March 3, 2008

The WTS Board of Trustees is pleased to announce the appointment of the Rev. Dr. Timothy L. Brown as the eleventh president of Western Theological Seminary. Dr. Brown is currently the Henry Bast Professor of Preaching at Western Theological Seminary, a position he has held since 1995.

Having taught at the seminary for 13 years, Tim Brown is uniquely positioned to know the school inside and out.  He is eager to address the challenges the seminary faces, such as navigating the rapidly changing landscape in the church and thinking strategically how to meet needs there.  He wants to find resources to finish visions Western Seminary has begun but which are currently under-funded.  He is also thinking ahead to pending retirements of important people at the seminary and filling those with brilliant Christian scholars who can help achieve our purpose, which is preparing Christians called by God to lead the church in mission.

“Throughout his tenure as president, Dennis Voskuil has re-energized our school with a wonderful sense of identity, great community, and really remarkable goodwill in the church.  He also has helped attract some fine young scholars,” Tim says. “This has put us on a great trajectory, and quite frankly, an uncommon one.  This is not your standard operating seminary procedure, and I want to see that preserved and carried forward.”

Tim Brown graduated from Hope College in 1973 with a BA degree.  He earned his Master of Divinity degree in 1976 and his Doctor of Ministry degree in 1992, both from Western Theological Seminary.  Tim served as the pastor of Fellowship Reformed Church in Hudsonville, MI from 1976–1981.  In 1981 he became Co-Pastor of the First Reformed Church of South Holland, IL until 1983 when he was installed as the Senior Minister of Christ Memorial Church in Holland, MI where he served until 1995.

Dr. Nancy Miller, co-chair of the presidential search committee, says, “The committee is excited about the prospect of Dr. Brown’s leadership.  He knows the challenges of teaching and is a great encourager, team-builder, and pastor who can nurture Western as a community of learners.  He is widely known and respected within the RCA and in larger circles.  We believe the Rev. Dr. Timothy Brown is uniquely positioned as a superb president for Western Seminary.”

Dr. Brown will assume the presidency on July 1, 2008.