[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]
On the Dangers of Seminary
Cultivating Godliness in Seminary
When I was preparing to enroll at Southern Seminary to begin my M.Div. studies, more than one person counseled me to not allow my zeal to fizzle while in seminary. While some of that counsel probably reflects my membership in a tradition that is still somewhat suspicious of theological education, I suspect that many other aspiring seminarians have received similar advice. And for good reason—each of us know of someone whose faith withered in seminary, … [Read More]
How Can We Serve You through Between the Times?
Between the Times is the officially faculty blog of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Southeatern exists first and foremost to serve the churches of the Southern Baptist Convention. Our professors are not freelance academics, but rather are denominational servants who have a heart for local churches. Most of our faculty members have at one time or other served as pastors, missionaries, or other ministry leaders. Virtually all of us currently serve our local churches as pastors … [Read More]
On the Dangers of Seminary (Pt. 4): The Danger of Becoming a Dork
Dork: [dor'k] noun. USA pejorative slang for a quirky or socially inept person, or one who is out of touch with contemporary trends. Often confused with “nerd” and “geek,” but does not imply the same intelligence level.
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In this series of posts, I am dealing with the perils of the unique and sometimes bizarre world of seminary education. Most of the dangers of which I speak are dangers to which I have succumbed at one point … [Read More]
Some Reasons I Believe in Seminary and Theological Education
I am convinced that the most important characteristic or qualification of a minister is personal integrity. I address this several times every semester at Southeastern Seminary. Paul says in 1 Tim. 3:2 that a leader in the church must be blameless or above reproach. Personal integrity is foundational to everything else that one does in ministry. Second, I believe compassion and love for those we serve is crucial. Jesus said that love would be a … [Read More]
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