Christian. 2018 Connor Underseth has taken a call as an Assistant Pastor at New Life Presbyterian Church of La Mesa (PCA). Alongside his pastoral duties, he has started a Th.M. at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary in Post-Reformation Historical Theology. Daniel Cortez was called and ordained in December 2020 to be an Associate Minister at Christ United Reformed Church (Santee) on loan to serve as a US Air Force Reserve Chaplain and completed Officer Training
UPDATE | FALL2021
School (Dec 2020) and Basic Chaplain Course (May 2021) and travels a few times a year to perform military duty at his assigned base at Nellis AFB, Nevada.
Kevin Wang was ordained to the pastoral ministry at Grace Baptist Church, Taipei in July 2021. He and his wife welcomed their 2nd son, Oliver Wang, on June 10, 2021.
IN MEMORIUM Reverend Salvador Martin Solis August 21, 1930 – May 21, 2021 Trustee Emeritus Westminster Seminary California
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everend Salvador “Sal” Solis went to be with his Lord and Savior on May 21, 2021, at age 90. He leaves his wife, Amy, 4 children, 15 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son Jonathan and daughter Sharon. Sal was born in Monterey, CA, to Manuel and Isabel Solis, who had emigrated to the US from Spain. He graduated from San Jose State and Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia. He faithfully served as a pastor in the Orthodox Presbyterian Church (OPC) for 35 years. He pastored churches in San Francisco, Waterloo, Iowa, Los Angeles and Sunnyvale, CA. In retirement he served on the Home Missions Committee of the OPC and was an important part of the establishment and growth of Sovereign Grace Church in Hughson, CA, where he remained in leadership. Rev. Solis served for 18 years, between 1991 and 2010, on the Board of Trustees of Westminster Seminary California (WSC) and was named Trustee Emeritus in January 2013. Sal was often asked to bring the Word of God to the Board in a devotional at the meetings. Those devotional times were not to be missed. His clear articulation of the Gospel along with his caring and loving manner were an encouragement for other trustees. The Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Landis knew Rev. Solis well, having served alongside him as a WSC Trustee and as a pastor in the Orthodox Presbyterian Churches in northern California. (Rev. Landis is a graduate of WSC, and is Pastor, Covenant Presbyterian Church, San Jose, CA). Rev. Landis has provided this description of Reverend Solis: Sal was a gentle man who had a heart of love and a spine of steel. His heart of love was seen as he cared for individuals and the congregation. It was visible as he guided interns and young pastors. But his spine of steel was equally seen when he perceived movement away from the teaching of God’s word, which he loved, taught, and believed. He was never afraid to call people back to the authoritative teaching of the Bible. Sal was also a “churchman” in the best sense of that term. He served four congregations in the Orthodox Presbyterian Church during his pastoral ministry. His last charge was at First OPC in Sunnyvale, CA. One of his greatest contributions was in the work of home missions. For thirty-four years Sal chaired and then served on the Home Missions Committee of the Presbytery of Northern California and Nevada. In that capacity he was involved in establishing churches in Novato, Antioch, Hanford, Monterey Bay, Roseville, Hughson, Reno, and Redding.
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2021 Laurel Goodwin is working for a local District Attorney's office in her home state of Texas. She is currently developing several writing projects.
