Randy Newman is an evangelist, author, seminary professor. He also works with the C.S. Lewis Institute, and in this episode, we talk about Dr. Newman’s latest book “Mere Evangelism” which pulls evangelistic insights from the writings of C.S. Lewis, the greatest Christian apologist of the 20th century and a man who is as popular today (nearly 60 years after his death) than he was during his own lifetime.
Last weekend, I watched “The May Clinic: Faith, Hope, and Science” by Ken Burns. I’ve always been a fan of Ken Burns’ work, and this documentary was a fascinating look into one of the greatest hospitals on earth, its history, innovation, and the people they’ve helped. At times, it was very touching.
The Mayo clinic is named after founding doctors William Mayo and his sons William and Charles. One of the things that struck me about the documentary was their commitment to learning and teaching. They made medicine collaborative. In the documentary, medical historians argue that in their day, doctors weren’t always keen on sharing what worked with other doctors out of fear that someone could just turn around and use their techniques. (more…)
Indiana, Missouri, North Dakota, Virginia, West Virginia, and Florida all have proposed laws which would either compel or encourage schools to offer elective classes on the Bible.
No book has influenced America and western civilization as much as the Bible. It is foundational to our laws, ethics, and worldview. It’s references and allusions in film, literature and art are innumerable. The Bible influences our language. Many of our most beloved stories play on Biblical themes. (more…)
I graduated seminary two years ago today. I consider it my proudest accomplishment.
It wasn’t easy. I chose Trinity Evangelical Divinity School because I knew it was a great school that was academically rigorous. And they did not disappoint on that front. I’ve compared it to four years worth of theological Navy SEAL training.
I learned a lot there. Things I learned about preaching, I use every week. Training in theological and Biblical studies impacts me on a daily basis.
I learned the importance of Church history.
There were also many things I learned outside of the classroom from friends. Preconceptions were challenged. It was a wonderful learning experience. And I can honestly say that there are still things I still from seminary friends.
I learned that not every disagreement needs to be a theological hill worth dying on.
Over the last several weeks, I’ve seen a new video series on the Gospel Coalition website entitled “what seminary didn’t teach” and it includes responses from many of the leading pastors and scholars in the Evangelical world.
I was struck by John Piper’s response. He doesn’t like that question.
Seminary can’t teach everything. Basic training and military training can’t teach a soldier everything there is to being in a war.
I never had a professor in seminary who gave any false notion that seminary would fully prepare a person for every aspect of ministry. It’s too complicated of a job with too many hats to wear and too many plates to keep spinning. There are an infinite number of situations and scenarios a pastor can potentially face. And those situations involve different and unique people where the appropriate response is not always the same.
I didn’t realize how much I didn’t know when I graduated. I feel like I have continued to study and learn since my time in seminary, and I realize I’m still really just scratching the surface on studying theology and the Bible.
I didn’t realize the impact of sin and how it ripples through a church and family.
Josh Benner is the associate pastor at Cornerstone Evangelical Free Church in Fergus Falls, Minnesota and has a Master of Divinity from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He enjoys writing about faith and culture. He lives with his wife Kari in Minnesota.
