[DUE WEST, SC, February 20, 2024] Erskine Theological Seminary is pleased to announce the appointment…
Erskine Theological Seminary announces the appointment of the Reverend Doctor Jim Belcher (Ph.D.) as Research Professor of Historical and Pastoral Theology
Erskine Theological Seminary is pleased to announce the appointment of the Reverend Doctor Jim Belcher (Ph.D.) as Research Professor of Historical and Pastoral Theology. Since 2023, Dr. Belcher has served as an adjunct professor at Erskine teaching in the ministry department. In this new part-time teaching role as Research Professor, he will regularly teach at least one course per semester at Erskine Theological Seminary in historical theology and pastoral ministry, while continuing with his writing ministry and the development of a small business in the Upstate of South Carolina. Dr. Belcher previously served as the Church Planter and Senior Pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church (Newport Beach, CA) and Associate Professor and Director of the Doctor of Ministry Program at Knox Theological Seminary (Ft. Lauderdale, FL). Most recently, he served as the President of Providence Christian College in Pasadena, CA.Dr. Belcher has a B.A. in Political Science from Gordon College (Wenham, MA), an M.A. in Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary, and a Ph.D. in Political Philosophy from Georgetown University. His doctoral dissertation examined the social and political philosophy of John Calvin. Dr. Belcher is an expert in missional theology and Christian social philosophy and has extensive experience as a Christian leader. He is the author of three books: Deep Church: A Third Way Between Emerging and Traditional (2009), In Search of Deep Faith: A Pilgrimage into the Beauty, Goodness and Heart of Christianity (2013), and Cold Civil War: Overcoming Polarization, Discovering Unity, and Healing the Nation (2022).
Dean of the Seminary, Dr. Seth J. Nelson, commented on Dr. Belcher’s appointment: “I am overjoyed that Dr. Jim Belcher has joined the Erskine faculty in this part-time Research Professor capacity. Not only does he have expertise in Christian social philosophy, but he has vast experience as a Christian leader in four different spheres: as a successful church planter, as a seminary professor, as a college president, and as a business leader. Our students will richly benefit from his experience, wisdom, and approach to Christ and culture. Personally, I look forward with eager anticipation for his course on John Calvin’s Social and Political Philosophy, which he will teach next year.”
Erskine’s President, Dr. Steve Adamson, continued: “The appointment of Rev. Dr. Jim Belcher signals one more step toward our goal of becoming the preeminent pastor-shepherd seminary in the Reformed tradition. Dr. Belcher’s quick mind, love for the gospel of Jesus Christ, penetrating cultural analysis, and vast experience in pastoral leadership will significantly benefit our students as they seek to be deeply formed with pastoral hearts and ready to engage society for Christ.”
Dr. Belcher lives in Greenville, SC. He is married to Michelle, and they have four adult children. They work together in their family-owned business in Clemson. They love traveling together, watching reruns of Downtown Abbey, and going on walks with their dog, Papi, through the nature preserve out their back door.
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