TWO SISTERS, CLOSE IN LIFE, IN SERVICE AND IN DEATH
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ena and Edna Dragt were born in Uitwellingerga, Friesland, The Netherlands as two of ten children. The entire family moved to the United States in 1950 and went into the dairy business in the Escondido area. Both sisters married Dutch immigrants who were also in the dairy business. Both couples were married at the Escondido Christian Reformed Church. Rena Dragt de Jong July 3, 1931 – May 5, 2021 Rena and Pete de Jong celebrated 63 years of marriage. They were blessed with 7 children, whom they raised in Escondido and San Marcos, CA. Rena died ten months after Pete and is survived by 6 of their 7 children and (at the time of her death) 34 grandchildren and 46 great grandchildren. Pete, Rena and their family have been instrumental in the growth of Westminster Seminary California (WSC) from the early days of WSC. Pete was elected in 1986 to serve on the Board of Trustees and was actively involved in the seminary beyond his 14 years of service on the Board. His enthusiasm for the seminary earned him the nickname “Maximum Pete.” Edna Dragt Brower October 23, 1927 - May 18, 2021 Edna and Edward Brower celebrated 66 years of marriage. They were blessed with 8 children who grew up in the Escondido area. In 1991 they moved north to Exeter, CA. Edna is survived by her loving husband Ed, 7 of their 8 children, and (at the time of her death) 30 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren. Ed lives in Visalia, CA (near Exeter), and remains engaged in the work of WSC. Ed was called to serve as a trustee at the start of the seminary in 1979 and served on the WSC Board for 18 years, being named Trustee Emeritus in 2003. Ed Brower never missed a WSC Board meeting or Commencement ceremony for more than three decades. His love for the seminary and recognition of its critical work has been inculcated in his and Edna’s family. This family shows their support in all areas, from the building of student housing, establishing scholarships and endowments, and giving to the annual fund. WSC is appreciative of the support and enthusiasm for the seminary that is handed down through the generations by families who recognize the importance of preparing those who are called to serve the church. The families of Rena Dragt de Jong and Edna Dragt Brower continue this legacy of support for Christ, His Gospel, and His Church. 19
INPERSON + INPRINT
WSC ANNOUNCES
ROBERT G. DEN DULK CHAIR
of
PR ACTICAL THEOLOGY
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t its May 27, 2021, meeting the Westminster Seminary California Board of Trustees gratefully approved the establishment of the Robert G. den Dulk Chair of Practical Theology. Dr. Robert G. den Dulk served various important roles at WSC, including founder, Vice President for Administration, President, and Chairman of the Board. The WSC Board designated the new chair in Dr. den Dulk’s name to honor his lifetime of joyful, selfless service to Christ, his gospel, and his church. Dr. den Dulk was born and raised in Ripon, California, where Dr. Cornelius Van Til was a frequent guest in his home. After graduating from Calvin College in 1959, Dr. den Dulk received his Bachelor of Divinity degree (later converted to Master of Divinity) from Westminster Theological Seminary in Pennsylvania in 1964. The seminary would later confer upon him the Doctor of Divinity honoris causa in 2003. He went on to serve various administrative roles at Westminster, including Business Manager, Director of Administration, and finally Vice President for Administration. Seeing the need for a confessional Reformed seminary in the West, Westminster in Pennsylvania sent Dr. den Dulk and Dr. Robert Strimple (then Vice President for Academic Affairs) to Southern California in 1979. Serving as the administrative vice president, Dr. den Dulk played a vital role in establishing Westminster Seminary California. He and his dear wife, Nellie, labored tirelessly in the early years to spread the word of the new seminary to prospective students. Dr. den Dulk spearheaded the purchase of property in Escondido and the construction of the seminary’s first campus building, which opened in 1983. When Dr. Strimple resigned the WSC presidency in 1988 to focus on teaching, Dr. den Dulk agreed to serve as the seminary’s second president,
making clear from the start that his tenure would be transitional. While president, Dr. den Dulk established the Elders Conference, led WSC in adopting the Three Forms of Unity to its confessional standards, and encouraged the faculty to publish A Testimony to our Time. Dr. W. Robert Godfrey succeeded Dr. den Dulk as WSC President in 1993. After his tenure as president, Dr. den Dulk continued to champion WSC, including as a Trustee and Chairman of the Board, until he entered glory in 2007. In 1993, friends of the den Dulks established the Robert G. and Nellie B. den Dulk Lectures in Pastoral Ministry. These annual lectures, which continue to this day, bring seasoned pastors to campus to deliver special lectures on pastoral ministry. As WSC Professor Emeritus of Practical Theology Dr. Dennis Johnson wrote in Dr. den Dulk’s In Memoriam, “It is no exaggeration to say that the founding and flowering of WSC have been a labor of love into which Bob and Nellie together have poured their energies and delight for over a quarter century.” A portrait of Dr. den Dulk hangs prominently in the WSC library, under which a plaque reads, “A great leader and humble servant for Christ, his gospel, and his church.” Dr. W. Robert Godfrey, WSC President Emeritus and Professor Emeritus of Church History, commented, “Bob den Dulk was warm, kind, and decent. He loved his family, especially his wife and partner, Nellie, and was a faithful friend. He loved his Savior and his church and had a strong and pious devotion to the Reformed faith in which he was raised. From the beginning of WSC, one of Bob’s passions was a strong department of practical theology to contribute to the education of faithful and effective pastors and preachers of Jesus Christ. How splendid that WSC should now have as a constant reminder and encouragement the Robert G. den Dulk Chair of Practical Theology. To God alone the glory.”
