Timothy K. Park
Associate Professor of Asian Mission and Director of Korean Studies

Looking at Mission for Asian Contexts

As Director of Fuller's Korean Studies program in the School of Intercultural Studies, Timothy Park invests himself in tailoring missionary theory to fit Asian contexts. "Asians are different from Westerners, and have a unique contribution to make to the global church," Park says. "I want my students to humbly learn from the long missions history of the Western church, and to gain insight from the successes and the mistakes of Western missionaries, but they must identify their own assets and resources for mission instead of uncritically copying the West."

To that end, Park researches Asian church and missions history, and consults with Asian missionaries and churches. "Asians have many strengths in missions," he explains. "We have common historical experiences with many in predominantly Muslim and Hindu areas, so we are not perceived so much as a threat." Park encourages Asian missionaries to do research and to publish their findings, so that their unique assets can be better understood for the benefit of all.

"I came to believe in Fuller's education when I was a PhD student here," Park says. "I found myself appropriately equipped to do ministry more effectively, and now I would like to help equip my fellow missionaries for service in the Kingdom."

Learn more about Korean Studies at Fuller.