Is It a Waste of Time for Seminary Students (and Pastors) to Learn the Biblical Languages?
Note: I post the article below every year as seminary students arrive. I hope it will prove helpful for a new group of readers (or maybe even prior ones!)
A few weeks ago, a new crop of seminary students began 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 … Continue reading...
Join Us for the @RTSCharlotte Alumni Gathering at 2016 PCA General Assembly
This week I am off to the PCA General Assembly in Mobile, AL. There are a number of interesting (and some controversial) overtures on the docket this year, so it should be a busy week. But aside from the formal business, one of the most profitable aspects of GA is connecting with old friends, classmates, and colleagues.
If you are a RTS Charlotte alum, let me call your attention to our annual gathering. This year it will be Wed, June 22, 8:30-10:30 PM, at the Battle House Renaissance Hotel, which is right around the corner from the convention center. We will have drinks and appetizers and a great time … Continue reading...
Where Are They Now? RTS Charlotte Alumnus Alex Shipman
Over the last several years, I have been running a RTS Charlotte alumni series called “Where Are They Now?” (see the complete series here). Since this is the time of year for alumni reunions at the various denominational gatherings, I thought I would add the latest installment.
This post highlights one of our best and brightest, alumnus Alex Shipman (class of 2008). In addition to his pastoral duties, Alex leads the African American Presbyterian Fellowship (AAPF) for the PCA. As described in one of their newsletters, the mission of the AAPF is “to work within the denomination to expand African Americans’ presence, involvement and leadership.”
- What are you
Continue reading...
RTS Launches a New Journal: Reformed Faith and Practice
Last week it was announced that Reformed Theological Seminary has released the first installment of its new online journal. It is entitled Reformed Faith and Practice (RF&P) and can be accessed here.
The launch of the new journal coincides with the 50th anniversary of RTS (the seminary opened its doors in 1966). Other 50th anniversary-related initiatives include the release of the two volumes written by RTS faculty: A Biblical-Theological Introduction to the New Testament and A Biblical-Theological Introduction to the Old Testament.
RF&P will be publishing three times a year with contributions mainly from RTS faculty across our numerous campuses: Charlotte, Jackson, Orlando, Washington D.C., Atlanta, New York, … Continue reading...
It’s Here! “A Biblical-Theological Introduction to the New Testament” Has Arrived
I just received a Fed-Ex package that contained the latest volume I’ve been working on: A Biblical Theological Introduction to the New Testament (Crossway, 2016).
This volume collects together contributions from NT professors at Reformed Theological Seminary, both past and present. I edited the volume and contributed chapters on John and the NT canon.
Other contributors include: William B. Barcley, Robert J. Cara, Benjamin Gladd, Charles E. Hill, Reggie M. Kidd, Simon J. Kistemaker, Bruce A. Lowe, and Guy Prentiss Waters.
I have to say the cover looks and feels great. Crossway did a fantastic job with the physical appearance of the book. And, I might add, they also … Continue reading...