“A great leader and humble servant for Christ, his gospel, and his church.” 20
UPDATE | FALL2021
WSC HONORS DR. AND MRS. BAUGH WITH BUILDING NAME
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he Westminster Seminary California Board of Trustees displayed its deep appreciation for Dr. and Mrs. S.M. Baugh by naming one of the residential buildings in their honor. Dr. Baugh served WSC as Professor of New Testament faithfully for 38 years before retiring recently. In January, the Board appointed him Professor Emeritus of New Testament. Generations of students came to love Dr. Baugh for his humility, humor, and passionate concern for Christ, His Gospel, and His Church. Dr. and Mrs. Baugh frequently hosted new students at their “Lazy B Ranch.” WSC is thankful for Dr. and Mrs. Baugh for modeling Christian love and charity to its community for so many years. As “a man of the first century,” Dr. Baugh has dedicated his life to language instruction and teaching the New Testament. Among his publications are two textbooks used for Greek I–III instruction at WSC: New Testament Greek for Interpreters (third edition) and A First John Reader. His other recent books include: a commentary on Ephesians in the Evangelical Exegetical Commentary series; The Majesty on High: Introduction to the Kingdom of God in the New Testament; a commentary on the Pastoral Epistles and Philemon in the award-winning Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary; study notes on Ephesians in The ESV Study Bible; and many scholarly articles for academic journals and edited books collections. When Westminster Village was built in 2018, the WSC Board of Trustees decided to honor past WSC presidents and emeritus professors by naming a residential building after each of them and their wives – Robert and Alice Strimple, Edmund and Jean Clowney, Robert and Nellie den Dulk, Robert and Mary Ellen Godfrey, Hywel and Nansi Jones, Derke and Doris Bergsma, and Dennis and Jane Johnson. The Trustees chose to name the eighth building after Steve and Kathy Baugh but wanted to wait until his coming retirement and professor emeritus status; so they named the building after J. Gresham Machen as a temporary placeholder in honor of Machen’s foundational role in establishing Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia. During the May 2021 Board meetings, the entire WSC community celebrated the unveiling of the “Steve and Kathy Baugh” building plaque with the Baugh family in Westminster Village. It was a time of appreciation to the Baughs for their many years of service to the seminary community, as well as a time of thanking the Lord for His faithfulness and provision.
