Disciple-Making: in the Church and Mission Field

In the excellent resource, BIBLICAL MISSIONS: Principles, Priorities, & Practices, Dr. Nathan Busenitz sets the stage for his chapter entitled ‘The First Seminary: A Biblical Case for Pastoral Training.' "On June 5, 1559, John Calvin dedicated a new building in Geneva for the purpose of housing a school. That academy would include both a college to educate young people and a seminary to train pastors. As aspiring church leaders from across Europe came to Geneva, the seminary equipped them for gospel ministry before sending them back home to preach and pastor. Significantly, the academy was only a short distance from Calvin's church. The relationship between the two institutions was evident to all. Students attending the seminary were taught hermeneutics, biblical languages, theology, and homiletics. Recognizing the critical need for healthy churches throughout Europe, Calvin and his colleagues carefully invested in the next generation of spiritual leaders. The establishment of a pastoral training center in Geneva was pivotal in accomplishing that Goal. Three centuries later, in 1855, Charles Spurgeon began meeting weekly with a man named Thomas Medhurst to teach him theology. That meeting grew to include additional students. By 1864 more than a hundred men were eager to be taught and mentored by their pastor. The need for a training school became apparent. Consequently, Spurgeon started an institution simply known as the Pastor's College. By 1892, the year Spurgeon died, more than 900 men had completed their training at the Pastor's College. Though Spurgeon himself never pastored outside of Europe, graduates from his training school were sent to numerous places around the world, including China, South Africa, Australia, and parts of South America." This coming week, for our 7th year, we'll engage with www.TMAI.org/TOGETHERWEPRAY This Lord's Day in our study of Scripture, we'll look at "Disciple-Making: In the Church & Missions."