I will never forget my first day of Systematic Theology. (The year was 1996. Think Billy Ray Cyrus. America Online. Super Nintendo. Doc Martens. Et, as they say, cetera). I had decided to take Systematic during my first semester and the opening class period would be the first experience I would have in a seminary environment. I sat on a row with J. D. Greear, Keith Errickson, Micah Patisall, and Chris Thompson. As Dr. Patterson … [Read More]
Missions and Seminary Education (2): Seminaries Must Cast a Missional Vision “Top Down”
Recently, I corresponded with a friend who is a theological educator. Our phone exchanges and letters centered on the topic of missions and seminary education. As I penned the latest letter in that exchange, I realized that some of the contents of that letter might be helpful for a broader public. I’ve modified the letter and broken it into sections, with each section representing a way in which we theological educators can foster a missionally … [Read More]
On the Dangers of Seminary (Pt. 8): The Danger of Missing Out
This series arose out of extended reflection on the Scriptures, out of which the Lord has made clear to me some of the perils of seminary, many of which I have succumbed to or been tempted by over the past decade and a half. I have attempted to communicate these perils to those of you who would read this post and might benefit from it. Although I have interjected humor at several points, I could … [Read More]
On the Dangers of Seminary
[Note: This is a revision and re-posting of an eight-part series published at Between the Times in 2009.]
This post is a confession of sorts, a confession that I hope will be beneficial to some who read it. In essence, it is about one thing—the fact that God’s grace toward me has been overwhelming and that at the same time I often have not lived in a manner worthy of his grace. The particular focus of … [Read More]
The Future of the Southern Baptist Convention (Pt. 2)
Southern Baptists have a hopeful future if they continually make clear their commitment to the inerrant and infallible Word of God, affirming it’s sufficiency in all matters. (Matt 5:17-18; John 10:35; 17:17; 2 Tim 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21)
Southern Baptists won the “battle for the Bible” that began in 1979. Men of God like Jimmy Draper, Paige Patterson, Paul Pressler, Adrian Rogers, and Jerry Vines put it all on the line because they saw what the … [Read More]
Aspect 7(b): A Mission Based on Local Church Initiative and Supplemented by Entities and Associations (NAMB, state conventions, ERLC, local associations)
(By: Danny Akin & Bruce Ashford)
What are some challenges ahead for the North American Mission Board and the State Conventions? It is the charge of both the NAMB and the state conventions to reach the United States of America with the gospel. How might they partner together in order to serve the church and further the church’s mission in a 21st century context? A detailed answer to this eludes our grasp, but some things are … [Read More]
Myths Concerning the GCRTF: A Postscript
In June at the Southern Baptist Convention in Louisville, I had a conversation with my father in the ministry and hero in the faith. That man is Dr. Paige Patterson. My love for this man cannot be measured in human words. My gratitude for his investment in my life is impossible for me to express. Now, I know he does not always agree with me, but I have never doubted he loves me and wants … [Read More]
On The GCR Declaration, Part 1
Lord willing, over the next few days I will be blogging through the GCR Declaration in anticipation of next week’s SBC Annual Meeting in Louisville, Kentucky. This is the first article in what I hope will be a series. As you read, please remember that while Between the Time is a group blog that includes a number of Southeastern Seminary professors, these articles (and every article I write) represent my own personal opinions. I speak … [Read More]
On the Dangers of Seminary (Pt. 8): The Danger of Missing Out
This series arose out of extended reflection on the Scriptures, out of which the Lord has made clear to me some of the perils of seminary, many of which I have succumbed to or been tempted by over the past decade and a half. I have attempted to communicate these perils to those of you who would read this post and might benefit from it. Although I have interjected humor at several points, I could … [Read More]
