CHUCK RETIRES AFTER 16 YEARS

After 16 years of teaching that followed a career in pastoral ministry, Dr. James Chuck has finished his final semester on the faculty of ABSW. His affiliation with the school will continue as professor emeritus of theology and church ministry.

"I had a really good time there. I learned a lot from friends, colleagues and students," Chuck says.

The seminary provided a place for Chuck to process his pastoral ministry of 40 years at First Chinese Baptist Church in San Francisco — to think about what he had been doing for so long, he says. "Not many people have that privilege."

Chuck earned his master of divinity degree from ABSW in 1953. He completed his doctorate at the Pacific School of Religion (PSR) in 1962, and subsequently taught occasional courses at ABSW through the 1980s. He also taught at City College San Francisco and PSR.

Chuck has been a formative presence at the seminary since 1991 when he joined the faculty as a part-time professor. Early on he directed field education but then turned to his attention to constructive theology, a semester-long course in which he worked with seniors writing their statements of belief for ordination. The class required students to reflect upon the stories of their faith journeys — a favorite theme for Chuck.

Outside of class, Chuck gave his time to collecting such stories from the members of First Chinese. He has published two volumes of Chinatown Stories of Life and Faith.

He also invited fellow clergy to reflect upon their stories in book groups and support groups convened throughout the years.

"Dr. Chuck's love of story is at the heart of his ministry as a teacher and pastor," says ABSW President Keith Russell. "He has been a faithful companion to many students, seminary colleagues and clergy as we seek to understand and articulate our faith journeys."