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October 03, 2013

My tweets from March 22, 2013 to October 3, 2013 on the pope, organizational leadership, teaching, and theology

For quite a while now I have been mostly tweeting instead of blogging. I often have a resource that I have found useful or interesting that I want to share with others. I can do that in a sentence. I sometimes do think that I could comment further about each link and thus keep blogging but I suppose at this point, I am not wanting to take the time to do that. Perhaps my functional philosophy is that my longer reflections are saved for my students at Bethel Seminary and books and articles I am writing. But of course many of you are not on Twitter and just checking out my blog so you get pretty little from me. So I like every few months to post my tweets so that my blog readers can scan through them and see things they may have missed. See below the latest batch. They are in descending order from most recent to March 27th. That's 190 days and there are 251 tweets so about 1.3 per day. I end up drawing on a lot on these resources for illustrations and examples as I teach courses at Bethel Seminary. I may occasionally link to something not particularly pleasant but generally I am trying to highlight things that are praiseworthy under the philosophy that I am recommending or collating good content--like an editor might. There is so much bad stuff out there, highlight the good. Furthermore, I do not like having arguments on Twitter so merely saying "I found this interesting"-- I do not get too many people angry about that. Sorry for my picture below so many times: the photo does help you see the difference between my tweets and those of others that I "retweeted." Blessings to all. If you are in Minneapolis-St. Paul, come by and see us at Bethel Seminary.

Andy 

 

Tweets

  1. "The church has two purposes: worship and mission." Scott Sunquist, Understanding Christian Mission, @BakerAcademic http://blog.bakeracademic.com/tag/scott-sunquist/ …

  2. @AJDTS @between2worlds Yes, I have read those. I like Newbigin's autobiography. Biographies are great for getting theology through story.

  3. .@mattjenson lists 10 books @tgc on ecclesiology that you probably haven't read but probably should: http://bit.ly/1aiIaMD 

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  4. New Release: BONHOEFFER THE ASSASSIN?http://bit.ly/16GkOmW 

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  5. "Excommunicating elders at a megachurch is messy business" http://bit.ly/1bDjy4O 

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  6. Justin Taylor has gotten recommendations for biographies: http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/category/biographies/ … @between2worlds / I noted: Nietzsche, Simone Weil, Kuyper.

  8. "Trends Among Growing Churches: Some Reflections on the Fastest Growing and Largest U.S. Churches" @edstetzer http://www.christianitytoday.com/edstetzer/2013/september/sacrifice-is-trending.html …

  12. I think this is the FB page I posted today. http://bit.ly/16VHcC4 

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  13. Sobering autobiographical piece from Brandy Daniels on rape culture and the theological academy http://wp.me/pYE7g-2et  via @WomeninTheology

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  14. @joecarter @spulliam I hear @drmoore but many distinguish proselytism from evangelism & P. was talking with a non-Christian. See my tweets.

  16. Newbigin: "Evangelism" is not "proselytism": "the attempt to enlarge itself by manipulating those unable to resist." http://newbigin.net/assets/pdf/87po.pdf …

  17. Newbigin: "Proselytism" is "drawing people into conformity." "Evangelism" is "freedom of the Holy Spirit... doing a new thing." Signs, p.82.

  18. I would rather define the task of the church: as witnessing to Jesus Christ (Acts 1:8)--which helps shape "meeting the needs of people."

  19. I worry a bit about this from @Pontifex : "the purpose of our mission: to identify the needs of the people and try to meet them as we can."

  20. When @Pontifex says "Proselytism is nonsense" he may be defining p. as "making people in my image"--so perhaps still commends "evangelism."

  22. .@roddreher says: I’m still not going back to the Catholic Church, & Pope Francis only confirms my decision to leave http://ti.me/14UmlCo 

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  25. Don't be that dude: Handy tips for the male academic http://wp.me/p32YqZ-74 

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  26. Is it normal for Word for Mac 2011 to take almost 20 seconds to load on a brand new MacBook Pro (after a restart)?

  27. I tried for a month to get EndNote X6 (bibliography software) to work on my new MacBook Pro until I learned EndNote X7 is out--it works!