clockwise: Dr. Ryan Glomsrud, President Joel E. Kim, Board President Ron Prins, Mrs. Kathy Baugh and Dr. Steve Baugh; attendees eating dinner; President Kim congratulation Dr. and Mrs. Baugh
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KIM + GODFREY AT LIGONIER NATIONAL CONFERENCE
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estminster Seminary California President Joel E. Kim joined WSC President Emeritus and Professor Emeritus of Church History W. Robert Godfrey as featured speakers at the 2021 Ligonier National Conference in Orlando, Florida, March 18-20. Dr. Godfrey also serves as Chairman and Teaching Fellow of Ligonier Ministries. The conference, themed “Right Now Counts Forever,” considered the eternal significance of our everyday lives by equipping us today to better serve the Lord, love our neighbors, and make Christ known. With our glorious future in view, Christians do not have less of a stake in the present, but infinitely more. The conference marks fifty years since the founding of Ligonier Ministries. As Dr. R.C. Sproul often reminded us, right now counts forever. President Kim’s conference talk was titled “The Centrality of the Family.” In the beginning, God created the family for His glory, establishing it as a picture of His love for His people and the place where children grow in the nurture and admonition of the Lord (Gen. 2:18–25; Eph. 5:22–6:4). How we live in the family is a testimony to our family members and to outsiders regarding the love of God, and how we treat one another has a lasting impact on how we understand the character of God. President Kim explored how life in the family counts forever, encouraging spouses to love one another in order to rightly image God and exhorting parents to love and instruct their children so that they will know and love the Lord. The first of Dr. Godfrey’s two sessions examined “Glorifying God in Our Bodies.” Christians are called not to be con-
formed to this world but to be transformed by their renewing of their minds so that they will know and do what is good (Rom. 12:1–2). And though we want to conform all of our lives to Christ, Scripture places special warnings on sexual transgressions, telling us that those who impenitently break God’s law for sexual behavior will not inherit the kingdom of God. How we live our lives as sexual beings today matters for all eternity. In his talk, Dr. Godfrey addressed contemporary pressures on Christians regarding sexual ethics while calling us to live according to God’s revealed standards for men and women. In his second address, “Go Therefore,” Dr. Godfrey explored the Great Commission. Christ commissioned His church to preach the gospel to all nations and to teach His people everything that He has commanded them (Matt. 28:18– 20). The church is called to preach Christ and to call people to trust in Him, but it is not to stop there. Instead, the church is to make disciples, teaching them what Christ has revealed so that they will persevere to the end and inherit eternal life. Dr. Godfrey considered the importance of discipleship and how our making disciples now has an eternal impact.
WSC WELCOMES NEW TRUSTEES
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estminster Seminary California is pleased to welcome three new Trustees to its Board: Dr. Solomon Jo, Rev. Steve Oeverman, and Dr. Tom Vander Veen. Dr. Solomon Jo serves as Partner Physician at Southern California Permanente Medical Group in Los Angeles, where he specializes in hematology and oncology. Born and raised in the San Fernando Valley, Dr. Jo has served in the Steering Committee at Living Faith Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Los Angeles since 2013. In 2015, he was ordained as a ruling elder. He also oversees the Men’s Ministry and helps lead the Valley Community Group. Dr. Jo and his wife, Laura, have three children: Michael, Ella, and Emily. Rev. Steve Oeverman was born and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He 22
graduated from Calvin College, The Bethlehem College and Seminary, and Westminster Seminary California (M.Div., 2004). Rev. Oeverman served briefly in an OPC in Philadelphia after graduating from WSC before returning to Escondido to serve as Associate Minister of Escondido United Reformed Church (EURC) and Executive Vice President of WSC. After seven years of faithful service at WSC and EURC, Rev. Oeverman accepted a call to serve as Pastor of Grace United Reformed Church in Portland, Oregon, in September 2012. Rev. Oeverman and his wife, Kathryn, have five daughters. Dr. Thomas Vander Veen is President of Epsilon Economics and specializes in the application of economics to intel-
lectual property, international trade, and complex commercial disputes. Dr. Vander Veen has served as an economic expert in U.S. Courts, state courts, and before the U.S. International Trade Commission. After doing his undergraduate work at Calvin College, he went on to earn a Ph.D. in Economics from Brown University. In addition, he has served as a ruling elder at Trinity Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Hinsdale, Illinois, since 2006. Dr. Vander Veen and his wife, Rebecca, have two children: Matthew and Christian. These men bring valuable gifts, expertise, and experiences to the Board. The WSC faculty and staff are thankful to serve alongside the Board of Trustees as stewards of the institution.
UPDATE | FALL2021
WSC ANNUAL REPORT ACADEMIC YEAR 2020-2021
ACADEMICS WSC continues to graduate more men in the Master of Divinity program than all other programs combined.
