International Reformed Baptist Seminary
An Integrative Paper of Introductory Lectures
Submitted to Dr. Renihan
in partial fulfillment of ST500 Introduction to Ministerial and Theological Studies
By
John Carter
April 20, 2024
Introduction
For six and a half years I have had the privilege and joy of serving as the Lead Elder at First Baptist Church of Fortuna. But this time has not always been easy. The first significant critique I remember receiving was, “you’re a good teacher but not a very good pastor. You should go teach in a seminary.” As much as my pride was hurt, the truth is, I probably was not that good of a teacher either. Nevertheless, I have remained steadfast these few years, trusting God for the fruit in the church and in me. So although I am already serving as a pastor, my hope for returning to finish my Masters of Divinity (MDiv) is in large part for the benefit of the flock. If I cannot validate this end, then my time seems best used elsewhere. In preparation for the studies that lie ahead I have put forth some of the direct and indirect reflections on pastoral ministry in light of the disciplines of theology that I will be assigned to study. The purpose of this integrative paper is to provide a reflective review of the introductory lectures by Drs. Renihan, Barcellos, Rennie, and Malone.
Holiness by Dr. Renihan
The call for qualified men to serve as pastors of God’s flock is a weighty. The external pressures of ministry have caused many men to abandon their stewardship. Unfortunately, many other men leave their post under the shadow of exposed and unrepentant sin; and at times a devastated home life. Even worse, the name of Christ and his bride’s reputation is tarnished. This means that the aspiration for pastoral ministry may be honorable but is clearly insufficient for a man endure the battles of pastoral ministry. Dr. Renihan’s lecture on holiness was an excellent reminder to pursue holiness. In his lecture he spent the greater portion of the time proving a list of warnings concerning the dangers that lie ahead. This was certainly not an exhaustive list but by using seven examples from Scripture I was given the opportunity to pause and consider the ministry. A ministry which I have served for some years now. And by the grace of God, I hope to endure many more years faithfully to the end.
Dr. Renihan remarked that, “Sin in our lives is like a whack a mole game.”[1] In other words, one sin comes up, is mortified, only for another to come up somewhere else. This vivid analogy is helpful to explain the spiritual discipline and endurance needed to live this Christian life. The fight for holiness is a daily and even a moment-by-moment struggle. Although the pastor ought to meet the qualifications of Elder/Overseer that does not mean he is without sin. It is true that there should be a noticeable difference between a qualified man and a new believer, but a pastor will never be sinless this side of Christ’s return. Rather, the sins of the pastors tend to be more inward and easily hidden. Such as sinful thoughts or attitudes coming from discouragement or pride. This lecture provided me the needed reminder that when I am tempted to become downcast through difficulties in ministry I must remind myself that I asked for this (ministry, seminary, etc.) and therefore I do not have the permission to be sinfully downcast. Instead I must actively rejoice in the goodness of God, the good things He is doing in my church ministry, in my home, in my marriage, and in my family. The good is not dependent on what I do or can see, but on who God is.
To help prepare his students for ministry, Dr. Renihan’s lecture focused on seven men from Scripture and the sins that they were each tempted with or even overcome by. This included Abram’s fear and his need for godly courage, Moses’ disobedient unbelief, David’s neglect of duties which blossomed into adultery and murder, Peter’s hypocrisy, Dema’s love for the present world, and finally Diotrephes pride. Dema’s love for the present world was a needed warning as too often I am overly concerned of what others think of me.
This singular lecture does not have the power to keep me or any other man from sin. But lectures and sermons on topics like this are needed reminders for pastors to watch their doctrine and their life. May I ever remain mindful of my daily need for grace and humility.
Biblical Studies by Dr. Barcellos
From the foundational necessity of looking at the personal holiness of the pastor, the lectures turn towards three disciplines of theology. The first is Biblical Studies with a lecture from Dr. Barcellos. In this lecture he sought to make “a call to return to Nicene trinitarianism.”[2] The weight of his lecture was to discuss recent debates on the nature of the Trinity. Although, I was lagging behind his content and structure, this is precisely why I have sought to finish my MDiv program. There are gaps in my doctrinal formation that I would like to fill with an accurate understanding. For example, I can articulate the orthodox view of the trinity and some of the major heresies, but I am not able to adequately engage in arguments that are flooding the popular level reading of Christian doctrinal discussions. My hope is to be challenged and effectively equipped to firm up significant doctrines that I hold in faith, but not necessarily in knowledge.
As Dr. Barcellos spoke of IRBS’s integrative approach to the various disciplines he also made clear that specialization lends itself to mastery of certain subjects; but de-specialization in others. The danger for the pastor is to attempt to master everything. But that is simply not possible. Nevertheless, the impossibility on such a task does not free a pastor to abandon pursuing excellence. This must still be done without pride and a constant awareness of the warmness of his soul towards the things of God. Theology must impact our mind, our affections, and our craft as heralds of the gospel.
