Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Ministry School System?

Lately, I have heard observations concerning if going to Bible school is the best option or not to become a minister. I have heard commentaries of people who think ministers can be created by just reading the Bible and praying, and applying all these disciplines to their lives. But is it really only about practicing these disciplines? Well, it is a big portion of it, but there is also another portion that we need from our professors and learning systems (school).

I attend Southwestern Assemblies of God University. Southwestern highly emphasizes a base of Bible courses for all the majors offered. As part of degree plan requirements, every student has to take 28 credits of specific courses among Bible, religion, or theology. I have personally learned so much from these classes. A very important part of the success of these classes is the professors that teach them. Since SAGU was founded as a ministry preparation school, it has a vast number of professors in this area. It's interesting to sit in the different classes and learn from the professors’ own experiences and methods. Moreover, having professors from different paths of life gives a good balance to our school and keeps the classes more neutral. None of them have the same teaching style.

Among these general Bible classes, there are those that teach about the core doctrines of our fellowship, the Assemblies of God. These “fundamental truths” were created to regulate what we as a fellowship believe in. It helped the founders of the AG to keep a biblical preaching, in times where heretical messages were arising. Because every believer is a minister whether they go into full-time ministry or not, SAGU is doing a good job teaching the new generation of ministers the principles on which their believes should be based.

(For further information about the AG doctrines visit: http://ag.org/top/Beliefs/Statement_of_Fundamental_Truths/sft_short.cfm)

Not only the knowledge is important, but also most people around the world are becoming more and more educated. If we as Christians don’t take the initiative to learn and be the most educated we can, will we be portraying the image of an ignorance gospel to a world that is becoming more educated?

Let’s think about it again. Having Christian universities does not affect the work of the Spirit in a person, rather it strengthens its future ministry by well defined believes and better preparation. A better-trained believer is more helpful than one who likes to stand in ignorance.

(By the way, I didn’t try to make this all about SAGU, but since it’s the school I attend, and their teaching material and professors are great, I decided that it would be a good example. I suppose there is more schools out there, I’m just not as acquainted).

If you are planning to attend a Bible school (or actually any school away from home), make sure you assist regularly a Church where there is a good biblical teaching. Also, get plugged in as soon as you can, ministry opportunities usually give you more chances to get to know the pastors or leaders within the church; that can be very influential for you.

Feel free to comment, and/or add anything.
God bless.
Daniel

What in the World!

Ok, I'm sorry I have had a delay of almost a year. It's been a while since I wrote here. But what in the world, when I check my counter there's like 553 views. Well, that's a lot. I think the last time I checked it was under 100. I guess you people were expecting more postings. I will be writing again soon. I don't have much time, but I really need to start writing just to write.

Much love and many blessings.

Daniel

Thursday, May 1, 2008

Flickr

This is a test post from flickr, a fancy photo sharing thing.

Wednesday, March 5, 2008

Many essays scored, and three years ago

As a college student, I have written a considerable amount of essays by now. But, everything was not as good as today (even though I don't think I have accomplished the highest level). Today, looking through my old files from high school, found some Spanish writings (which weren't as good as I thought they were by then), but also some English writings. I was horrible! I admit, everything was pretty messed up in my essay. But, enough of my actual words, let's go to my old ones...

It happened the last year, I was reading a horror book in my train’s compartment, when a nervious and extrange man get into without entry permit. I asked his name and what were he doing in the train, he answered me his name were Braulio. Then tell me that he doesn’t will be a lot time and in a few minutes he will be down the train, so I didn’t bring many attention.

I remember that were a rainly and cold day, then the train brake very extrange and fast, so that guy down train’s stairs, a little time after, i take a notice of that man stole my wallet, then i told it to the officers, and they said me the motive of why the train brake suddenly, cause that man were a thieving and the officers want to capturate him.

That was´nt funny, but i learn to be careful with my ownerships and to myself for extrange and suspect people, cause many of them want to make something mostly bad.


Like I said, pretty horrible. But it was three years ago, on the high schooler days.


Daniel James

Friday, February 29, 2008

The problem of wanting to write, but never have a topic.

I've been thinking of writing a post for at least a month, and had nothing to say. So, i just wanted to write something, and say nothing. There you have it, the first blog that talks about nothing.

Anyways, I actually want to talk about something, and it is music. But I don't know what to say, except to say that I listen to a lot of different music.

So there you have it, the first post that talks about nothing, and music, and nothing about music.