  28. I was not impressed with the volume on my new MacBook Pro but I recommend the Boom app for $5.99 as a fix. http://www.globaldelight.com/boom/ 

  29. Our 5-year-old's excuse for being unable to find her pajamas: "I have little eyes!"

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  30. Reminded that his uncle & I played fball on Wheaton’s field, Ben asked, “Should we be able to find your fossilized footprints from long ago?

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  31. "People who love to eat are always the best people." --Julia Child

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  32. The Legacy of Hans W. Frei – Conference Announcement: Folks, I’ve recently been notified of a conference to be... http://bit.ly/162VGnY 

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  33. @jr_briggs Looking forward to hearing Garber here at @BethelSeminary October 10. http://www.bethel.edu/events/mission-work/ … but means I miss TU 15 yr homecoming

  34. Thanks to smart IVP colleagues, I've now discovered Trello. Killer organized. Your overdue manuscript is in my sights. . . . Yes, yours!

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  36. Openings on SBL Student Advisory Board: If you’re a student member of the Society of Biblical Literature (SBL)... http://bit.ly/18aFOPJ 

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  37. Minister-turned-atheist Teresa MacBain loses Harvard job after inflating resume http://shar.es/K4qr6  by @kjwinston11 @RNS

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  38. Wrote awhile. It went like this: scribble scribble lurch despair scribble scribble sigh herky jerk herky scrawl; and I thank God. A miracle

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  39. RT @skye_jethani "When ministry conferences left us empty, we hit the road." http://buff.ly/18vY0SX  / Also good for seminary classroom.

  40. Some good insights and one-liners in Hauerwas' "How to write a theological sentence" http://www.abc.net.au/religion/articles/2013/09/26/3856546.htm … via @abcreligion

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  44. NYT correction: Although her résumé says Teresa MacBain earned an MDiv degree from Duke, she received no degree. http://bit.ly/1eN0dPU .

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  48. When Taylor Swift started, I decided I should apologize to all the old people who had visited our church. #loud #IgetItNow

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  49. Fellow soccer parent: "We took our kids to the Paralympic Games, now when they see someone in a wheelchair they say, 'There's an athlete!'"

  50. Enjoyed 8/26/2013 @booksandculture podcast by @jwilson1812 on Eugene Peterson's new book of poetry. Beautifully done. http://www.booksandculture.com/podcast/ 

  51. At http://whchurch.org/  9/8/2013, @JessInProcess described how teaching of @greg_boyd on suffering helped her process tragedy.

  52. Enjoyed 2 sermons by @johnortberg -- on love: "The Table" 5/19/2013 and on marriage: "Closeness and Love" 6/19/2013. http://mppc.org 

  53. After reading the whole interview with @Pontifex I'm very encouraged by his theological & leadership instincts. http://americamagazine.org/pope-interview 

  54. "The risk in seeking God in all things is the willingness to explain too much ... We will find only a god that fits our preconception."

  55. "I think the cases should be investigated by the local bishops’ conferences...These cases, in fact, are much better dealt with locally."

  56. "Proclamation in a missionary style focuses on the essentials, on the necessary things: this is also what fascinates and attracts more."

  57. "church as a hospital after battle:It is useless to ask a seriously injured person if he has high cholesterol! You have to heal his wounds."

  58. "the ancient Catholic churches and the young ones is similar to the relationship between young and elderly people in a society." @Pontifex

  59. "negative behavior in ministers of the church: ‘Here’s an unfruitful bachelor’ or ‘Here’s a spinster.’ They are neither fathers nor mothers"

  60. "We must not reduce the bosom of the universal church to a nest protecting our mediocrity. The church is Mother; the church is fruitful."

  61. "When the dialogue among the people & the bishops and the pope goes down this road and is genuine, then it is assisted by the Holy Spirit."

  62. “The image of the church I like is that of the holy, faithful people of God." @Pontifex / Bingo.

