wfn.org | ABCUSA: KIM RESIGNS EDUCATIONAL MINISTRIES POST

[RICH.SCHRAMM@ecunet.org]

AMERICAN BAPTIST NEWS SERVICE 
Office of Communication  
American Baptist Churches USA 
P.O. Box 851, Valley Forge, PA 19482-0851 
Phone: (610)768-2077 / Fax: (610)768-2320 
Web: www.abc-usa.org
Richard W. Schramm, Director 
 E-mail: richard.schramm@abc-usa.org

KIM RESIGNS AS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF 
AMERICAN BAPTIST EDUCATIONAL MINISTRIES
 Dr. Jean B. Kim, executive director of American 
Baptist Educational Ministries for the past 13 years, has 
resigned that position, effective immediately.
 Kim's resignation was accepted yesterday by 
Board of Educational Ministries President William Apel and 
the BEM Executive Committee.  American Baptist Churches 
USA Interim General Secretary Robert H. Roberts, in consultation 
with the BEM Executive Committee, has named as acting 
executive director Daniel Rawleigh, treasurer and chief 
operating officer of Educational Ministries.
 In a meeting yesterday with Educational Ministries 
staff, Kim emphasized the need for new leadership at a 
critical point when a "new vision and new organization" is 
called for "to claim God's purpose in discipleship 
ministries" for American Baptist Churches USA.
 American Baptist Churches USA President Trinette 
V. McCray, who previously served as president of the 
Board of Educational Ministries, lifted up Kim's many 
significant accomplishments in ministries of education: "I 
had been privileged to serve on the Board of Educational 
Ministries and as its president during the leadership of Dr. 
Jean Kim.  Jean's commitment and strong desire to meet 
the needs of God's people for education, training, 
leadership development, and discipleship making has been 
a driving force in her that I have witnessed over my nine 
years of denominational leadership.  As ABCUSA president 
I honor the presence of God in Jean's ministry and her 
faithful service to advance our educational mission. 
Through her leadership we have broken new ground in 
publishing books to an African American readership, 
regional partnerships for the deployment of EM staff, and 
the advancement of our focus on our primary task of 
discipleship making.  I am grateful for Jean's long and 
strong contribution to the ministry and mission 
of the ABCUSA in this capacity.  Jean is a faithful 
denominational leader who has demonstrated God's 
fortitude during challenging times."
 Interim General Secretary Robert Roberts also praised 
Kim's commitment and accomplishments: "I have deep 
and profound appreciation for the passion and giftedness 
that Jean brought to Educational Ministries over a 13-year 
period.  Jean and her staff touched the lives of thousands 
of children, youth and adults for good, for God and for the 
gospel.  Educational Ministries will be in a position to 
receive a bold new vision of discipleship ministry as it 
builds on the foundation Jean has left in place."
 Kim became the first woman to head a national 
program board of American Baptist Churches USA when 
she became executive director of Educational Ministries in 
January 1989.  She had been a member of the 
denomination's General Board and had served as vice 
president of the Board of Educational Ministries for two 
years prior to her staff appointment.
 Kim additionally has served as a national secretary 
of American Baptist Churches USA concurrently during her 
service as executive director.
 Previously Kim was vice president, academic dean 
and faculty member at American Baptist-related Eastern 
College, St. Davids, Pa.  She also had served on the 
faculty of Haverford College.  Kim, who holds the A.B. 
degree from Eastern and a Ph.D. from Bryn Mawr College, 
taught chemistry at both schools.
 Rawleigh, who joined Educational Ministries' staff 
in February 1999, is an ordained minister and a member 
of First Baptist Church, Philadelphia, where he serves as 
moderator and chair of the board of trustees.  He noted 
both sadness and a sense of new opportunities for service: 
"God has given a gift to Educational Ministries. There is 
potential for a new day-a new direction for Educational 
Ministries. My prayer is that we will all look forward as we 
grasp this mission." 

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