135
independent/ reformed baptist churches
christian reformed church in north america
TOTAL STUDENTS
5%
24%
of arts 39 master
matriculating 1 visiting/non-
korean presbyterian denominations
6% 15%
ALUMNI SERVING IN DENOMINATIONS
presbyterian church in america
of divinity 95 master
9%
other reformed/presbyterian denominations
9%
19% orthodox presbyterian church
13%
other churches
united reformed churches in north america
FACULTY
ACCREDITATION
ALUMNI
12 members 11.25 : 1 student/faculty ratio
association of theological schools
1,200+ graduates
western association of schools and colleges
FINANCES ORDINARY INCOME
WSC does not receive direct funding from the government or from any specific church denomination
ORDINARY EXPENSES tuition
80%
40%
other
instruction & programs
5%
$16,975
$4.7 MILLION
$4.6 MILLION
55%
unrestricted gifts
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TUITION PER FULL-TIME STUDENT
8%
fundraising & development
12% $8,000
$8,975
average scholarship/grant
average net cost
general & administrative
23
HONORARIUM & MEMORIAL GIFTS IN HONOR OF Mr. John K. Andrews Mr. and Mrs. Henry Doorn Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Friend
Mrs. Mary E. Crow Mr. and Mrs. David Crow Mr. and Mrs. Henry Doorn Mrs. Joann Veenstra
Rev. Dr. R. Scott Clark Dr. and Mrs. William J. Montgomery
Mr. Pete de Jong Mr. and Mrs. Duane Koonce
Mr. and Mrs. Henry Doorn Rev. Robert D. Abbot
Mrs. Rena de Jong Mrs. Clara Brouwer Rev. Dr. and Mrs. R. Scott Clark Mr. and Mrs. Henry Doorn Rev. and Mrs. Robert M. Godfrey Rev. Dr. and Mrs. W. Robert Godfrey Rev. and Mrs. Joel E. Kim Mr. and Mrs. Duane Koonce Mrs. Mary Vanderbyl
Mr. Lance Faber Howard L. and Garneth J. Faber Family Trust Ms. Marilyn J. Frank Mr. Burton D. Santee, Jr. Rev. Christopher J. Gordon Mr. and Mrs. Ian McClure Rev. Drew D. Hoekema Dr. and Mrs. Jerome W. Bentz Mrs. Rachel Kats Rev. Robert D. Abbot Rev. Joel E. Kim Rev. Dr. and Mrs. Paul Kong Rev. Dr. and Mrs. Julius J. Kim Rev. John C. Kong
IN MEMORY OF
Mrs. Karen DeRuyter Mr. and Mrs. Scott Korthuis Mrs. Elizabeth DeTroye Mr. and Mrs. James W. Onnink Mr. Lee E. Fesko Mr. and Mrs. Henry Doorn Rev. and Mrs. Charles A. Tedrick
Mrs. Noreen Abbot Rev. Robert D. Abbot
Mrs. Dellene Harris Mr. and Mrs. Murray L. Nonhof Ms. Sandra J. Nonhof
Dr. Jay E. Adams Rev. Dr. and Mrs. Bruce C. Mawhinney
Mrs. Mary Lou Jackson Mr. and Mrs. Robert A. Bohrer
Rev. Dr. Derke P. Bergsma Anonymous Mr. and Mrs. Henry Doorn Dr. and Mrs. Mark VanDrunen
Mrs. Elvera “Vera” Jensema Nitch Mr. Murray L. Nonhof Ms. Sandra J. Nonhof
Infant Andrew Josiah Bierling Mr. and Mrs. Rick Bierling Mrs. Edna Brower Mr. John Andreas Mrs. Clara Brouwer Rev. Dr. and Mrs. R. Scott Clark Mr. and Mrs. Henry Doorn Rev. and Mrs. Robert M. Godfrey Rev. Dr. and Mrs. W. Robert Godfrey Mr. Nathan Haveman Mr. and Mrs. Mike T. Hillebrecht Rev. and Mrs. Joel E. Kim Mr. and Mrs. Duane Koonce Mr. and Mrs. Frank Leyendekker Mrs. Mary Vanderbyl Mr. and Mrs. Ben Veenendaal Mr. Robert Brown Mr. and Mrs. Henry Doorn Rev. and Mrs. Charles A. Tedrick Mrs. Ruth Crabtree Sutherland Dr. and Dr. David A. Van Dyke
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Dr. Robert G. den Dulk Rev. and Mrs. Don Poundstone
Mr. Ronald L. Jensema Mr. Murray L. Nonhof Ms. Sandra J. Nonhof