  63. "They asked questions and we opened the floor for discussion. This greatly helped me to make better decisions." @Pontifex

  64. "It was my authoritarian way of making decisions that created problems... Over time I learned many things." @Pontifex http://americamagazine.org/pope-interview 

  65. Was reminded of Stanley Hauerwas's similar comments on leadership and power from 2009 http://youtu.be/nEHQwhSpm0A  by new book Playing God by @ahc

  66. *binges on Netflix* "Just doing some cultural exegesis."

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  67. After surprise resignation, president says: "Regent has been an institution with a pretty volatile past" http://ht.ly/p2Age  @ctmagazine

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  68. Growth of Evangelicalism & Orthodox Judaism can be attributed primarily to high fertility & high rates of retention, not conversions.

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  71. Now they all want to be church planters which means "I could be a great pastor if I got to hand-pick my congregation" http://bit.ly/18bK2FF 

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  72. RT @greg_thornbury "Radically and basically, all sin is simply ingratitude." Karl Barth, Church Dogmatics IV/1, p. 41.

  74. Can a theologian ever really retire? Theologian Stanley Hauerwas reflects on why the work of theology must go on: http://www.abc.net.au/religion/articles/2013/09/17/3850299.htm …

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  75. The Perils of Doing a Ph.D.: Be Forewarned http://www.reclaimingthemission.com/?p=4046 

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  76. What’s the value of a PhD? http://goo.gl/fb/dlPCg 

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  77. "Leadership is a process whereby an individual influences a group of individuals to achieve a common goal." Peter Northouse, Leadership, p.5

  78. #PlayingGod hasn't arrived at the Site That Shall Not Be Named, but it IS at Hearts & Minds—use BOOKNOTES for 20% off http://bit.ly/18TY26P 

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  79. The opening chapters of #PlayingGod are online for free . . . http://bit.ly/18QS46N 

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  80. Really sorry to hear this: "Two Colorado Springs ministries laying off a total of 60 employees." http://bit.ly/14MBtPa 

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  81. Lectured on Why leadership?: Bonhoeffer - visible church, Barth - living & constant, Hybels - stakes, Buckingham - managers. @BethelSeminary

  82. Taught today on "Why discipleship?": Dallas Willard on kingdom, Karl Barth on confusion, Malcolm Gladwell on 10,000 hours. @BethelSeminary

  83. Wonderful news: We reached our goal for @booksandculture : Thank you! Here's a letter from @HaroldSmithCT http://ow.ly/oHMY1 

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  84. Visited Woodland Hills Church last Sunday and heard @greg_boyd give this tremendous sermon "Living in Communication." http://whchurch.org/blog/8416/living-in-communication …

  85. On the problem with white Legos and the architectural philosophy that bore them http://ow.ly/oxfEW 

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  87. Twitter, I wish I could quit you. 10 things I've learned about Twitter: http://bit.ly/17KkKSl 

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  88. W/writing, the bad news is you HAVE to put in the time--major fly in the ointment. But if you do this, you & the work will get a draft done.

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  89. Great lineup here: Christianity21 http://buff.ly/1566fWN 

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  90. An Invitation from Matt Chandler - http://eepurl.com/EQZAP 

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  92. Books & Culture may shut down if literary magazine doesn't meet fundraising goal by Monday http://bit.ly/17ESs9T 

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  93. @matthauger @booksandculture I don't know. As you know, all publications (Washington Post, Newsweek, etc.) are in trouble.

  94. @matthauger @booksandculture Matt, I don't know the backstory except that this was just announced Sept 4th.

  96. Every professor of any discipline who is a Christian should be appalled that Books & Culture is facing extinction. http://www.booksandculture.com/donate/ 

  97. Books & Culture--the most thoughtful Christian magazine--will cease to exist if it does not raise $90K by Monday! http://www.booksandculture.com/donate/ 

  98. People, PLEASE support Books & Culture magazine: http://ow.ly/oyxn3 

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  99. The Nov/Dec issue of @booksandculture will be the last unless we raise $110,000 in the next 3 days: http://ow.ly/oyxn3 

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  100. My favorite mag in seminary @booksandculture will cease publication if we don't raise $110K by Monday. http://booksandculture.com/donate/ 

