Matthew D. Kim, Ph.D.
Professor of Preaching and Pastoral Leadership | Holder of the George W. Truett Endowed Chair in Preaching and Evangelism | Director of the PhD in Preaching Program Baylor University
Media
Biography
Before joining the Truett faculty in 2022, Dr. Kim taught at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary for ten years as the George F. Bennett Professor of Preaching and Practical Theology, serving as the director of the Haddon W. Robinson Center for Preaching and as director of Mentored Ministry. Before starting his teaching ministry, Dr. Kim served in pastoral ministry as a senior pastor, college minister, and youth pastor in Colorado and Massachusetts.
A past president of the Evangelical Homiletics Society, Dr. Kim serves on the editorial board of The Journal of the Evangelical Homiletics Society. He is a member of the Evangelical Homiletics Society and a senior fellow of the Center for Pastor Theologians. He has been invited to lecture, preach, and teach at many churches, colleges, and seminaries across North America. He’s also been a guest on numerous podcasts, including “The Holy Post,” “Church Pulse Weekly,” and “The Two Cities.”
Dr. Kim is the award-winning author and editor of numerous books, including Ready to Preach, Becoming a Friendlier Church, What’s God Saying Here?, We Follow Christ, Preaching to People in Pain, The Big Idea Companion for Preaching and Teaching, Preaching with Cultural Intelligence, and Preaching to a Divided Nation. Additionally, he has published over 80 articles and chapters in various journals, magazines, and edited volumes.
Dr. Kim has three books under contract: Preaching with Emotional Intelligence: Reconnecting Pastoral Ministry and the Pulpit (Baker Academic), Chasing Holograms: Redefining and Reforming Our Christian Identity (Zondervan Academic), and The Ministry Mentors: Best Practices for Pastoral Leaders (Baker Academic).
A native of Illinois, he is a Chicago sports fan and enjoys playing basketball. He is married to Sarah and they have three sons. He and his family are active members of Highland Baptist Church in Waco, Texas.
Areas of Expertise
Accomplishments
Truett Seminary
2025
Baylor University Outstanding Professor Nominee for Tenured Scholarship
Writing Award, 3rd Place
2024
Evangelical Press Association (EPA) General Article: Long Category
Resource of the Year in Leadership
2023
Outreach
Book of the Year Finalist
2022
Evangelical Christian Publishers Association
Book of the Year
Preaching Magazine
2018
Book of the Year (Church/Pastoral Leadership)
Christianity Today
2022
Book of the Year
2022
Preaching
Education
Carleton College
B.A.
History and Educational Studies
1999
Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary
M.Div.
2002
University of Edinburgh
M.Th.
Christian Ethics and Practical Theology
2003
University of Edinburgh
Ph.D.
Homiletics and Practical Theology
2005
Affiliations
- Evangelical Homiletics Society : Past-president
- Center for Pastor Theologians : Senior Fellow
- Academy of Homiletics
- Evangelical Homiletics Society
Media Appearances
Research Grants
Diversity Enhancement Grant
Baylor University
2024
Articles
The Journal of the Evangelical Homiletics Society Twenty-Fifth Anniversary of Publication Reflections
Journal of the Evangelical Homiletics Society2025
Preaching in a Period of Pandemic and Prejudice
Journal of the Evangelical Homiletics Society2020
It feels like we are living in an alternate universe. Is this really happening? When will we resume normal life as we knew it? When will churches regather without restrictions? When will we be able to enjoy Christian community such as fellowship meals again? When will we stop preaching to a faceless webcam? When will we stop wearing masks? Echoing the Psalmist, we ask,“How long, O Lord, how long?” These questions have played back over and over in my mind since the COVID-19 pandemic took over our lives in Spring of 2020.
We Are Not Immune
Influence Magazine2023
In 2022, I almost died — twice. The first time was during a battle with COVID pneumonia. The second happened several months later when chronic insomnia spiraled into depression, psychosis, and suicidal ideation.
Never in my wildest imagination did I foresee two hospitalizations in one year, let alone a lengthy stay in a psychiatric ward.
Looking back, I realize my physical and mental collapse was years in the making. Like many leaders, I failed to invest in self-care. This oversight nearly cost me everything.
If you think you’re immune, I encourage you to consider my story and carefully evaluate your lifestyle and habits.
