Preaching, Academics, and the Pastoral Ministry

Clarence Jordan, the founder of Koinonia Village, which later became Habitat for Humanity. Clarence acquired a Ph.D. in the New Testament and translated the Scriptures into the language of his ministry folks in Georgia.  This translation named Cotton Patch Bible, merged both his scholarly studies and pastoral service. This concept remains a goal that I strive for in my life and ministry. 

Since my teenage years I have loved studying the Bible and memorizing its content, delving into the riches of Scripture and theology. In college I was a New Testament major. In seminary I continued those studies. Through my pastoral ministry, I have continually reached back into my Greek New Testament to prepare sermons. Employing expository preaching, I focus on the kerygma of Holy Scripture, recognizing that there is power in the preaching of the cross and resurrection of Jesus. What Jesus accomplished on the cross has its own communicative power (1 Cor. 1:18). The Holy Spirit takes this simple message of the cross with its redemptive love and grace, infusing it into lives with authority. That is why I believe every sermon must lead people to the cross. 

The past thirty-four years as a pastor-scholar, hospital chaplain and campus minister, have honed my exegesis skills in pastoral ministry as I preached sermons, prepared Bible studies, and related the Scriptures to peoples' real-life situations. For the past nine years I have enjoyed the privilege of teaching both Old and New Testament classes at Biblical Life Institute, in Freeport PA. I believe that God has utilized this experience to grow His calling within me.  As Jonathan Edwards wrote, 

    "Resolved: that all men should live for the glory of God
    Resolved second: that whether others do or not, I will."

Thus, I am resolved to fulfill God’s calling to preach the Good News of Jesus and teach the word of God in both a scholarly and devotional manner. This conviction is my primary goal.  

Preaching

Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage--with great patience and careful instruction 
2 Tim. 4:2

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
1 Cor. 1:18

Read my paper on:
The Power of the Cross and Healing
(scroll to bottom right of paper and click on full screen option)

Academic Research

Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.
Psalm 119:105

Read my paper on:
The Pneumatology of Paul in 1 Cor. 2:9-16 Grounded in his Christology in 
1 Cor. 1:18-25
(scroll to bottom right of paper and click on full screen option)

Pastoral Ministry

Keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.
2 Tim. 4:5

My 3 goals as a pastor for 
Trinity United Christian Church are:
1. Teach the people to hear God's voice
2. Encourage every person to discover their spiritual gift
3. Now, go do God's will in your life!

Read my reflections 
on my ministry as a psychiatric chaplain titled: 
"My Church is a Mental Hospital"
(scroll to bottom right of paper and click on full screen option)