Newer Christian Aspiring for Ministry (3 years)- What/How Should I Study
I am a newer Christian, who believes I am eventually called to the minstry. I am going to Knox Seminary online this coming spring for my MABTS. My issue is I have so many resources on Logos and a fair amount of paper books, that I usually have a hard time focusing on a particular book/subject. As a relatively new Christian aspiring for ministry, what particular resources should I dig into? Should I study a book of the Bible in depth? I am becoming the guy who has a lot of books, but has dug into very few of them. Hopefully in ten years that will not be the case. What does it matter if I have a nice library but my heart is not being transformed? I recently got married and I work a full time job so my study time is limited, but I want to make the best use of the 1-2 hours I have a day. Maybe 3 hours a day on the weekends. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. God Bless.
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Jacob, thanks for sharing your situation. It is easy for all of us to get so caught up with books and life in general that we actually don't get into the Word ourselves. I feel this temptation too. My recommendation is to focus on a book from the Bible. Pour yourself into it using many of the great Logos tools and allow God to touch your life through it. Personally I just chose the book of Colossians to dig into myself. My study may take me to other resources and that is great but Scripture itself is the place to begin in my opinion. Hope that helps.
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Jacob,
You are doubtless going to get reams of advice from some experienced folks here.
I've been in the pastorate for fifteen years now. I have done in depth studies on individual Bible books, and certain topics. I have prayed, I have cried, and I have died deaths daily over my congregation, as every pastor here will attest that they too have done.
Nothing, and I mean NOTHING has had a greater impact on me than reading the Bible through, cover to cover, long and deep, repeatedly, and prayerfully.
Sometimes my prayers are worship (God what you've just showed me is awesome!) but sometimes my prayers are less so, (God I know you're in this somewhere but I can't figure it out.)
Should you study a book of the Bible? Sure, in addition to broadly reading the whole Bible. Any of them will do. I'm preparing a second pass through Leviticus and Romans this coming 2013.
Consider what some of the issues are in your life as you choose a single book to focus on. Might I humbly suggest, since you are anticipating a call to ministry, the pastoral letters (1 &2 Timothy and Titus)?
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Bruce Dunning said:
Jacob, thanks for sharing your situation. It is easy for all of us to get so caught up with books and life in general that we actually don't get into the Word ourselves. I feel this temptation too. My recommendation is to focus on a book from the Bible. Pour yourself into it using many of the great Logos tools and allow God to touch your life through it. Personally I just chose the book of Colossians to dig into myself. My study may take me to other resources and that is great but Scripture itself is the place to begin in my opinion. Hope that helps.
I agree with Bruce. Take a book book like Ephesians or Colossians and consume it. I suggest you even memorize the whole book - it really gets into your soul that way. James, Ephesians, and Colossians are short enough to be a challenge but not impossible for a new believer to understand and retain. Get a good commentary on the book at hand and dig in deep. Don't let go until you feel like you have a good handle of the meaning of the book and how to apply it practically. Then take what you have learned and set measurable goals on how to apply it. For example, "Three times this week I will intentionally find a way to say something encouraging to my wife." Then keep track of progress and get an accountability partner.
If you are serious about ministry - you need to be a serious man of the Word and it's application to your own life. It's not so much about how you say something as that you are striving to live the very life you are helping others try to obtain.
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Jacob,
Thank you for sharing your heart. I would have to echo what Bruce said. Start with a book of the Bible, a short one would be easier. Dig into it, use the passage guide to get relevant resources about the book. Your classes will be a huge help as well. Liberty University offers free classes as well through Itunes if you want something in the mean time. I am currently a student with them and am going through the Gospel of John.
Let me know if you need anything. I am recently married with a full-time job as well, I definitely understand how hard it is to juggle time.
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Alexander said:
. It's not so much about how you say something as that you are striving to live the very life you are helping others try to obtain.
[Y]
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Jacob
Welcome to Logos.
