Walter Kim: Faith, Culture, and a New Definition of “Evangelical”

In this timely, in-depth conversation, National Association of Evangelicals (NAE) president Walter Kim reflects on the history of the organization he’s been leading since 2020. Kim is the first person of a minority community to hold this position.

He recounts his personal story of being “loved into his faith,” from being born the son of refugees, to hearing the gospel in a theater parking lot as a teenager, to the coupling of his faith and critical thought during his studies at Harvard.

And he explores the evolving definitions and connotations of the word “evangelical,” its journey through the “toxic politicization of faith,” and the cultural posture it must take in changing world – one that he says should be informed by all members of the faith. Hear him express hope and opportunity for revitalization, racial reconciliation, and public engagement of faith for this generation and beyond.

Walter Kim is the president of the National Association of Evangelicals. He previously served as a pastor for 15 years at Boston’s historic Park Street Church and four years at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Charlottesville, Virginia. He has spent nearly three decades preaching, writing and engaging in collaborative leadership to connect the Bible to the significant intellectual, cultural and social issues of the day. He serves on the boards of Christianity Today and World Relief. Kim received his Ph.D. from Harvard University in Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations, and his M.Div. from Regent College in Vancouver. He is a licensed minister in the Conservative Congregational Christian Conference.