Namjoong Kim Named Associate Dean of Doctoral Programs & International Relations for Korea
Grant J. Hagiya, President of Claremont School of Theology, has appointed Professor Namjoong Kim as the Associate Dean of Doctoral Programs and International Relations for Korea, effective April 15, 2024.
The Rev. Dr. Kim is a seasoned practical theologian with over 15 years of experience in the field of theological education. He has been instrumental in bridging the gap between church ministry and theological education in both Korea and North America.
Extensive Educational and Administrative Background
Kim obtained his Bachelor of Theology (B.Th.) from Hanshin University, followed by a Master of Theology (Th.M.) in Hebrew Bible from the Graduate School of Hanshin University. He then pursued studies at Drew Theological School in New Jersey, earning a Master of Sacred Theology (S.T.M.) degree in Liturgics, as well as a Master of Philosophy (M.Phil.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Homiletics out of the Liturgical Studies area. Prior to his current appointment, he served as the Director of Korean Doctoral Programs and Associate Professor of the Practice of Ministry at CST. Before joining Claremont School of Theology in 2016, he was an adjunct faculty at Drew Theological School, teaching Worship and Preaching from 2012 to 2015.
Ministerial Experience and Educational Philosophy
Having been ordained as a pastor in The Presbyterian Church of the Republic of Korea (PROK) since 2003, Dr. Kim has provided his ministry in diverse Korean churches across Korea, Toronto, New Jersey, California, and Oregon. He has also been diligently engaged in nationwide speaking engagements and online seminars on preaching and worship, collaborating with local church pastors and congregations in various regions of both Korea and the United States. To this end, he serves as an instructor for preaching and practical theology seminars at Korea’s “Institute for Biblical Preaching,” supporting the preaching and worship efforts of Korean churches and ministers. Additionally, as a co-founder of the “North American Institute for Preaching and Worship,” he provides support for global Korean churches and ministers. Furthermore, he works as the Director of the “Center for Worship and Preaching by Namjoong Kim,” aiding global Korean churches and ministers in their worship and preaching endeavors.
Future Plans
Accepting the new position of Associate Dean of Doctoral Programs and International Relations for Korea, Kim has pledged to integrate high-quality theological education services in Korean-language doctoral programs, aiming to nurture leaders with a balance of theory and practice. He also plans to establish a platform for CST Korean alumni to continue receiving the school’s theological education services post-graduation. Furthermore, he emphasized strengthening relationships with proud CST Korean alumni and international collaborative institutions, aiming to build a global theological education network where CST directly engages in fieldwork.
Kim’s new appointment as Associate Dean symbolizes Claremont School of Theology’s enduring commitment and passion for Korean theological education. Under his leadership, Korean-language doctoral programs are expected to flourish, playing a vital role in international collaboration within the field of global theological education.
In addition to his role as the new Associate Dean of Doctoral Programs and International Relations for Korea at Claremont School of Theology, Dr. Kim will also continue to concurrently serve as Associate Professor of the Practice of Ministry and the Director of the Intensive DMin in Korean Contexts.