Gifts Received from March 13, 2021, through November 13, 2021 Mrs. Mari A. MacVey Rev. Dr. and Mrs. R. Scott Clark Mr. and Mrs. Tiddo den Boer Rev. and Mrs. Charles A. Tedrick Rev. Dr. and Mrs. Joshua J. Van Ee Dr. and Mrs. Mark VanDrunen Baby Miles Edison Paauw Dr. and Mrs. James D. Paauw Mr. Ralph E. Roos Mr. and Mrs. Henry Doorn Mr. Kevin R. Shaw Mr. and Mrs. David V. Edling, Esq. Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Van Egmond Mrs. Marsha Shaw Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Van Egmond Rev. Noah D. Shepherd Rev. and Mrs. Charles A. Tedrick Mrs. Kathy Siegersma Mrs. Mary Vanderbyl Rev. Salvador M. Solis Mr. and Mrs. Brad De Boer Mr. and Mrs. Henry Doorn Rev. Dr. and Mrs. W. Robert Godfrey Rev. and Mrs. Joel E. Kim Dr. Lawrence T. McHargue Mrs. Amy Solis Mrs. Elizabeth “Betsy” Strother Yeats Stepanovich Ms. Sandra J. Nonhof Mr. A. James Stryd Mr. and Mrs. John H. Brower Mrs. Clara Valero Mr. and Mrs. Henry Doorn Mr. Marv and Mrs. Mari Vander Pol Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Korthuis
Mr. Arlyn Katje Mrs. Mary Vanderbyl
Mrs. Dottie Van Iwaarden Mrs. Mary Vanderbyl
Mr. Conley Katje Mrs. Mary Vanderbyl
Mr. Robert K. Vander Ploeg Mr. and Mrs. Henry Doorn Mrs. Joann Veenstra
Mrs. Edna Katje Mrs. Mary Vanderbyl Mrs. Barbara Keller Rev. and Mrs. George R. Cottenden Mr. and Mrs. Brad De Boer Mr. and Mrs. Henry Doorn Mr. and Mrs. Steven Dugan Mr. John Hapgood Mr. and Mrs. John Kortenhoeven Rev. and Mrs. Don Poundstone Rev. Dr. William H. Kooienga Mrs. Marilyn Kooienga Infant Shiloh Esther Korthuis Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Korthuis
Mrs. Sjoerdje “Shirley” M. Vander Stelt Mr. Anthony Vander Stelt Mrs. Lorraine T. Wierenga Rev. Dr. and Mrs. R. Scott Clark Mr. and Mrs. Henry Doorn Rev. Dr. and Mrs. W. Robert Godfrey Baby Calvin Luis Williams Rev. and Mrs. Thomas K. Myrick Mrs. Henny Wybenga Mr. Edward Brower Mr. and Mrs. Henry Doorn Rev. Dr. and Mrs. W. Robert Godfrey Mr. and Mrs. Allan Oudman Mrs. Mary Vanderbyl UPDATE | FALL2021
GIVING FROM YOUR IRA Making Kingdom Impact Through Your Retirement Assets
If you are 70 ½ or older, you can make a sizable gift from your individual retirement account (IRA) to charity AND receive significant tax benefits in return. Give a tax-wise gift up to $100,000 per year* in IRA assets directly to your favorite Kingdom causes.
Benefits of an IRA Charitable Rollover • Convenient. An easy way to give to your favorite charity. • Tax-wise. Charitable distributions reduce your taxable income. Advantageous even if you don’t itemize deductions on your tax returns! • Promises kept. Gifts from your IRA can be used to fulfill any charitable giving pledges previously made. • Impactful. Gifts are tax-free to the charity. The entirety of your gift will go toward ministry! Requirements of a Qualified Charitable Distribution You can give to charity from your IRA without any federal tax liability, as long as the gifts are qualified charitable distributions (QCDs). Distributions qualify for all or part of an IRA owner’s required minimum distribution (RMD). • IRA holders must be age 70 ½ or older at the time of the gift. • Give up to $100,000 per year as a single person or $200,000 per year as a married couple from separate accounts.* • Gifts must be outright gifts made directly to a charitable organization. • Distributions to donor-advised funds, charitable trusts, or for charitable gift annuities are not permissible. • Distributions may be made from IRAs including a traditional IRA, inherited IRA, SEP IRA (inactive) or simple IRA (inactive). Other retirement accounts are not eligible. *See question 3 for exceptions related to the SECURE Act. This information is not intended as tax, legal or financial advice. Gift results may vary. Consult your financial advisor and legal counsel for information and advice specific to your situation.
