1
Mar
2012
Take a Drive Over: "Brits Abroad" Interview
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Jeremy Walker posted an interview today over at his site with Derek Thomas and Carl Trueman, two “Brits” currently living and ministering here in the States. I would encourage you to take a drive over there and read it. Lots of great advice from their experience in both the seminary and pastoral contexts. I agree strongly with most of it, excepting their move from being Baptists to Presbyterians. Look for the following:
- The importance of the intersection between the academy and local church ministry, and the need for those who teach to immerse themselves in real church ministry;
- Their opinions about the younger reformed movement, and its view of the local church and personal holiness;
- Some great advice for maintaining a long-term pastoral ministry;
- A clear declaration that culture is not neutral–you don’t see that too often these days.
What leapt out at me was Carl’s stress on the need for maturity, and how that usually involves years and mileage. That resonates. I look at my first solo pastorate (at an immature 28) with a long list of regrets and self-blame. Second, Trueman stresses the importance of his sensible wife, who doesn’t believe the “propaganda” he tends to “put out” about himself. I have one of those, thank God, and her saying that I’ve matured is a ground for some hope.
Many will think of Spurgeon, who became a pastor when a single teenager. Brother, Spurgeon was a freak of grace. We could use an army of them, but you’re probably no Spurgeon. God knows I wasn’t, and am not.
Those were great points too. I agree, the likes of Spurgeon, Bunyan, and Carey were unique. I tell guys if they are equipped and willing they can educate themselves as those men did, but it surely is not the norm for us more averagely equipped men.