If I could turn back time (an old 80s song just popped into my head), I would have a lot to tell the younger me. Although there are some clear advantages to being a young man, those strengths cannot compare to the wisdom that one acquires throughout life. One of the downsides to being young... Continue Reading →
What is Poimenology? On the one hand, it is a word that I made up by adding the Koine Greek word for pastor (ποιμήν or ποιμένα, lit. shepherd) to the scientific phrase "ology," which means "the study of" a field or discipline. Conversely, I believe that as a field of study pastoral ministry has been erroneously... Continue Reading →
What would I tell the young man who surrendered to the preaching ministry almost twenty years ago? I would insist, in addition to studying the Scriptures (i.e. theology, scriptural interpretation), that he becomes a student of (1) how people learn and (2) how to communicate effectively to them. Sadly, many pastors have ignored non-theological disciplines,... Continue Reading →
Is it possible to be influenced by people that you've never met? Of course, it is; however, you must recognize the limits of this influence. First, you've not been influenced by the person as much as you have been by his or her story and ideas. Don't get me wrong here, I realize that the... Continue Reading →
Although this post does not cover (in-depth) the biblical qualifications for the diaconate, the corresponding public vows provide some insight into the character and quality of the men who have been called to serve the church. In future posts, I will address the qualifications, selection, and training of deacons. This post, however, focuses on the... Continue Reading →