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  101. Would you prayerfully consider partnering with us on Books & Culture? More details here: http://www.christianitytoday.org/partner/booksandculture/ …

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  102. Pledge a 2014 donation to @booksandculture. They need to raise $110,000 by Monday to continue operating. http://www.booksandculture.com/donate/ 

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  103. The evangelical and publishing worlds will be significantly worse off if @booksandculture has to close up shop. Go: http://www.booksandculture.com/donate 

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  104. .@booksandculture combines excellent writing and capacious thinking. Losing it would be tragic. Donate now. http://buff.ly/14we1Fz  #fb

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  105. So, academic institutions also have cultural dynamics to navigate: graduate school feedback in US vs. Europe http://kieranhealy.org/blog/archives/2013/08/16/academic-feedback/ …

  106. Rich post from my colleague @BethelSeminary NT prof Jeannine Brown on Christians and politics in the NT and today. http://www.respectfulconversation.net/ae-conversation/2013/9/1/context-context-context.html …

  107. @greg_boyd Thanks for talking with Amy and I today. I emailed Kevin Callaghan about getting together sometime to talk discipleship.

  108. The Golden Rule says in everything you do—which means also in evangelism—do unto others as you would wish them to do unto you @MiroslavVolf

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  109. @missioalliance @Matthew__Warren @scottkentjones Enjoyed the presentation. I'm finishing dissertation on Barth's ecclesiology. Well done!

  112. Laura Ortberg Turner @lkoturner is doing a good job tweeting and blogging the Willowcreek Global Leadership Summit. #wcagls

  113. John Updike’s Advice to Young Writers: ‘Reserve an Hour a Day’. And don't bitch about the crass publishing world. http://cultr.me/12DNipK 

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  116. @jess_h_b @revthb Yes, the church's task is witness (Acts 1:8) today and so must point well to Jesus not just hope 17th century rites speak.

  118. Trying to attract emerging adults? "Change carefully; change wisely." Terrific piece by Andrea Palpant Dilley. http://bit.ly/193hOk7 

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  120. I don't know of anything that will help us find emotional health faster than being vulnerable with safe people.

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  122. @jess_h_b He makes a good case that simple carbohydrates (without fiber)--flour, sugar, etc. are pretty bad. Do as I say not as I do.

  123. Listened to audiobook Why We Get Fat by @garytaubes Says carbohydrates make us fat (not eating too many calories or sedentary lifestyle).

  124. .@FaithTheology I wrote a short blog on how students can engage w/ primary sources minus the intimidation factor. http://wp.me/p1Usla-n8 

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  125. On books written for students: a polemic http://bit.ly/13W384b 

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  127. If only 1 practice? Scripture memorization. Passages such as Mt 5-7, Jn 14-17, 1 Cor 13, and Col 3. Dallas Willard, Great Omission, 58, 126.

  128. Dallas Willard repeated this often: "Grace is not opposed to effort, but it is opposed to earning." The Great Omission, pp. 61, 133, 166.

  129. "People will not recall 99% of what we say. But they will never forget the kind of persons we are." Dallas Willard, Great Omission, 124.

  130. After Dinesh D'Souza, Union's @greg_thornbury announced as the new president of The King's College, Christian college in New York City.

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  131. @jr_briggs How about that. I worked through that book (slowly!) while a pastor--"appointments with G.B." Yes, my memory of it: dense & rich.

  132. "The work of the pastor is much more about leadership & much less about management than the typical business person." http://www.faithandleadership.com/blog/07-01-2013/the-church-can-teach-corporate-america-about-inspiration …

  133. "In the Duke provost's view, the health of the institution required that the faculty have a 5% annual turnover." http://www.faithandleadership.com/blog/06-17-2013/new-people-are-critical-for-institutional-renewal …

  135. "I read the bulletins from the first year of my predecessor’s ministry. I saw most of my 'new' ideas." @DaveOdomDuke http://www.faithandleadership.com/blog/06-26-2013/every-new-ministry-built-foundation …

  137. Superb piece by Tish Harrison Warren (April 2013) on Courage in the Ordinary: "ordinary life vs. radical Xian life." http://thewell.intervarsity.org/blog/courage-ordinary …

  138. "The idea that you might do something radically brilliant—that assumption is very empowering." Marilynne Robinson http://www.vice.com/read/a-teacher-and-her-student-000571-v20n6 …

  139. @jasonbhood I think that next tweet is all I have got for a review: https://twitter.com/AndyRowell/status/354703266958946304 … I also liked @jmeacham last evaluative chapter.