1) First keep things simple.
2) Always start with Bible, Read it, meditate on, ponder what it means. Identify the context.Try to find out what it means for yourself before consulting a commentary. The plain meaning is the main meaning
3) Ask lots of questions: who? what? when? where? and how?
4) Read primers or introductory books to a subject, before moving on to the more heavy weight books.
5) Learn to do some critical thinking. Test ideas, opinions and thoughts, (This does not mean you have be liberal). Critical thinking is a useful skill
5) You say you desire to be in ministry, then teach others. To be a good teacher you have to know your subject. Teaching others demands you do your research. Teaching demands you grow in knowledge If you truly understand what your teaching you will be able teach others so they can understand. Teaching others will test your calling for ministry.
6) Do not lose sight you want know the author of the Bible more, rather than just facts about the Bible
7) Priority No1 your relationship with God, Jesus Christ. Set aside time for devotions, worship.
8) Be humble with all the knowledge you gain.
Blessings
P A[:)]
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TCBlack said:
Nothing, and I mean NOTHING has had a greater impact on me than reading the Bible through, cover to cover, long and deep, repeatedly, and prayerfully.
I agree with TCBlack. Nothing can compare with reading the Bible through and through, thoroughly, and applying it to your life, relying on God and the Holy Spirit to give you the insights you need. After all, God is the author, and your guide. Use the rest of your library to delve into the passages that particularly catch your attention - you will know what they are as you go.
Longtime Logos user (more than $30,000 in purchases) - now a second class user because I won't pay them more every month or year.
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Thanks everyone for replying to my post. I really like the idea of studying the pastoral epistles, since I am praying about future ministry. I am going to dig into 1 Timothy and make my way through the pastoral epistles in the coming months leading up to my seminary start. My wife and I are reading through the ESV study bible in a year, so I will still be reading the Old Testament and various other books of the Bible. To supplement my Bible reading, I have been reading Grudem's systematic theology to get a grasp of what the whole Bible says about a particular doctrine.
I am a young reformed guy who knows the dangers of being puffed up. My number priority is to grow closer to Christ and increase in humility by God's grace throughout my studies.
What is everyone's thoughts on reading historical theologians (i.e. Augustine, Luther, Calvin, Puritans, Spurgeon) compared to modern authors such as John Piper or Tim Keller for example? Is a mix of both healthy or should I lean towards historical theologians or modern day authors?
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meant to say number one priority*
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There is no substitute for reading the Bible every day. I've been in full-time ministry for over 20 years now and read through the Bible in a year every year. I have been doing that for almost 25 years. In addition I read a single chapter a day and
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I will add praying about my bad grammar to my list haha
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Jacob Walker said:
Thanks everyone for replying to my post. I really like the idea of studying the pastoral epistles, since I am praying about future ministry. I am going to dig into 1 Timothy and make my way through the pastoral epistles in the coming months leading up to my seminary start. My wife and I are reading through the ESV study bible in a year, so I will still be reading the Old Testament and various other books of the Bible. To supplement my Bible reading, I have been reading Grudem's systematic theology to get a grasp of what the whole Bible says about a particular doctrine.
I am a young reformed guy who knows the dangers of being puffed up. My number priority is to grow closer to Christ and increase in humility by God's grace throughout my studies.
What is everyone's thoughts on reading historical theologians (i.e. Augustine, Luther, Calvin, Puritans, Spurgeon) compared to modern authors such as John Piper or Tim Keller for example? Is a mix of both healthy or should I lean towards historical theologians or modern day authors?
Jacob, you have indeed received a lot of great advice so far, and I love the particular emphasis everyone is giving on studying the Bible directly. Study wide and study deep. Follow the advice of TCBlack and read the Bible cover to cover many times. Choose an epistle to dive into (Timothys or Titus would be great), and I would recommend adding a gospel into that (perhaps Mark or John). You will find there are too many resources and so many things to be excited about but not enough time.
