In my work as a University Chaplain, I talk a lot with students about having a good mentor and becoming a good mentor to another. One of the findings of the National Study of Youth and Religion is that only committed religious parents can have more impact on the religious faithfulness of young people than adult mentors. Mentors matter.
The Bible Says Women Should Lead – Part 1
A little while ago I wrote a post about women in leadership that was viewed more than 7,000 times, still one of my most popular posts. Of those views, only 200 people clicked through to the N.T. Wright article that presented the biblical arguments upon which my post depended.
I know that many that viewed the post were those that already shared my opinion and had researched the topic. But many that I interacted with via social media complained that my article wasn’t biblical. Well here you go.
Double Standards, Women, And The Church – Part 2
A few weeks ago I wrote about the double standards that women leaders in the church face. Many of the women responded affirmatively to my comments that a woman’s appearance is scrutinized far more than her male colleagues.
30 Suggestions for Theological Students and Young Theologians
I don’t like everything about John Frame’s theology. But I consider him a holy man and thoroughly committed to his work. This is good advice for those of us that consider theology our vocation.
In response to the question “what advice would you offer to theological students and young theologians as they face a lifetime of theological work?”, John Frame gives the following 30 (!) point answer:
- Consider that you might not really be called to theological work. James 3:1 tells us that not many of us should become teachers and that teachers will be judged more strictly. To whom much (biblical knowledge) is given, of them shall much be required.
- Value your relationship with Christ, your family, and the church above your career ambitions. You will influence more people by your life than by your theology. And deficiencies in your life will negate the influence of your ideas, even if those ideas are true.
- Remember that the fundamental work of theology is to understand the Bible, God’s Word, and apply it to the needs of people. Everything else—historical and linguistic expertise, exegetical acuteness and subtlety…
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Top 5 Posts of 2013
I’ve learned a lot in my first few months of serious blogging. I have been writing for a while now on an old blog, but the first post on this list was viewed more in the first 72 hours than my old blog was viewed in the first 72 months. I’m definitely learning a bit more about what people want to read and learn about. I’m looking forward to 2014 being the first year that I write consistently. I hope you enjoy!
Here are the top 5 posts of this year, ranked by number of pageviews. Which is your favorite? Why?
1. 4 Reasons Why Ordaining Women Is No Longer An Option
2. Christian, Please Read This Before Christmas Shopping
3. Double Standards, Women, And The Church
4. To the Parents of a College Freshman: An Open Letter From Their Chaplain
5. How N.T. Wright Saved My Faith: A Call for Theological Complexity
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4 Reasons Why Ordaining Women Is No Longer An Option
Left to Right: Rev. Renee Perkins, Rev. Jenifer Stuelpe Gibbs, Rev. Jill Moffett Howard
Three Indiana United Methodist clergy on their ordination day.
When I was a 23 year old theology student, I nominated the first woman to be elder in the life of our conservative church. The response: “We don’t feel called to challenge the church constitution at this time.”
What Am I Called to Do? (Part 7): What Is That In Your Hand?
Moses answered, “What if they do not believe me or listen to me and say, ‘The Lord did not appear to you’?” Then the Lord said to him, “What is that in your hand?” “A staff,” he replied. (Exodus 4:1, 2 NIV)
To learn how tools are integrated into the entire notion of call, click the map.
So far in this series I’ve said a lot about the passions that are a person’s internal motivations, animated by the Holy Spirit, to pursue a calling on their lives. But passion for something will not get you far if you don’t have the tools to do anything about it.
Dr. Jeremiah Gibbs 