In continuation of the things I've been writing about character traits that make a good minister / pastor ... check this out. http://jimputman.com/2018/08/20/8-key-attributes-of-a-successful-church-leader/  

This is the third post from my remarks at the Consultation on Theological Education in the Balkans, held at the Evangelical Theological Seminary in Osijek, Croatia this past April. Here, I propose a model of educating for ministry that is based on an apprenticeship model.  Most ministry education involves an internship (usually three months to … Continue reading Educating for Ministry, pt 3: The Apprenticeship Model

The following is part 2 of my remarks at the Consultation on Theological Education in the Balkans, held in Osijek, Croatia in April 2018.  The essay will be published under the title, “Nonaccredited, Nontraditional, Nonformal.”  This is the second of three posts. The Consultation brought representatives of more than 25 schools from all over central … Continue reading Educating for Ministry, pt 2

The following are my remarks at the Consultation on Theological Education in the Balkans, held in Osijek, Croatia in April 2018.  My essay will be published under the title, "Nonaccredited, Nontraditional, Nonformal."  This will be a series of five posts. The Consultation brought representatives of more than 25 schools from all over central Europe; Hungary, … Continue reading Educating for Ministry, pt 1

“Mountain Jam,” The Allman Brothers Band. The Allman Brothers Band formed in 1969, when a group of veteran performers coalesced around the ferocious slide guitar of Duane Allman and the eerie, haunted vocals of his younger brother Greg. They were equally at home with soulful pop (before guesting on Eric Clapton’s “Layla,” Duane established himself … Continue reading Transcendent Rock & Roll Moment #10

I have always wondered about the connection between 1.2-4 and 1.5: 2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should … Continue reading Notes: James 1.1-18

More greatness from The Daily Stoic: Perhaps you’ve seen this little phrase floating around the internet these days: “If you’re not outraged, you’re not paying attention!” What preposterous nonsense. Enough to make Marcus Aurelius turn over in his grave. First off, if you’re outraged, you’re probably paying too much attention. Second, we should always remember … Continue reading Refusing to Give in to the Dark Side

Proverbs 24.10-12: 10 If you faint in the day of trouble, your strength is small! 11 Deliver those being taken away to death, and hold back those slipping to the slaughter. 12 If you say, “But we did not know about this,” does not the one who evaluates hearts consider? Does not the one who guards your life … Continue reading A Proverb for Today

At Experimental Theology, Richard Beck (Abilene Christian University) has a great series of posts about "The Transgressive Spirit," how the Holy Spirit in Acts repeatedly breaks the boundaries that the believers place on him. In Numbers 11 Moses is struggling under the load of leadership. So God tells him to gather seventy elders to help … Continue reading The Holy Spirit as “Transgressive”: How God Breaks Down Our Boxes