Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Wise Words from Packer

Stumbled across these thought-provoking gems from J.I. Packer . . .

To pastors. . .

You have three priorities: teach, teach, teach. Evangelical churches are weaker than we realize because we don't teach the confessions and doctrine. Set new standards in teaching. Understand the word catechesis and practice that art.


To web devotees. . .

I'm amazed at the amount of time people spend on the internet. I'm not against technology, but all tools should be used to their best advantage. We should be spending our time on things that have staying power, instead of on the latest thought of the latest blogger--and then moving on quickly to the next blogger. That makes us more superficial, not more thoughtful.

2 comments:

allenpeek said...

Pastor Tim - I must say the teaching at Grace is solid. I thank GOD for Grace’s leadership and their faithfulness in this area. Keep it up my Brother! You guys are constantly pushing us to the Word of GOD. Love it!

But I think Packer is right when he says, "new standards" are needed. What about starting a catechism class on Sunday mornings? Maybe take groups through Wayne Grudem's Systematic Theology or through the Doctrines of Grace (tulip)?

Tim said...

Allen, We're open to a catechism class or Grudem study on Sunday mornings. The key is the right warm-hearted, winsome, sound leadership. We're talking about these things all the time and continually trying new things. If you're interested in helping get this off the ground, contact Pastor Steve.

(BTW, our elders have been working through Grudem during our elder meetings for the last couple of years. Excellent stuff!)

At the same time, we believe catechism can and should be happening in the home. Our family is currently using the "The Big Book of Questions" by Sinclair Ferguson, but we plan to move on to some of the other "standards' down the line. I think Luther's Shorter is excellent for use around the family table.