Ken Kim announced today he would be resigning from his position as executive director of Presbyterian World Service & Development to become the leader of disaster response at World Renew, the relief and development agency of the Christian Reformed Church.
“It is time for a change, for both PWS&D and myself,” he said in an email to staff at the church’s national offices. “I have never considered the position as director for granted, or mine for life. I will miss being with the staff of this amazing team.” March 15 will be his final day with the Presbyterian aid agency.
Rick Fee, general secretary of the Life and Mission Agency and former director of PWS&D said he accepted Kim’s letter of resignation with great regret. “He contributed immensely to the present stature of the development arm of our church,” Fee said. “Worldwide it is recognized that PWS&D has an enviable reputation in the development and emergency relief and refugee spheres. PWS&D is regarded very highly across the Presbyterian Church and Ken has done much to raise it in prominence and profile.”
Lara Scholey, convener of the PWS&D committee, said the group “especially appreciated Ken’s ability to express his faith as a part of what he did, why he did it, and his ability to bring the development world and the church world together.”
Kim has served as head of the Presbyterian Church’s agency since 2006, and previously served for more than a decade in Central America as a missionary with International Ministries.
“I am confident that whoever should follow in the role of director will be able to take the agency to new heights with energy, creativity and skills beyond what I am able to offer,” Kim said. “The ministry of PWS&D belongs to everyone. I was blessed to have been tasked with one component of it.”
“While we will miss his dedication, talent and faithfulness to our denomination, we know that he is still engaged in the same mission and ministry as he was when with PWS&D,” Fee said. “Everyone wishes him all the best in his future endeavours as he continues to serve in the greater Christian church.” —with files from Rick Fee
