Andrew Walker named SBTS theological dean

The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, or SBTS, announced Andrew T. Walker as Dean of the School of Theology during a chapel service last week.

A statement on SBTS’s website confirmed that Walker was formally installed on Aug. 1. He succeeded Hershael W. York who served in the role since 2018, and remains on the faculty. SBTS President R. Albert Mohler, Jr., joined on the platform by Provost Paul M. Akin, led the ceremony and presented Walker with his certificate of appointment.

Mohler spoke to the significance of the office, saying that Walker’s appointment was a historic moment and needed to be marked with formality. He went on to say that it was apparent to him and to others that God had prepared Walker for this role.

Mohler is editor of WORLD Opinions.

Who is Andrew Walker? Walker earned his B.A. in religious studies from Southwest Baptist University before completing his M.Div., Th.M., and Ph.D. degrees at SBTS. He currently serves as a professor of Christian ethics and public theology and directs the Carl F. H. Henry Institute for Evangelical Engagement. In addition, Walker is a fellow in Christian political thought at the Ethics and Public Policy Center and serves as managing editor of WORLD Opinions. He resides in Louisville, Ky., with his wife and their three daughters.

Walker said the most important task for him in this role was to preserve the theological inheritance of the school. He also said he aimed to amplify the work already done at the seminary, providing the best trained pastors and leaders to run it.

Following the installation, Walker delivered a sermon from Romans 8 on what he termed “God’s loving guardianship.” Speaking to what he described as cultural anxiety over rapidly advancing technology, Walker urged listeners to rest in God’s sovereignty and love. “Romans 8:31–39 carries us through the fears of apocalypse,” Walker said. “It’s going to carry us through the fears of our sufferings.”