Discussion Board 1
While I cannot speak for most pastors, I do believe the statement in this
module’s discussion board that “Some Christians and ministers do not feel
it is important to be informed or studied in scripture, philosophy, history,
etc.” This lack of importance seems to be a result of ministry becoming a
profession that needs to cater to public opinion in order to thrive. Kevin
Vanhoozer states, “Too many pastors have exchanged their vocational
birthright for a bowl of lentil stew (Gen. 25:29–34; Heb. 12:16):
management skills, strategic plans, “leadership” courses, therapeutic
techniques, and so forth.”[1]7Vanhoozer adds, “What causes pastors to
sink—or rather, to shrink from the theological task—are the waves of
public sentiment and winds of public opinion that act as obstacles and
temptations, hindering progress toward their vocation of bringing others
to maturity in Christ (cf. Eph. 4:14).”[2]7By pandering to the pressures of
cancel culture that we see today, the gospel becomes a watered-down
version of the Christian faith.
77777777777 For Pastors and Christians alike, the importance of being informed
in biblical teachings, philosophy, and church history has never been more
important than in the days we live. Paul writes to Timothy, “Preach the
word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and
encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will
come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit
their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of
teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear” (2 Tim. 4:2-3).
[3]7This time is now, and pastors must not lose the vision but preach the
truths found in Scripture that bring hope and allow the hearer to gain life.
77777777777 Furthermore, pastors and Christians are called to speak into the
things of our culture. The Bible should be our primary source for all things
ethical. In the course video, Dr. Fred Smith states, “The Bible is
recognized as the final authority on all matters.”[4]7Therefore, while public
pressures may be focused on the approval of abortion, same-sex
marriage, and gender identity, pastors must speak God’s truth in love.
Without the foundational truths found in God’s word spoken, not only to
congregations but the public, non-believers and those who proclaim belief,
will drift further and further from God. Smith states, “It [Christian Ethics]
supports our call to the world to repentance.”[5]7May I continue to carry
the fire that faithful pastors before me have carried.
7
[1]7Kevin Vanhoozer and Owen Strachan, The Pastor as Public Theologian:
Reclaiming a Lost Vision, (Grand Rapids: Baker Academics, 2015), 1.
[2]7Ibid., 2.
[3]7Unless otherwise stated all Scripture is from7The New International
Version.