LEARN MORE To learn more about IRA gifts or other smart and powerful giving options, contact Barnabas Foundation at 888.448.3040 or email info@BarnabasFoundation.com.
wscal .e d u
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 1. Do I receive a deduction for my gift? No. Because the IRA assets haven’t been taxed, no deduction is allowed. To receive the deduction, you would be required to first treat the distribution as taxable income before taking the deduction. In most cases, it is better to not take the distribution as income. 2. How do I make a gift from my IRA? Simply contact your IRA plan administrator, and request forms to make a charitable gift. Your administrator may even provide you checks you can write out for qualified charitable distributions directly from your account. 3. How does the SECURE Act affect my IRA giving? What’s changed: 1.) Now you can continue to invest in your IRA after age 70 ½, but if you do, those investments will reduce your annual QCD limit. Talk to a trusted advisor for further details. 2.) You don’t have to take your required minimum distribution until age 72. What hasn’t changed: You can still make a qualified charitable distribution from your IRA at age 70 ½. 4. What’s my deadline for end-of-year giving? • If your gift is coming directly from your IRA administrator, you must complete your paperwork in time for your administrator to send a check to the charity on or before December 31. • If you have been given an IRA checkbook, your check must be received AND PROCESSED by December 31. It is NOT enough that personal IRA checks are postmarked or even handdelivered by December 31. • Bottom line, your gift must be received and processed by December 31 in order for it to count toward your RMD. Furthermore, since IRA checks do not include your name and look very similar to standard bank checks (which have different guidelines), it’s a good idea to alert the charity when giving in this manner. 25
UP CLOSE WITH
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BRADLEY J. BITNER
BRIEFLY TELL US ABOUT YOUR TIME BEFORE COMING TO WSC. WHAT DREW YOU TO ACCEPT THE POSITION OF ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF NEW TESTAMENT AT WSC?
During the six years (2014-2020) prior to arriving at WSC, I taught New Testament and Biblical Theology at Oak Hill College in north London (UK). Oak Hill is similar in size to WSC and prepares students who will minister the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the very secularized and multicultural landscape of contemporary Britain. During those years, I also served on the Kirk Session of London City Presbyterian Church. My family and I loved being a part of that congregation; it was extremely international, wonderful at hospitality, prayerful, and evangelistically minded. Because there was good work to be done in London and since we had many wonderful relationships, the decision to return to the USA and accept the position at WSC was in some ways a difficult one. But the opportunity to join the team in Escondido and to be part of the WSC mission and vision was really the fulfillment of our longstanding hopes and prayers. For many years I had been blessed from afar by the writing and ministries of the WSC faculty. And I had always resonated strongly with WSC’s robust Reformed, confessional framework for theological education in the service of Christ’s church. What’s more, while so many seminaries are turning to online, distance education, I rejoiced to learn that WSC was redoubling its commitment to residential, relational, and rigorous formation for Christian ministry. What a privilege to have joined the faculty here in the seminary’s fortieth anniversary year and to seek to carry on the wonderful WSC legacy into a new generation!
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PLEASE TELL US ABOUT YOUR RESEARCH INTERESTS AND ANY RESEARCH PROJECTS IN PROGRESS.
