Dr. Randy Furushima
Teaching Scripture. Forming disciples. Guiding the journey.
A Vocation Shaped by Scripture and Teaching
Throughout more than four decades of ministry, teaching, and theological education, Randy Furushima has sought to help others engage Scripture with greater depth, understanding, and faithfulness. His work has been shaped by a conviction that Christian faith is strengthened when believers encounter the biblical story not merely as information to be learned, but as a living invitation to discipleship and spiritual formation.
That vocation has found expression through pastoral ministry, theological education, mentoring, scholarship, and pilgrimage leadership. Across these varied settings, the purpose has remained consistent: helping people understand Scripture more deeply and discover its relevance for Christian life today.
The Emmaus Center for Biblical Teaching emerged from that continuing commitment, bringing together teaching, mentoring, and pilgrimage as complementary paths for engaging the Christian faith and growing in biblical understanding.
“The goal of Christian learning is not merely to know more about Scripture, but to be transformed by it.”
–Dr. Randy Furushima
Formation and Preparation
The teaching ministry of the Emmaus Center is grounded in decades of theological study, academic preparation, and engagement with the Christian tradition. Randy Furushima’s education reflects a lifelong commitment to understanding Scripture, theology, and Christian formation in service to the Church.
This foundation has shaped his work as a teacher, pastor, mentor, and leader, informing the biblical and theological perspective that guides the Emmaus Center today.
Doctoral Studies
Ed.D. in Education and Religion
Columbia University &
Union Theological Seminary
Graduate Studies
M.Ed. in Religious Education
Boston College School of
Theology and Ministry
Undergraduate Studies
B.A.
University of Hawai'i at Mānoa
Areas of Emphasis
- Biblical Interpretation
- Christian Formation
- Theological Education
- Faith Development
Teaching and Ministry
The teaching ministry of the Emmaus Center for Biblical Teaching has been shaped by decades of service in theological education, pastoral ministry, mentoring, and leadership. Across classrooms, congregations, and mentoring relationships, this work has remained focused on helping others engage Scripture thoughtfully and grow in Christian faith and practice.
Theological Education
The theological foundations of the Emmaus Center have been shaped through years of teaching in seminaries, universities, Bible institutes, and Christian colleges in North America and Asia. This work has focused on Scripture, theology, faith development, and Christian formation, helping students connect academic study with faithful discipleship.
Pastoral Ministry
Alongside its educational mission, the perspective reflected in the Emmaus Center has been formed through years of pastoral ministry within diverse Christian traditions. Through preaching, teaching, pastoral care, and spiritual guidance, this work has encouraged individuals and communities to deepen their understanding of Scripture and participation in the life of faith.
Leadership and Institution Building
Leadership in theological education has included service as Co-founder and President Emeritus of Pacific Rim Christian University. Through institutional leadership and program development, opportunities for Christian learning and leadership formation were expanded throughout Hawaiʻi and the broader Pacific region.
Mentoring and Formation
A commitment to mentoring has remained central throughout decades of ministry and education. Whether working with students, clergy, teachers, or emerging leaders, the emphasis has consistently been on Christian formation—not merely the transmission of information, but the cultivation of wisdom, faithfulness, and lifelong discipleship.
Representative Ministry Roles
Over many years of ministry, teaching, and leadership, Randy Furushima has served in educational, pastoral, and institutional roles that have supported Christian formation and theological education.
Educational Leadership
Co-founder and President Emeritus of Pacific Rim Christian University, helping establish and develop opportunities for Christian higher education, leadership formation, and ministry training throughout Hawaiʻi and the Pacific region.
Teaching Appointments
Teaching experience includes service in seminaries, universities, Bible institutes, and Christian colleges throughout North America and Asia, with emphasis in biblical studies, theology, Christian formation, and faith development.
Professional Leadership
Leadership roles have included institutional development, curriculum planning, faculty leadership, and educational administration in support of theological education and ministry formation.
Conferences and Speaking
Led lectures, retreats, seminars, conference presentations, and ministry training events for churches, educational institutions, and Christian organizations.
Continuing the Work of Emmaus
For more than four decades, Randy Furushima’s vocation has centered on helping others engage Scripture with greater depth, understanding, and faithfulness. Through teaching, mentoring, pastoral ministry, and pilgrimage, that work has consistently sought to connect biblical learning with Christian discipleship.
The Emmaus Center for Biblical Teaching represents the continuing expression of that vocation. Through courses, mentoring opportunities, and pilgrimages to places connected with the biblical story, the Center seeks to help Christians deepen their understanding of Scripture and grow in faith.
While the settings have changed over the years, the purpose remains the same: helping people encounter the biblical story more deeply so that it may shape both faith and life.
“The Emmaus Center for Biblical Teaching exists to help Christians encounter Scripture more deeply, remember it more clearly, and live it more faithfully.”
Continue the Journey
The work described on this page continues through the ministry of the Emmaus Center for Biblical Teaching. Through courses and pilgrimages, Christians are invited to encounter Scripture more deeply and grow in faithful discipleship.