Recognized for his global impact in Reformed teaching and ministry, Rev. Dr. Jay Shim, professor emeritus of theology at Dordt University, was named a 2025 distinguished alumnus by Calvin Theological Seminary.
Rev. Dr. Jay Shim, professor emeritus of theology at Dordt University, has been recognized as one of Calvin Theological Seminary’s distinguished alumni for 2025.
Dr. Shim’s impact as a professor and theologian has left a lasting impression on those who worked alongside him. “He was very intentional in his calling ‘to profess’ as a professor at Dordt,” says Dr. Leah Zuidema, vice president for academic affairs at Dordt. “He loved to share the Good News of Jesus Christ, and he spent countless hours developing curricular materials to be used around the world to help others in their teaching of Reformed theology and worldview. We are deeply grateful for his work and praise God for his service.”
Throughout his career, Shim has demonstrated a profound commitment to the spiritual growth of those he teaches. “Teaching and ministry are essentially forms of communication—from God to humans and from the original gospel to modern people. It requires recognizing and meeting people where they are,” explains Shim.
“As a professor, pastor, and mentor, Shim has dedicated decades to forming the next generation of Christ followers, helping them grow in their knowledge of God and Scripture,” says Rev. Jul Medenblik, president of Calvin Theological Seminary. “His unwavering commitment to theological teaching, preaching, and discipleship has left a lasting impact at Dordt University, in Irvine, California, and far beyond.”
Not only has Shim demonstrated a commitment to faithful instruction, Shim also prioritizes investing in the lives of others. “He had a deep passion for hospitality,” says Zuidema. “He devoted significant time to mentoring students and, together with his wife, Joyce, often welcomed them into their home for meals and fellowship.”
Dr. Kyle Dieleman, one of Shim’s former students and current professor of theology at Dordt, recalls Shim’s deep investment in his students. “It was always obvious that Dr. Shim cared for us, his students,” he says. “He was intentional about wanting to develop relationships with us, as evidenced by the many times he invited us to his home for meals. Dr. Shim was also careful in helping students discern how God might be calling us to serve in His kingdom, wherever that might lead.”
Deeply committed to global missions and to exploring what it means to live as a Christian in today’s world, Shim has continued that calling into retirement. Currently serving in church ministry in Irvine, California and teaching online, he also recently authored Engaging Faith: My Story in God’s Story.
Shim says he was humbled by the recognition, viewing it as a meaningful affirmation of his lifelong calling to teach and serve. “I find great joy in this work,” adds Shim.
Even years later, Dieleman sees Shim’s theological vision woven into the department’s mission and his own approach to teaching. “The theology department continues to place great importance on the way the historic Reformed tradition can nourish theology in contemporary contexts, including around the globe,” says Dieleman. “That was something about which Dr. Shim was adamant and passionate and continues to reverberate in the theology department at Dordt.”
“Dr. Shim's passion for theology being for the church and all Christians is something the theology department continues to instill in students and embody in how we serve Dordt and its constituencies,” continues Dieleman. “Dr. Shim also refused to settle for easy, trite theological answers and, instead, invited us to probe more deeply. That theological exploration was not only for the sake of curiosity, however, but to help us know and love God more fully.”
“With deep gratitude, Calvin Theological Seminary celebrates Rev.
Dr. Jay Shim’s faithful witness, Christ-centered joy, and enduring leadership through preaching, teaching, and mentorship. His life and ministry reflect the very heart of Calvin Seminary’s mission: preparing individuals for biblically faithful and contextually effective ministry of the Word,” adds Medenblik.
About Dordt University
As an institution of higher education committed to the Reformed Christian perspective, Dordt University equips students, faculty, alumni, and the broader community to work toward Christ-centered renewal in all aspects of contemporary life. Located in Sioux Center, Iowa, Dordt is a comprehensive university named to the best college lists by U.S. News and World Report, the Wall Street Journal, Times Higher Education, Forbes.com, Washington Monthly, and Princeton Review.
Related Events