The appointment of Dr. Kenneth C. Ulmer to the Office of President of The King’s College and Seminary was announced on Sunday, May 18, by Dr. Jack W. Hayford, chancellor of The King’s College and Seminary, and president of The Foursquare Church. The board of directors of The Foursquare Church confirmed Dr. Ulmer’s appointment as they reviewed and celebrated his recommendation by the board of trustees of The King’s. Effective August 1, 2008, Ulmer will succeed Dr. Greg A. Campbell, who has resigned with honor after eight years of dedicated service from 2000-2008.
Dr. Ulmer is best known as the senior pastor of the 13,000-member Faithful Central Bible Church in Los Angeles. The congregation worships in the renowned 18,000-seat Great Western Forum, which is owned by the church. Dr. Ulmer is well-known and well-received by Foursquare leadership—he ministered at Foursquare Convention 2006 in Washington, D.C., and, more recently, as the primary speaker at the national convention of the Australian Foursquare Church. His international influence also extends to his role as presiding bishop over the Macedonia International Bible Fellowship, with churches in five African nations.
The president-elect has served The King’s as a member of its board since it was founded in 1997. Since then, he has become a beloved member of the graduate-level faculty as a part-time professor of Preaching and Leadership. He has also served as the dean of The King’s Oxford University Summer Program in England. In 2007, he was the recipient of The King’s Apostelos Christou Award, which is annually presented to leaders who characterize the passion and values of the Christian faith through leadership which has notably penetrated the contemporary culture, making a far-reaching impact for God, His Word, and His Son, Jesus Christ. Other recipients of the Apostelos Christou Award include John Ashcroft, former attorney general of the United States; Martha Williamson, producer-director of the famed Touched by an Angel television series; Lloyd Ogilvie, former chaplain of the U.S. Senate; Rick Warren, pastor, author and humanitarian; and Michael W. Smith, vocal artist.
Having deep roots in Christian higher education, Dr. Ulmer earned his Ph.D. and M.A. from Grace Graduate School of Theology, a D.Min. from United Theological Seminary, and a B.A. at the University of Illinois. He has done postgraduate studies at Oxford University, Hebrew Union College, and the University of Judaism. He has been a visiting professor or speaker at Westmont, Pepperdine, Wheaton, Biola, Oral Roberts, Fuller, United Theological, and the University of Witwatersand in South Africa. He has served on the board of trustees of several institutions including Biola University. His significant knowledge of higher education is acknowledged by his election and service on the Commission on Accreditation with the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools. He is also author of several books, including The Anatomy of God, In His Image, A New Thing, Spiritually Fit to Run the Race, and Making Your Money Count.
As the son of an Alabama sharecropper, Dr. Ulmer’s father taught him: “Get something in your head, and no one will ever be able to take it from you!” This seed of wisdom led him on his amazing journey of thirsting for both righteousness and knowledge. Having served in the church all of his life, Dr. Ulmer knows firsthand the vital importance of proper training for ministry. He strongly believes faith without learning leaves us inefficient and ineffective in the world we are to infiltrate with the gospel (Mark 16:15).
For Dr. Ulmer, the ultimate model of the ministry of the Master is revealed in His statement: “the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve.” Added to that spirit of biblical qualification for spiritual leadership is his marriage of over 30 years to his wife, Togetta, whose devoted partnership with her husband is a marked trait of their ministry. They have three grown children and five granddaughters.
This announced transition of presidential leadership was initiated by Dr. Campbell at the April meeting of The King’s board. Following a warm and gracious description of his sense of God’s timing for him to conclude his service as president, Dr. Campbell’s decision was accepted by the board as its members expressed gratitude for his vision and zeal during what has been a fruitful, pacesetting season for the college and seminary. Dr. Campbell will continue his role serving the Foursquare movement as director of the Foursquare Foundation.
