Should You Be a Professor or a Pastor? Thinking Through the Options
Since I am a professor at a seminary, it is not unusual (indeed, it is very common) for students to come to me for advice about whether they should enter the pastorate or seek to be a professor. While many of these students may have entered seminary with the intention of entering pastoral ministry, they have found themselves falling in love with a deep study of theology and the Bible. And so, they think, perhaps the academic world is right for them.
I confess that I am often torn when students come to me with this question. On the one hand, I want to discourage students from pursuing the Ph.D./professor … Continue reading...
Tolkien, Lewis, and the Blessings of a Messy Desk
Last week I finished a key portion of one of my research projects. And then I did what I normally do during such times (indeed, it is coming a bit of a tradition)–I cleaned up the colossal mess that I had made.
Before it was all said and done, books were strewn all over my desk, across my computer table, on the floor (on both sides of my desk), and up against the wall. Here’s the picture below!
After I had finally cleaned up my desk–and returned a couple of cart fulls of books to the library–I began to reflect on my life with a messy desk. What did it … Continue reading...
Is It a Waste of Time for Seminary Students (and Pastors) to Learn the Biblical Languages?
It’s that time of year again.
A wonderful new crop of seminary students has arrived here at RTS-Charlotte and has already begun the grueling month-long experience of Summer Greek. And, like all seminary students before them, they will begin to ask the question of why studying these ancient languages even matters. After all, a few years after graduation all will be forgotten. In the midst of a busy pastoral life, who could possibly maintain proficiency in the languages?
As a result of these questions, some students decide (very early on) that the biblical languages are just something to be endured. They are like a hazing ritual at a college fraternity. … Continue reading...
Interested in Getting a Biblical Counseling Degree without Moving? You Can Do It at @RTSCharlotte
This past April, I spoke at the TGC Women’s conference in Indianapolis. I also spent a good bit of time talking to women at the RTS booth about their hopes and dreams for ministry education.
I was asked repeatedly about which degree program would be helpful for women wanting to go to seminary. Although all our programs are great, I think the RTS Charlotte Master of Arts in Christian Counseling degree (MACC) is a wonderful option.
Here are a few important facts about Charlotte’s MACC:
1. Half of the MACC’s 66 credit hours are in Bible and theology. That means the degree is not filled only with counseling courses, but … Continue reading...
Don’t Miss These @RTSCharlotte Summer 2021 Courses
As we wrap up the Spring 2021 term, there are some amazing classes coming up for the Summer term here at RTS Charlotte. I can’t mention all of them, but here are a few highlights below. These are all in-person, residential classes:
D.A. Carson, The Exposition of Hebrews – 2.00 Hours
An analysis of the message and purpose of the book of Hebrews to show its importance for today. Special attention is given to the basic doctrines of Christ’s high priesthood and the covenant and the author’s admonition to be faithful to the Word of God.
03NT6360/01
Monday 1:00 PM – 4:30 PM
TueWedThur 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
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