Equipping the Next Generation of Biblical Scholars: Dr. Aaron Son Returns to University Hill

"It is critically important to raise the next generation of biblical scholars who confess their faith in Christ, recognize the Bible as the inspired Word of God, and have the intellectual ability and willingness to defend biblical truth for the sake of our churches and believers."

Dr. Aaron Son faithfully served on campus over a decade ago prior to stepping away to follow the Lord's plan for his life. After 14 years, DBU has now welcomed Dr. Son back to campus with open arms as a Professor of Biblical Studies in June of 2022. As he begins his time on University Hill once again, the DBU Family remains excited to see the many ways the Lord will use Dr. Son's teaching and guidance in the lives of his students.

"I was slowly and gradually drawn to this field of study," shares Dr. Son. As a freshman in high school, one of Dr. Son's friends began inviting him to his church's youth meetings. Dr. Son originally began attending simply because he needed friends, but everything changed when he began to learn about Jesus. "Within a few months, I accepted Jesus as my Savior and Lord and was baptized in a river."

After two years of being an active believer, a number of adult church leaders encouraged Dr. Son to become a pastor. Soon thereafter, Dr. Son surrendered his life to full-time vocational ministry and decided to attend Korea Baptist Theological University/ Seminary in Daejon, South Korea.

"I think that my conviction that the Bible is the foundation for everything we believe and do as a Christian was the major factor in my decision to enter the field of biblical studies," he shares. Dr. Son obtained his Bachelor of Theology from KBTUS, his Bachelor of Arts from Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, Missouri, and his Master of Divinity and Ph.D. in New Testament from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth.

After submitting his dissertation, Dr. Son remembers taking a detour to drive through DBU's campus one day. "After this visit, I called the President's Office and left a message that I was looking for a teaching position," Dr. Son says. One week later, Dr. Cook (DBU's President at the time) called Dr. Son, and after meeting in person, offered Dr. Son a full-time staff position working as a research analyst with a chance to teach as an adjunct professor in the College of Christian Faith. After a year, Dr. Son was appointed as a full-time professor, where he served for nine years before accepting the invitation to teach at Southwestern Seminary.

Now, after faithfully serving at Southwestern Seminary for 12 years, teaching and equipping vocational ministers, missionaries, and evangelical biblical scholars, Dr. Son has returned to his home on the Hill.

"During my transition back, Dr. Cook, Dr. Wright, and several other DBU friends prayed for me and provided moral support. It's a blessing to have such good friends who love the Lord and care for others," Dr. Son says. "I was extremely glad to return to DBU where I first began teaching and many of my friends and former colleagues are still teaching. It was like homecoming after a long-term deployment to a mission field."

Dr. Son is passionate about instilling sound theology within the hearts and minds of each of his students and equipping them to discern biblical teaching themselves.

"Theology is critically important for churches and believers. It first influences church leaders and determines what they preach and teach in the church and subsequently what church people believe and do," shares Dr. Son. "Good theology builds up the church, but bad theology destroys it. So, it is critically important to have sound theology that is based on and derived from the Bible, the primary source and authority for our faith and deeds."

Dr. Son is currently teaching two sections of New Testament Survey and two courses on the life and letters of Paul. "One scripture verse that I cite often in my class is Ephesians 4:13 in which Paul encourages believers to endeavor 'to attain to the unity (integration) of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ,'" shares Dr. Son. "The best way to help student to achieve this goal is to show them how I do it in my life and teaching. I want my students to see my love for the Lord, my passion for His Word, and my desire and willingness to serve the Lord and others."

Dr. Son cherishes each opportunity he is given to pour into Patriots both inside the classroom and out. "The most fulfilling part of my job at DBU is teaching and interacting with students and seeing them grow intellectually and spiritually," shares Dr. Son. "This gives me a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction as well as great joy."

Dr. Son is married to his wife Hee Sook Son and together they have two adult children, Daniel, who is currently an aerospace engineer at NASA, and Joyce, a former elementary school teacher. Additionally, Dr. Son and Hee Sook have two grandchildren, Henry and Isaac.

Prior to beginning his career in higher education, Dr. Son planted a Baptist church in the DFW area and served as its pastor for 7 years. Since beginning his professorship, Dr. Son still frequently preaches and teaches pastors on occasion. Dr. Son also leads biblical study tours in Israel, Turkey, Greece, and Italy for pastors, Christians, and students. Finally, Dr. Son serves with the non-profit organization he founded 12 years ago which provides financial assistance and academic and spiritual mentorship to international and minority students who are pursuing vocational ministry and are enrolled in colleges and seminaries in the United States. Through this, the Lord has allowed Dr. Son and his team to help over 180 students from 24 different countries.