My research and writing cover several areas that are helpful for my teaching and ministry. Currently, these are 1-2 Corinthians, the theology of Geerhardus Vos, and the contribution of ancient inscriptions to our study of the New Testament. My first book examined Paul’s theological and pastoral strategy in 1 Corinthians within the setting of first-century Roman Corinth. I am
A S S O C I AT E P R O F E S S O R O F N E W T E S TA M E N T
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“I want to model for them and grow with them in a posture of prayerful humility before our loving and gracious Lord.” 26
now writing a more streamlined account of Paul’s paradigm for ministry (not leadership!) and for building up the church (from 1 Corinthians 3:5–4:5). A longer-term book project of mine focuses on the kind of competent, suffering, new covenant ministry portrayed in 2 Corinthians 2:14–7:4. In addition, I have several articles forthcoming that deal with Geerhardus Vos’s vision for theological education, his covenant theology, and a comparison of Vos and the church father Irenaeus as they engage in biblical theology. Finally, I am co-editing and contributing several essays to a major volume that is focused on the inscriptions from Ephesus and the light they shed on various New Testament texts. WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO INSTILL IN YOUR STUDENTS AT WSC?
Lord willing, my students will become excellent students of the Greek New Testament. I want to model for them and grow with them in a posture of prayerful humility before our loving and gracious Lord who speaks to us in his word. My prayer is that they would handle the text responsibly and develop good pastoral instincts. I want them to be able to connect the truth of God’s word to the people he places in their care. Ultimately, I hope my students will grow to know more deeply what the apostle Paul grasped so keenly – that their strengths, their weaknesses, and their sufferings are means through which the triune God glorifies himself in them and their ministries. BRADLEY J. BITNER is Associate Professor of New Testament at Westminster Seminary California. He and his wife, Kathi, have seven children. UPDATE | FALL2021
FACULTY BOOKS AVAILABLE NOW
With All Your Heart Orienting Your Mind, Desires, and Will Toward Christ by A. Craig Troxel (Crossway, 2020)
Politics After Christendom Political Theology in a Fractured World
What is the Priesthood of Believers? Basics of Faith Series
Basics of Faith Series
What is Man?
Saving the Reformation
by A. Craig Troxel (P&R, 2010)
The Pastoral Theology of the Canons of Dort
by David VanDrunen (Zondervan, 2020)
by A. Craig Troxel (P&R, 2019)
Monday Through Friday In The Word
Journeys with Jesus
Echoes of Exodus Tracing a Biblical Motif
Aquinas Among the Protestants
Weekday Inspiration
Every Path in the Bible Leads Us to Christ
by Bryan D. Estelle (IVP Academic, 2018)
Edited by David VanDrunen (Wiley-Blackwell, 2017)
by Derke P. Bergsma (Christian Faith Publishing, Inc., 2018)
Rediscovering the Holy Spirit God's Perfecting Presence in Creation, Redemption, and Everyday Life by Michael S. Horton (Zondervan, 2017)
by W. Robert Godfrey (Reformation Trust Publishing, 2019)
The Majesty on High Introduction to the Kingdom of God in the New Testament
Justification 2-Volume Series, New Studies in Dogmatics by Michael S. Horton (Zondervan, 2018)
Learning to Love the Psalms by W. Robert Godfrey (Reformation Trust, 2017)
by S. M. Baugh (CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 2017)
by Dennis E. Johnson (P&R, 2018)
Ephesians
Core Christianity
God's Glory Alone
Evangelical Exegetical Commentary
Finding Yourself in God's Story
The Majestic Heart of Christian Faith and Life
by S. M. Baugh (Lexham Press, 2016)
by Michael S. Horton (Zondervan, 2016)
by David VanDrunen (Zondervan, 2015)
Preaching the Whole Counsel of God
Calvin on the Christian Life
Design and Deliver GospelCentered Sermons
Glorifying and Enjoying God Forever
by Julius J. Kim (Zondervan, 2015)
by Michael S. Horton (Crossway Books, 2014)
Visit our campus Bookstore! | wscal.edu/bookstore wscal .e d u
WESTMINSTER THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY IN CALIFORNIA 1725 BEAR VALLEY PARKWAY ESCONDIDO, CA 92027 WWW.WSCAL.EDU
From Faith to Faith JANUARY 14-15, 2022 WSCAL.EDU/CONFERENCE HORTON | TROXEL | KIM | GODFREY | BITNER
