After thirty-three years of dedicated service as Professor of Apologetics and Systematic Theology, as well as intermittently serving as Vice President of both Student Affairs and Academic Affairs, Dr. K. Scott Oliphint has announced his retirement, which is effective December 31st, 2024.
In the Lord’s providence, Dr. Oliphint was graciously led to Westminster by the ministry and influence of Cornelius Van Til. Having undertaken an MAR (1983), ThM (1984), and PhD (1994) at Westminster, Dr. Oliphint earnestly committed himself to the biblically-grounded apologetic tradition of Van Til, refining and advancing it according to the biblico-theological methodology of Geerhardus Vos, John Murray, and Richard B. Gaffin. In his ministry, Dr. Oliphint was keen to see the faithful application of this biblically-rooted theology to everyday pastoral ministry, which was evident in his seven-year service as a minister of the gospel in Texas (1984–1991).
Dr. Oliphint not only profoundly impacted generations of Westminster students, but also impacted the broader Reformed and evangelical church, writing and publishing widely. These efforts culminated in more than ten monographs, dozens of peer-reviewed academic articles, and virtually innumerable additional essays and articles written for both scholars and the church. Dr. Oliphint’s inimitable zeal has borne tremendous influence in the life of the Seminary, especially its residential programs, fortifying and advancing that which is essential to Westminster’s past, present, and future. We thank our Lord for His work in and through Dr. Oliphint.
In a recent reflection on his time at Westminster, Dr. Oliphint noted that “it has been an inestimable privilege and surprise that the Lord has seen fit to use me here all these years.” He continued, “I am beyond thankful and grateful for the ministry to which God called me here. I am trusting and praying that the Lord will continue to use Westminster in the service of His church.”
Dr. Oliphint remarked that he and his wife “will miss Westminster, and will look forward to the good reports of Westminster in the days, months, and years to come.” As Dr. Oliphint concludes his final semester at Westminster, we ask students, friends, and alumni to join with us as we express our gratitude to our gracious Lord for this faithful leader in Christ’s church, and as we pray for the Oliphint’s as they move into retirement near their family.