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Congratulations, Dr. Witmer!April 20, 2013
Distinguished Alumnus at West Chester University On Saturday, April 27 on the campus of West Chester University (WCU), Dr. Timothy Witmer, professor of practical theology, will be recognized along with two others as Distinguished Alumni of the year. According to the WCU Alumni Association “It is awarded for distinguished and exceptional attainments in life.” Dr. Witmer’s years at West Chester (class of ’75) were formative for him in many ways. Though raised in a Christian home, it was while a student at West Chester that he first understood and believed the Gospel through the ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ. It was also at West Chester where he was introduced to Reformed Theology by CCC leadership. One of the works used to disciple him was Redemption Accomplished and Applied by John Murray! After becoming a Christian he changed his major from music performance to philosophy through the influence of philosophy department chairman Dr. George Claghorn who was editor of one of the volumes of the Yale University’s Works of Jonathan Edwards. It was also through Dr. Claghorn that Witmer was introduced to his first ministry experience as part-time Youth Director at the First Baptist Church of Downingtown. This was an important step in developing his sense of call to pastoral ministry.
Dr. Witmer now teaches practical theology at Westminster and pastors Crossroads Community Church in Upper Darby, PA. The above photo is from Dr. Witmer's time at Westminster, in 1978. Congratulations! |
Dr. Witmer was introduced to Westminster Seminary through several Christian friends from West Chester who had begun studying at the seminary. He thought he would “try it out” by attending a winter term course on “Christian Baptism.” “After sitting in on those classes, I knew I had to stay,” Witmer reports. Through his years of training at Westminster his call to ministry was confirmed and upon graduation (’79) he was ordained as a Teaching Elder in the PCA and began his ministry at Berith Presbyterian Church (now Springton Lake Presbyterian).