In terms of extra-biblical resources, I would highly recommend starting with J.I. Packer's Knowing God.
You ask about modern vs. historical authors, and I think your best bet is going to be to take turns. What's helpful about modern authors are their ways of speaking colloquially into our culture and context. What's helpful about reading the church fathers and the reformers is how they help you build on rich foundation. Naturally they aren't as strong as the foundation of God's Word, but they were able to articulate sound doctrine against the various heresies that inevitably tried to creep into the church. And remember that the day will come when you'll read Spurgeon or Calvin and disagree with his understanding of Scripture! As long as you're not straying into heterodoxy, I think this is a very good/healthy thing.
Your biggest asset will be your hunger.
[1 Tim 4:11] Command and teach these things. [12] Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. [13] Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. [14] Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you. [15] Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress. [16] Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.
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There is no substitute for reading the Bible every day. I've been in full-time ministry for over 20 years now and read through the Bible in a year every year. I have been doing that for almost 25 years. In addition I read a single chapter a day and write a brief note about what the Lord is saying to me through His Word. Yes, I study passages, even whole books in depth for expository sermons and Bible Studies, but there is no substitute for simply reading God's Word and experiencing it come alive through the Holy Spirit speaking to your heart through it.
I thank God that I made the effort to become proficient in the Biblical languages. Some things stick in my mind - reading the account of God speaking to Moses in the Hebrew, when the hair on the back of my neck stood on end, as I realised that I was hearing what Moses heard, or reading John 1 in Greek and sensing the wonderful flow of the language and sounds in all their sublimity.
But still God meets with me most through that daily encounter with His Word.
I commend that to you. Cf. Philippians 1:6.
Every blessing
Alan
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Jacob Walker said:
What is everyone's thoughts on reading historical theologians (i.e. Augustine, Luther, Calvin, Puritans, Spurgeon) compared to modern authors such as John Piper or Tim Keller for example? Is a mix of both healthy or should I lean towards historical theologians or modern day authors?
On the one hand, it has accurately been said that the Bible sheds a lot of light on most commentaries. [:D]
On the other hand, we are a part of a large community which has faced many issues before and has quite a bit of wisdom to share from this. Who to listen to - moderns or historical figures? Realistically you should listen to both. Moderns are useful because they are aware of the problems we all share today. An honest faith faces these problems. On the other hand, as C.S. Lewis says, all ages have their blinders and the only way to truly face them is to be exposed to old books... For more info, take a look at http://www.spurgeon.org/~phil/history/ath-inc.htm#ch_0 a classic introduction to a classic text.
SDG
Ken McGuire
The Gospel is not ... a "new law," on the contrary, ... a "new life." - William Julius Mann
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Jacob Walker said:
... I am going to dig into 1 Timothy and make my way through the pastoral epistles in the coming months leading up to my seminary start.
Great move, Jacob. These letters are very practical and informative.
Jacob Walker said:My wife and I are reading through the ESV study bible in a year, so I will still be reading the Old Testament and various other books of the Bible.
Excellent. Hopefully you have some guides that give you the life-setting of the book you are reading. Something like Fee & Stuart's How to Read the Bible Book by Book. You want to make sure you understand "What was God saying to them" before you make an application for us. It cannot mean for us what it did not mean for them.
Jacob Walker said:To supplement my Bible reading, I have been reading Grudem's systematic theology to get a grasp of what the whole Bible says about a particular doctrine.
That's fine, and useful. But I'd encourage you to concentrate on getting to know the big narrative of the Scripture within its own setting, rather than read it through the lens of a theological system. Eugene Peterson is good on this: recognising the form of the book God gave us, and discovering ourselves within that narrative.
Jacob Walker said:My number priority is to grow closer to Christ and increase in humility by God's grace throughout my studies.
