Seminary Update

Well, it's time for another Seminary update! This week I completed my latest course, CM 511 Pastor's College. I've got to say that this has been my most enjoyable course thus far. This is the first one that I have done completely online. It consisted of watching 25 lectures and writing notes and course assignments for each one. The lectures ranged from about 40 minutes to 65 minutes in length. Many hours at night and on lunch breaks were put in watching them.

Normally the Pastor's College is on-campus event but this year Pastor Sexton had surgery on his back and they decided to offer the course online. I don't think they have ever done it this way before but I'm so grateful that they were able to. Not only was I able to complete the assignment, I didn't have to take a week off from work to attend the classes on campus. I realize I missed out on some great Christian fellowship with other men of God but I'm sure I'll make up for it in the future!

I've always enjoyed listening to Pastor Sexton preach, in fact, my Mp3 player is jam packed with over 100 of his sermons which I've listened to many times. The knowledge and insight I have learned during this course has greatly benefited my ministry. He focused, of course, on Pastors. A clear understanding of what a Pastor is, what he does, and how he lives his life, was given. Many people look upon a Pastor as some great high position, however, that is farthest from the truth. The Pastor is actually the under Shepherd, who leads the sheep. His job is tough and consumes his life.

One of the great truths I took away from this study is how the Pastor leads the sheep. His mind and heart is always looking out for the sheep. He never abuses the sheep or beats the sheep, he LEADS them. I think that is one of the missing elements in many Pastor's today. They tend to think that it is their job to beat the sheep into submission. That's probably why we see so many Pastor's hopping from church to church and churches can't keep a Pastor for more than 2 or 3 years. You will find in churches with long standing Pastor's, that the man of God is a Shepherd who leads the sheep and does not drive them.

I'm very excited about starting on my next course which is, CM561 Teaching and Preaching the Bible. Sounds like another great one to me! Please be praying that the Lord blesses with the funds to be able to start this course. He has came through for me on all of them so far and I'm trusting Him to do more of the same. It's an exciting time of learning for me and I thank God for the opportunities to further my education.