One of the real joys of my ministry is teaching pastoral theology at Toronto Baptist Seminary. I have been at it for a few years now, and I thank the Lord that I can be a part of what the Lord is doing at TBS.
The Lord has been working in powerful ways in our class this year. A lot of these guys are having my as a prof for the third time, and that familiarity along with abundant grace from the God who answers prayer, have both created a unique atmosphere.
I tend to think whatever I am currently doing is the best thing in the world... I mean, whatever books I am preaching are my favorite in the Bible - or whatever class I am teaching is my favorite group of guys... So, I don't want to talk over-the-top, but I have to say this is a great group of men.
What will the Lord do with these guys in the coming years? Who knows! But you can have a part of it if you pray for them.
So, why not look over the picture carefully, choose one or two to guys to pray for, and intercede before the Lord on their behalf.
(In case you were wondering, I am the well-dressed dude!)
HT: Peter for the photo!
You could have identified yourself as the guy standing on the entire set of Calvin's Commentaries. Woe! You're one tall dude.
ReplyDeleteI prayed for them. So much potential, one small room.
ReplyDeleteLaptop computers, Starbucks coffee, an ESV Bible on the table and a prof. asking folks to pray for his class on a blog. So much has changed since I was in school!
ReplyDeleteThat's a great encouragement, Paul!
Who's the smart looking one?
ReplyDeleteHappy to see that the one who interns with me is the one with the coffee. The mark of a good leader is that he creates followers. Atta boy Justin!!Wasn't God good to our church to give us the best of the bunch.
Dan - I was crouching.
ReplyDeleteH.O. - Thanks for praying.
Terry - Did they have computers when you were in school?
Kenny - You're just looking for a fight, aren't you? Clearly, WE got the best of the bunch, I am the smart-looking one, and the only reason JG has a Starbucks is because I meet there with a few of the boys every week before class!
So there!
Taking a closer look at the photo I see that your guy has a coffee as well, so yes, you're doing a good job too.
ReplyDeleteAs one of the young men who has had the privilege of being in the kerux’s class for the third time now, I would like to tell all these guys reading the blog just how much I have appreciated them. I am just one of us who looks forward to it all week long (we have class on Friday mornings). His abilities to teach us, warn us, inspire us - they’re nothing short of special. Please pray that he will stay at TBS for a long long time.
ReplyDeleteAnd Pastor Ken, I must add, the least of the things I have learned from you is the necessity of much coffee. I can’t begin to describe how much I have gained through my internship with you ... no doubt the impact you two guys have had will be forever.
Please pray for the good looking guy in the red shirt in the middle. He struggles with pride.
ReplyDeleteAll kidding aside, I whole-heartedly concur with Justin. This was, without a doubt, the best class I have ever taken in terms of my own personal spirituality. I don't think I've ever been so consistently challenged at such a heart level to such a degree before. I've had great mentors who have influenced me greatly over a long period of time, but this one semester was a powerhouse.
Thanks be to God for Prof. Martin. My prayer is that he would influence many more pastoral students the way that he has with our class. The Canadian church landscape will look a lot different if many of our pastors sit under Paul's wisdom and guidance.
I really can't say enough.
And I don't say this for a good mark! Although I'm sure it might help.
;)
Thanks for posting this note and picture, Paul. I have been praying for your class for a number of months now, after you first told me about God's blessing on it 'thus far'. I'm thankful to hear that the semester is ending well. By God's grace these labours will be multiplied when the men enter full-time ministry callings of their own (e.g. pastoral/academic, etc.).
ReplyDeleteFor the record, people in Binbrook don't know what Starbucks coffee is. And they certainly have no clue what a Latte is, except that it is 'probably expensive coffee for yuppies'.
Ian.
Justin -
ReplyDeleteYou are a joy to have in class!
Ian -
You are too... but if you think you're gettin' one ounce of extra marks out of me....
Ian of Binbrook -
The fact that your folks have heard the word "Starbucks" and can identify it with coffee and not, say, a science fiction sit-com - that is impressive!