Beautiful. So, you will want to immerse yourself within the gospels. It's through Jesus we really know what God's like, so there is no better way than to read the gospels asking, "Wow: is this what God is really like? Friend of sinners ... acquainted with grief ... suffering rejection with the poor ..." Tom Wright's Christian Origins and the Question of God Series is a superb way to sink your teeth into this.
Jacob Walker said:What is everyone's thoughts on reading historical theologians (i.e. Augustine, Luther, Calvin, Puritans, Spurgeon) compared to modern authors such as John Piper or Tim Keller for example? Is a mix of both healthy or should I lean towards historical theologians or modern day authors?
The most important reason to read the historical theologians is that they give you a perspective beyond our 21st century Western way of thinking. That (and immersing yourself in the Hebrew-Jewish and Greco-Roman settings that Scripture was addressed to) will help make you aware of the cultural bias we all bring with us as we approach Scripture. But once again, be sure to read the theologians within their setting, with their biases. How people have understood Scripture over the last 2000 years is important.
Again, my encouragement would be to focus on the narrative of Scripture, starting with the gospels since Jesus is the center of God's revelation of himself.
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I have been a pastor for over 37 years now, and it has been a wonderful and joyful experience! Every church that I have served has treated better than I deserved, and I have loved everyone of them, though none were any more perfect than their pastor.
One thing I would do differently. Early in my ministry I wish I had emphasized grace more, and shown more to others. I also wish I had known how much I did not know when I was younger.
But I was told the two secrets to a successful ministry by an old pastor. These two secrets have never failed me in almost 38 years. All it takes to be a successful pastor is, by your deeds and words, convince people that (1) you love God and His Son Jesus Christ AND (2) you love them. You convince people of those two things and they will forgive any shortcomings.
Of course consistent Bible study is important - almost as important as prayer. Learn how to do inductive Bible study, and not just rely on favorite commentaries. Study the Bible book by book.
And keep a good sense of humor! Learn to see the humor in the Bible. It is full of humor if you have eyes to see. Laugh at yourself every day.
You are in for a great life and a great adventure. I am praying for you.
"In all cases, the Church is to be judged by the Scripture, not the Scripture by the Church," John Wesley0 -
Jacob Walker said:
Thanks everyone for replying to my post. I really like the idea of studying the pastoral epistles, since I am praying about future ministry. I am going to dig into 1 Timothy and make my way through the pastoral epistles in the coming months leading up to my seminary start. My wife and I are reading through the ESV study bible in a year, so I will still be reading the Old Testament and various other books of the Bible. To supplement my Bible reading, I have been reading Grudem's systematic theology to get a grasp of what the whole Bible says about a particular doctrine.
Jacob I like very much of what you've said here. I may agree with Grudem on many points, but not all will. Be prepared to recognize him as a good introduction to Sys.Theo.
Many moons ago someone told me to read more dead guys than live guys. I still think that was good advice.Jacob Walker said:What is everyone's thoughts on reading historical theologians
You listed people I would read, all of them. I'm not at all dogmatic about reading 2 dead guys for every 1 live guy like a few of my friends are. But generally reading books and authors who have stood the test of time is a good way to cut through the chaff early. Garbage generally does not stand the test of time.
Kenneth mentioned that ,moderns are at least aware of the current issues and attempt to interact with them. There is some truth to that. But be aware that the new stuff has not had a chance to be tested by time yet.
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Michael Childs said:
One thing I would do differently. Early in my ministry I wish I had emphasized grace more, and shown more to others. I also wish I had known how much I did not know when I was younger.
Peace, Michael! Well-spoken indeed! Great advice that you and I and others who "have been around" can continue to give as we - touched by His Love and Grace for us in our Lord Jesus - continue to relate to others as Grace-Filled brothers!
......... and Always Joy in the Lord! *smile*
Philippians 4: 4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand..........
