SAN FRANCISCO (BP)–Citing health reasons and a desire to return to his “first love of teaching and writing,” Richard Melick Jr. has resigned as provost of Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary to devote his full energies as a member of the seminary faculty.
In his capacity as provost at the Mill Valley, Calif., seminary near San Francisco, Melick functioned as the school’s chief operating officer. His transition to the classroom was effective Feb. 1.
Seminary President William O. Crews expressed appreciation to Melick for his administrative work the past four years.
“Dr. Melick has strengthened our administrative systems and implemented many efforts aimed at helping our work with churches and denominational structures,” Crews said. “He has also assisted Golden Gate in enlisting a number of outstanding administrative leaders in our system who have blessed our seminary family.”
Crews also noted Melick’s contributions as a faculty member: “We are grateful that we will continue to have his ministry among us as a scholar and teacher. He is a popular teacher who is committed to helping students see the Scriptures come alive in their lives and in their ministries.”
Trustees elected Melick as professor of New Testament studies in 1997 and then as provost the next year.
“My wife and I continue to be committed to the mission of Golden Gate Seminary and I am thankful for the seminary, its administration, faculty, staff and students,” Melick said. “I look forward to the years ahead as I return to the duties and joys of being a professor fulltime.”
Prior to joining the Golden Gate Seminary faculty, Melick served as president of the Criswell Center for Biblical Studies in Dallas.
He is a recognized author, most recently of “Called To Be Holy,” the annual doctrinal study for the Southern Baptist Convention. He serves as consulting editor for the New American Commentary Series published by Broadman and Holman Publishers and is author of the series’ volume on “Philippians, Colossians and Philemon.” A regular contributor to major reference works, Melick also served as co-editor and contributor to “Authority and Interpretation: A Baptist Perspective”, published by Baker Book House.
He received his doctor of philosophy from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. He also holds a master of divinity from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and a bachelor of arts from Columbia International University.
In addition to serving at Golden Gate and the Criswell Center, Melick has served at five other educational institutions during his teaching ministry, including the Evangelische Theologische Faculteit in Heverlee, Belgium, where he continues to serve as a professor.
His wife, Shera, is a Christian education professor at Golden Gate and oversees the Child Development Center. In addition, she directs the Partners in Ministry Training program designed for spouses of ministerial students.
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(BP) photo posted in the BP Photo Library at http://www.bpnews.net. Photo title: RICHARD MELICK JR.
