Celebrating the Life and Legacy of James V. Brownson at Western Theological Seminary

Western Theological Seminary honors the life and legacy of James V. Brownson (‘80), former Dean and the James and Jean Cook Professor Emeritus of New Testament, whose teaching, leadership, and pastoral compassion shaped generations of ministers and enriched Reformed communities in West Michigan and beyond.

Dr. Brownson opened the world of the New Testament to students for more than 32 years, bringing wise insight and thoughtful reflection to future pastors and leaders of the Church. Dr. Keith Starkenburg, Interim Dean and Vice President of Academic Affairs, reflects: “Dr. Brownson was a wonderful teacher and mentor to students. He was generous with his colleagues and exhibited a humility-soaked confidence in his research and writing. As one of his former students, I found him to be a teacher who was passionate about the implications of the cross for the life of the church. He carried himself as a servant of the church at all times. He will be greatly missed.” As dean, he championed a landmark step for the seminary’s future by advocating for our distance-learning M.Div. program. When the program launched in Fall 2003 after a passionate faculty debate, it transformed Western into an early leader in accessible theological education. Today, this program continues to equip faithful leaders worldwide, a triumph of perseverance that stands as a significant part of his legacy. His passion for the New Testament Greek text and for student formation embodied 1 Peter 3:15, preparing all to “give a reason for the hope” with gentleness and respect. In addition to his service as the Dean and faculty member, Dr. Brownson was also a notable author. 

President Theonugraha expresses his deep appreciation for Dr. Brownson’s legacy at WTS. “Dr. Brownson served the Seminary with courage and boldness. His decision to launch a distance-learning program was visionary. Women and men continue to be formed and trained to be faithful Christian ministers through this program. Because of his leadership, Western Theological Seminary continues to thrive even in the midst of today’s challenging religious and educational landscape.” 

In addition to his service as dean and faculty member, Dr. Brownson was also a notable author. His publications include “The Promise of Baptism: An Introduction to Baptism in Scripture and the Reformed Tradition,” “Bible, Gender, Sexuality: Reframing the Church’s Debate on Same-Sex Relationships,” and “Questions Christians Aren’t Supposed to Ask.”

As an ordained RCA minister, he served as the General Synod Professor, serving the denomination through his teaching ministry and actively participating in the preparation and certification of generations of ordained ministers of Word and Sacrament in the denomination. Upon his retirement, the Board of Trustees of Western Theological Seminary, along with the Administration and the Faculty, made a motion to the General Synod for Dr. Brownson to be declared General Synod Professor Emeritus, which passed in a unanimous vote at the 2022 General Synod gathering in Pella, IA. Dr. Brownson’s legacy endures in every WTS graduate, distance learner, and church leader who proclaims the Gospel with clarity and grace. We celebrate a professor, scholar, author, and friend whose life reflected Christ’s hope.