A Word From Kah-Jin Jeffrey Kuan
Dean, Drew Theological School
I am blessed! Almost every Sunday since joining the Drew community, I have had the opportunity to worship with our alumni and their congregations. I have been welcomed into their churches with open arms and warm hearts to share with them in prayer, communion, and fellowship.
Each congregation is unique. Each alumnus/a approaches his or her teaching of the Gospel in ways that are distinctive to their particular setting, while remaining deeply rooted in our shared Christian tradition. Whether celebrating Black Heritage Month at John Wesley United Methodist Church in Brooklyn (NY) served by Rev. Pauline Wardell-Sankoh T’97, hearing from Rev. Vicki Brendler T’77, P’01 about the pilgrimage made by the parishioners of Bridgewater United Methodist Church from Israel to Egypt, or singing with Rev. Jeff Markay C’88, T’95 and the praise band of Caldwell United Methodist Church, I have enjoyed meeting with our alumni and gaining a deeper understanding of Drew’s distinctive culture—from the very men and women who have helped to shape that culture and continue to sustain it today.
It is clear to me, in the very short time I’ve served as Dean, that the education and training these pastors received is part of a long, distinguished tradition. Drew is a place that takes seriously the formation of spiritual leaders, scholars, and teachers, and prepares them to minister to, lead, and teach in a world in need of spiritual renewal. I am proud to have become a part of this tradition.
I look forward to sharing in worship with many more of you throughout my tenure at Drew Theological School. And, I invite you to return to campus often and to continue to help us build and strengthen the Drew community.