Lester DeKoster (21 April 1915 – 19 April 2009) was an American librarian and editor.
DeKoster served as director of the library at Calvin College and Seminary from 1951 to 1969. He earned a doctorate from the University of Michigan in 1964, writing his dissertation on John Calvin, and was influential in expanding the holdings of what would become the H. Henry Meeter Center for Calvin Studies.
After his retirement he served as editor of The Banner. He wrote a number of books including Communism and Christian Faith (1962) and Work, the Meaning of Your Life: A Christian Perspective (1982). DeKoster established the Christian's Library Press with Gerard Berghoef, with whom he also wrote The Elders Handbook: A Practical Guide for Church Leaders (1979).
DeKoster emphasized preaching the Word and church-based evangelism, believing that the Great Commission was addressed to the Church and not to individuals. He was a confessionalist and was critical of fundamentalism while defending cooperation with Roman Catholics. He was opposed to abortion and rejected the "new theology" associated with Harry M. Kuitert.
DeKoster died on 19 April 2009.
References
- "Lester DeKoster". Acton Institute. Retrieved 23 April 2023.
- "De Koster, Lester (1915-2009)". Calvin University. Retrieved 23 April 2023.
- Estep, Darin (20 April 2009). "Lester DeKoster dies; was former Calvin College librarian and professor, editor of Christian Reformed Church magazine The Banner". mlive.com. Retrieved 23 April 2023.