Faculty Promotions in 2023

December 8, 2023

On the recommendation of the Faculty, Academic Dean, and President, the NBTS Board of Trustees promoted Dr. Jaeseung Cha and Dr. Janice McLean-Farrell in light of their teaching, scholarship, and service. 

Dr. Jaesung Cha Professor of Foundational and Constructive Theology Dr. Cha helps students establish a solid grounding in the fundamentals of Christian theology and faith. Regular topics include doctrines of the Trinity, creation, human beings, salvation, the Church and sacraments, and eschatology. His approach acknowledges that these key elements are not static but are continually reshaped within different socio-linguistic contexts. As someone deeply rooted in the Reformed tradition but also shaped by experience living and teaching in non-Western countries, Cha helps students consider how context intersects with theology. According to Dean of Academic Affairs Dr. Beth Tanner, “Dr. Cha brings a depth of reflection from both Western and Eastern thought to the task of theology. His focus on atonement theory has brought new opportunities for reflection and growth beyond the current impasse. ”Cha responds to his promotion with “a profound sense of honor and responsibility,” not only for his own scholarship, but also for the reputation of NBTS.

Dr. Janice McLean-Farrell Dirk Romeyn Associate Professor of Metro-Urban Ministry Associate Dean of Doctoral Studies Dr. McLean-Farrell feels called to equip “leaders to join God in what God is already doing in urban spaces.” She draws on the experience and knowledge of not only diverse authors but also her own students, most of whom are adult learners. Her ultimate goal is to “have students develop ministry practice that is contextually relevant, historically grounded, culturally competent, pastoral in nature, and prophetic in witness.” NBTS students benefit from McLean-Farrell’s scholarship around immigrant churches. “Her body of work has deepened our understanding of the current Church in America,” says Tanner. Particularly through her leadership in the Doctor of Ministry program, McLean-Farrell has shepherded outstanding students who are now well-equipped to serve the Church in the U.S. and beyond. For McLean-Farrell, her promotion acknowledges her past work but also carries a responsibility: “I aspire to continue offering my best service in the classroom, the field of theological education, and the Church.”