For a pastor to prepare well for ministry he must humble himself, as the task is too great for him alone to accomplish. This requires that he prepare with an awareness of his own shortcomings and the usefulness of those who have gone before him. Rather than recreate the wheel, find those who have already established way forward. Or as Dr. Barcellos has said more than once, “if we come with presuppositions then why not come with the best.”[3] This is wisdom pleasantly received as I continue to prepare for what the Lord may have in front of me for ministry. A final encouragement from Dr. Barcellos was to study Nicene Creed as well as its historical context. To improve in my ministry I must not only know the ancient creeds, but I must also know why we have those creeds and what questions they were answering.
Systematic Theology by Dr. Rennie
Moving from the realm of Biblical Theology, Dr. Rennie provided a robust lecture on Systematic Theology. In ministry it is extremely to have a mental database of topics or doctrines with corresponding arguments or proofs. Dr. Rennie’s emphasis on the upward pull of Systematic Theology verses the downward drilling effect was refreshing. We are not designing systems for us to arrive at a myriad of ends. Rather, we are developing these systems so that we can find our way to God. This is made evident when Dr. Rennie posed the question, “What does this class ultimately teach me about God?”[4] He went on to explain how the system must be determined by its source. So the importance is not to bring God downwards, but man upwards.
This purpose is important in and of itself, but there is another goal for systematic theology. This “goal” of systematic theology is a “changed man.”[5] This is why all lower theologies must turn us back toward theology proper; to know God. Yet, in all this knowing and studying is not our great end. Rather, trusting God is. For, “faith believes God.”[6] Although reason is useful to help us think, ultimately we must have faith in God, not just reason (facts, data, or logic). This pursuit of God must transform the heart and mind.
So to properly prepare for ministry an abundance of wisdom in needed. Wisdom that informs our mind and our actions. Yet not only informs but goes so far as to transform. If we were making up systems and doctrines, then there would be no transformative power. But because we are attempting to explain and describe divine reality we are can be changed. To best help my flock is not to help them understand terms phrase and ideas, but to comprehend and have faith in the God who can be known.
Pastoral Theology by Dr. Fred Malone
The final area of topic is concerned with Dr. Malone’s lecture on Pastoral Theology. Despite what most people envision in pop culture, preaching true doctrine from behind a pulpit is only 10% of the ministerial iceberg. Pastoral ministry is seeking or helping to apply the Scriptures into all areas of life. This is why the study is so very important. Even further, as Dr. Malone makes clear, Pastoral Theology must be done according to Scripture. He shows that the “principle of hermeneutics lays the ground work.”[7] Like the regulative principle of worship, pastoral ministry is not available for improvisation. This should not cause us to have a narrow view of the office where pastors unnecessarily give way to professionals. More correctly, pastors must see the robust responsibilities they have as stewards of God’s flock.
This of course reduces the strength for pastors to cut a new path. Too often pastors are trying to do this ancient office in their own strength, without the guidance of men like Charles Bridges or Richard Baxter. This will inevitably lead to spiritual strain and at worst catastrophic loss. The study of Pastoral Theology is meant to help the pastor to shepherd the flock and even care for his own soul.
There is no lack of work for the faithful pastor. He has much to look forward to (preaching, baptizing, rejoicing with the sheep). But even the most faithful pastor must learn to do things he would prefer not to do (church discipline, administrative task, plan budgets, weep with those in great affliction). If a pastor is going to remain steadfast, he must learn of many areas of ministry in advance to prepare him before he is surprised. However, even the best seminary cannot prepare a pastor for every nuanced experience. This is why a strong conviction in the sufficiency of Scripture and examples of men form the past go a long way to prepare a man.
Conclusion
It seems that many seminaries lean in either one of two distinct directions. One direction is to produces pastors. The other direction is to produce scholarly academics. In a moment of unnecessary honesty, I’m not an academic. I like reading and studying, but to synthesis the data into a paper and engage in the academic pursuit, I am usually out of my lane. In my formal studies this can lead me to critical thoughts like, “just play the game.” But as seen in the integrative response and reflective review of the lectures by Drs. Renihan, Barcellos, Rennie, and Malone much fruit is available to those who will discipline themselves even in scholarly pursuits. So while I will endeavor to keep the academics from getting into my head there is plenty of room to rejoice in the process of being stretched beyond my ordinary skills and tendencies. As a brief pause looking ahead, it is good to reflect on the labor and discipline that will be needed in the coming years. Especially as I humbly look beyond my studies that I might enjoy, if the Lord permits, from years of faithful word centered ministry.
[1] James Renihan, “Personal Holiness,” ST 500: Introduction to Ministerial and Theological Studies (Class Lecture).
[2] Richard Barcellos, “Biblical Studies,” ST 500: Introduction to Ministerial and Theological Studies (Class Lecture).
[3] Richard Barcellos, “Biblical Studies,” ST 500: Introduction to Ministerial and Theological Studies (Class Lecture).
[4] Charles Rennie, “Systematic Theology,” ST 500: Introduction to Ministerial and Theological Studies (Class Lecture).
[5] Charles Rennie, “Systematic Theology,” ST 500: Introduction to Ministerial and Theological Studies (Class Lecture).
[6] Charles Rennie, “Systematic Theology,” ST 500: Introduction to Ministerial and Theological Studies (Class Lecture).
[7] Fred Malone, “Pastoral Theology,” ST 500: Introduction to Ministerial and Theological Studies (Class Lecture).
Musica Theologica 