You Tube Theology

This season on the Straight Truth Podcast, Dr. Richard Caldwell and host Dr. Josh Philpot have three special guests joining them: Pastor Mike Fabarez of Compass Bible Church in Orange County, CA; Dr. Tom Schreiner, the James Buchanan Harrison Professor of New Testament Interpretation at SBTS in Louisville, KY; and Dr. Bruce Ware, the T. Rupert and Lucille Coleman Professor of Christian Theology at SBTS in Louisville, KY. This week the topic of discussion centers around concerns these men see with the theological education and training of students coming out of institutional seminaries. The discussion is not concentrated so much on where the students receive their seminary degree from, but actually on the lack of practical application and preparedness they have for being in and serving in a local body of Christ after graduation. The discussion focuses primarily on those graduating with a Master of Divinity seeking to be pastors, but will be helpful for all who desire to work and serve in the name of Christ; particularly in the body of Christ, and for how they can be effective in ministry. Our panel discusses what they see as limits that the institutional seminary can and cannot do for its students. What is often seen with graduates is their love for theology, history, and more, but also many having never served by teaching a Sunday school class or worked in a church nursery. So additionally, our panel considers ways they see for students of MDiv to gain learning and skills that they wouldn't have otherwise upon graduation. One main thought each member of the panel stresses, is the importance of serving and continuing to serve in areas of ministry within the body of Christ, even while the student is attending seminary. This brings us to what our panel sees as probably the most helpful recommendation; a need for partnering between the seminary and local churches for student interning and possibly even for required internships for students. A local body of Christ is the place where the student has the opportunity to be mentored and practice ministry under wise pastors and elders with experience. It's the place where the student can be known, the place where wise godly men and women can help shape their character, and where they can be examined and evaluated for their giftedness and abilities. It's the place where their theology can be flushed out in practical areas of ministry by immersing themselves, and gain valuable experience in "cutting their teeth" in real-life church work.