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Jacob Walker said:
My wife and I are reading through the ESV study bible in a year,
Are you reading just the Bible text or also the Study Bible Notes? [I don't need to know but you do] The study notes will add a lot of time to your daily reading. [The study notes are about 2 million words - that adds about a quarter more reading then just the Bible text] Many have problems the first time they read the Bible in a year. They get behind. Don't worry about where you are and where the schedule says you should be. Just finish. If it takes you two years then it takes you two - so be it. But finish! [Push but don't worry about the schedule] [[and take notes of things to review in detail latter]]
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Thanks everyone for all the great advice. This is truly a blessing from God! Staying in the Bible needs to be my number one priority in studying. It can be easy for younger Christians to start reading all these other theology books when they do not even have a firm grasp of the Bible. I am guilty of doing that. If I only have time to read one book in a particular day I need to always turn to God's Word.
I have read C.S. Lewis preface to On the Incarnation and I agree with what he is saying. If you go to your local Christian bookstore how many of those books will be read by Christians in 100 years. My thinking is not too many. I am going to try to read one older book for every newer book I read. For example, I am reading through Augustine's Confessions, which is awesome and allows me to think outside the context of 21st Century America. I know the Bible does this as well. It also gives Christian a great awe of how Jesus has been saving people for thousands of years throughout the globe. The gospel never changes even though the culture does. I have also read J.I. Packer’s Knowing God. It gave me a greater awe of who God is.
Thanks for the pastoral advice on showing grace and being able to find humor in the Bible. One of the preachers I listen to says you should take God serious but not yourself. I think I agree with him. I grew up in a Church with awful doctrine (was not saved when attending), so when I learned all the great truths/doctrines of the Bible I became saved I needed to be seasoned with grace and realize not everyone is a heretic haha. Realizing the primary issues of the Christian faith, for example the Trinity, Deity of Christ, Salvation by Faith Alone cannot be comprised, but secondary issues are not deal breakers. This has helped to reach out to other Christian brothers who may disagree with me on important but secondary or cultural issues such as Spiritual Gifts, Mode of Baptism, or Fundamentalism vs. Being Culturally Engaged. We may not attend the same church but we should still be able to have fellowship. It breaks my heart when we so many Christians dividing over these secondary issues instead of joining hands on the primary issues. The reason I mention this is because it has affected my studies and allowed me to grow in grace. Instead of my bookshelf being filled with a handful authors it is filled with many Christian authors across various denominations and viewpoints on secondary issues. Almost all the authors I read are in 100% agreement on the central Christian doctrines. This has allowed me to disagree on points with well respected theologians, as well as agree with certain authors I initially was hesitant to read. These are just some random thoughts I have after reading all your posts. Thanks again.
Jake
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Jacob
Young reformed
You would do well to subscribe to TABLETALK magazine by Ligonier Ministries. It includes daily devotionals and short theological articles, gentle in tone. I love it.
Logos includes a lot of old copies (if you want to sample). Personally I prefer paper copy.
Maybe a friend could give you a years subscription for a Christmas present
P A
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Jacob Walker said:
Thanks everyone for all the great advice.
Excellent, Jacob.
One more suggestion: buy an audio copy of the Bible, and listen to it in your car. I asked my wife for a copy for Christmas 3 years ago, and it has allowed me to go through the Bible each year (and some parts dozens of times), without taking any extra time out of my day, just using the time I was already driving. It's been a great way to gain the 'big picture' view of the Bible's books.
God bless
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A pastor once told me that if anyone wanted to become a minister he should read the bible over and over. Other people have said the same thing. He said that we should take a year and read nothing but the Bible over and over again. At the end of the year you would know your Bible and it would transform you. I am currently working through the Read The Bible In 90 Days program from Zondervan. It has weekly dvd sessions with John Walton on the Old Testament and Mark Strauss on the New Testament. I am enjoying it immensely. If you have the ESV Study Bible you have access to it online where you can listen to it while you read. It helps to slow you down so you think more about what you read. God bless you in your studies.
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