Dr. Andrew M. King serves as Assistant Professor of Biblical Studies at Midwestern Seminary and Assistant Dean of Spurgeon College. His research interests include Prophetic Literature, theological interpretation, Old Testament social ethics, and biblical theology. He serves as a co-director of Every Voice: A Center for Kingdom Diversity in Christian Theological Education, which exists to promote the work of ethnic minority/Majority World scholars for a broader audience as well as provide resources for students and institutions. He is known around campus as a faculty member marked by joy, so it is an honor to include Dr. King as our faculty highlight in this edition of the Midwestern Magazine.
Mbts: What does life as a professor look like behind the scenes and how does your work in scholarship/writing fit in with your other responsibilities?
Andrew King: It is an absolute joy and privilege to serve here at Midwestern Seminary and Spurgeon College. As with any ministry, there is always much more that goes on behind the scenes than what people may see. My academic ministry primarily focuses on two areas: institutional service and scholarship. A couple of days a week I teach courses such as Old Testament Survey and Hebrew. My goal for every class is to help my students behold the Triune God and be shaped by His Word. Other aspects of institutional service include supervising Ph.D. students, developing and refining degree programs and curriculum at Spurgeon College, visiting with students and ministry leaders, ensuring our academic policies and processes best serve our students and promote student success, working with our residential adjunct instructors, serving on various committees, and overseeing our dual credit and dual enrollment programs. With these various institutional responsibilities, no two weeks look alike.
In addition to my ministry at the institutional level, I also serve in various ways in the publishing and academic community. Some days I may be engaged with academic writing and editing projects. This generally involves praying, reading, pacing in circles, writing, and rewriting.
On both these levels, I view everything I do as for the Church. I am grateful for my many colleagues who provide an excellent model for faithfulness in academic ministry.
Mbts: This edition of the magazine focuses on the joy of serving the local church. Can you speak to the importance of joy in the Christian life?
Ak: Joy is a theme woven throughout Scripture. In one sense, being in right relationship with our Triune God in the gospel means that we are tethered to the ultimate source of joy (Psalm 16:11). Yet more than just a personal experience, genuine joy in God will be missional. John Piper notes that “All joy has in it an impulse to demonstrate the beauty and value of its object.” If we truly treasure the God of our salvation, we cannot help but rejoice in Him; and if we rejoice in Him, we cannot help but tell others about Him. As Christians let their lives illuminate the way to King Jesus, joy will result for those the Lord draws to Himself (John 4:36).
The call to joy, however, does not minimize suffering and hardship. Seasons of joylessness should not produce guilt in believers, but foster a continued dependence and longing for God. The pursuit of joy in darkness is not a burden, but instead a stumbling towards the One whose yoke is easy. We can come to God, by the Spirit, and say with the Psalmist, “Restore me to the joy of your salvation” (Psalm 51:12). For the God who saved us is eternally present with us (Hebrews 13:5). And when the cares of our hearts are many, His consolations cheer our souls (Psalm 94:19).
Mbts: How do the seminary and the Church benefit each other?
Ak: The relationship between the seminary and the Church is symbiotic: local churches send us students with a love for the gospel and we return students to local churches with tools for continued gospel faithfulness. As our students gain competencies in biblical languages, theological and historical study, and other academic disciplines, we seek to instill in them a deep appreciation for and partnership with the local church. More than just a tagline, our for the Church mission directs everything we do: from degree program offerings to student life events, from organizational partnerships to athletics. Although experts in their respective academic disciplines, our faculty is without exception engaged in the life of local churches. We preach what we practice and practice what we preach. We are humbled that local churches around the world entrust their members to equipping at Midwestern Seminary and Spurgeon College. Every semester, we strive to honor that stewardship by fulfilling the mission for which we exist.
Mbts: Why should future college students consider Spurgeon College for their studies?
Ak: There are seasons in the life of institutions that history remembers as unique. I truly believe that Spurgeon College is in just such a season. The combination of mission-clarity, various degree pathways, an exemplary faculty, and a thriving campus culture all roll up to the kind of college experience I want for my kids. Spurgeon College, both inside and outside the classroom, engages the mind, heart, and hands of students for the Kingdom. For those who are not able to relocate, our Global Campus brings what God is doing in Kansas City to wherever you live and serve. All this to say that Spurgeon College is experiencing God’s blessing in a distinct way. If you don’t believe me, I would simply invite you to attend Preview Day. If you come and see what God is doing, I assure you that you will not be disappointed. And high school students don’t even have to wait! Our Dual Enrollment program allows high schools students to get a jump start on their college careers right now.
