After seminary, then what?
After seminary I was excited about teaching and preaching God’s word, but I was frustrated because I was not able to use my limited knowledge of Greek to study the text for myself. At best, I could do a word study or analyze the grammar, but I couldn’t actually understand why the text was arranged the way it was or what it was intending to accomplish. I was totally dependent on secondary and tertiary resources, so I lacked the confidence that what I was teaching and preaching was what the text actually said. I also lacked the skills to be confident that I understood the flow of the author’s argument and how my passage fit into the book as a whole and what contribution it was making to the author’s overall argument. While I did well in school, I had difficulty using what I learned in real life ministry.
How do I know I am preaching and teaching the truth?
As a result, I was never sure if I was communicating the original intent of the passage or if I was imposing my ideas, or someone else’s ideas, upon the text. I also didn’t know how to communicate the message of the text in a way that was both an accurate understanding of the text and a relevant and effective communication of the text. It was easier to craft a message that would be happily received by my hearers than to force them to sit through a dry recitation of the original meaning of the ancient text.
Where can a young pastor get help?
One of the frustrations I faced in ministry was not having someone who could guide me week by week in my study of the Greek New Testament and my preparation sermons and Bible studies. It is this weak link in the chain that I want to strengthen for those of who are just entering ministry. I am offering you the opportunity to be mentored in Greek so that you are able to effectively use your Greek skills in preparing and presenting sermons and Bible studies. We will help you master your biblical interpretation and communication skills so you can use them effectively in real life ministry.
What will you learn?
You will learn how to study the Greek text for yourselves so that you can be confident that you understand the original meaning and intent of the passage. You will also learn how to communicate that message in an accurate and relevant way to the people God has entrusted to you so that you can have confidence that they are receiving the message He intends for them. You will be confident that you are giving them fresh insight into God’s word rather than stale, second-hand bread. I am looking for a few dedicated people who are willing to commit to meeting one hour per week by phone or video conferencing to learn how to actually use Greek effectively in ministry.
What does it cost?
There is no cost involved. If you are serious about taking your Greek skills to the next level so that you can actually use your hard-learned Greek skills effectively in real life ministry, email me so I can discuss a personalized course of study that fits your needs and your unique ministry situation. I look forward to empowering you to be the most effective communicator of God’s word that you can be.