  140. The best of Jefferson was his belief in people/democracy vs. monarchy but his manipulative use of power (including slavery) is nauseating.

  141. Finished listening to Thomas Jefferson by @jmeacham Successful book in giving me sense of TJ but I can't say I admire TJ after it.

  142. @missioalliance Barth's answer: Jesus Christ. We don't "discover the revelation of God in our midst" lest we misconstrue Hitler as from God.

  143. For those who asked (based on my earlier tweets): 5 reasons I connect w/ random strangers (or churches) via Twitter: http://is.gd/37wPMs 

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  145. My take on "Lean In" after finally reading it: great advice for working the system, not for changing the system.

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  146. @foliovision Thanks for the input. I will consider that.

  147. My wife Amy, "So who are some of daddy's friends?" 5-year-old son Jacob, "Well, there's Dave Miller and Bonhoeffer."

  148. “A writer who waits for ideal conditions under which to work will die without putting a word on paper.” —E.B. White http://tpr.ly/r82bdP 

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  149. Thomas Jefferson agreed with Ben Franklin's aim "never to contradict anybody" to their face. (@jmeacham p.308) / Probably applies to Twitter

  150. Exciting new reason to move to Minneapolis—it now anchors the lowest-unemployment major metro area in America: http://www.slate.com/blogs/moneybox/2013/07/03/you_should_move_to_minneapolis_lowest_unemployment_big_city_in_america.html …

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  151. A disturbing 50 percent of doctoral students leave graduate school without finishing: http://chroni.cl/162Yxc1 

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  153. We are now faced with the end of American Protestantism - and not a moment too soon, writes Stanley Hauerwas http://www.abc.net.au/religion/articles/2013/07/02/3794561.htm …

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  155. William Turner, pastor and Duke colleague, advancing to legislative building where arrest awaits him #MoralMonday pic.twitter.com/A9Hfr3JB9S

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  156. Wow wow. What happens when tenured faculty take on the adjunctification of their campus: http://utotherescue.blogspot.ca/2013/05/when-tenure-track-faculty-take-on.html … via @ryancordell @gradhacker

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  157. Is this what egalitarians think? I say No. What say you? http://ow.ly/mxqdF 

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  158. New blogpost: My Fall 2013 Required Textbooks at @BethelSeminary for Discipleship, Evangelism, and Leadership courses http://www.andyrowell.net/andy_rowell/2013/07/my-fall-2013-required-textbooks-at-bethel-seminary.html …

  159. "What did you learn at VBS today?" 3-year-old Allie: "An angry mom was chasing Paul!" [Acts 17:5 "a mob started a riot in search of Paul."]

  160. @jasonbhood @tedolsen Ted leans toward Anabaptist approach: be an example vs. Reformed: legislate morality. Perhaps different for abortion?

  161. @jasonbhood @tedolsen Yes, don't try to read history. Barth--no natural theology!

  163. Duke NT PhD grad & Roman Catholic Nathan Eubank: "Eastern Christianity is the Manic Pixie Dream Girl of NT Scholars." http://www.nathaneubank.com/2013/06/28/eastern-christianity-is-the-manic-pixie-dream-girl-of-nt-scholars/ …

  164. Joan Bolker: "When you sit down to begin a piece of writing, your first aim ought to be to make a mess." @TrevinWax http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/trevinwax/2013/06/29/when-you-write-make-a-mess/ …

  165. I don't want to pay for TypePad anymore for my blog (http://andyrowell.net ). Move it to WordPress? Recommendations on who helped you?

  166. @KarlVaters @AndyStanley I have gone with Priscilla and Aquila in a marriage sermon: hospitality, mutuality, work, community. Mary/Joseph?

  167. @hbarw One goes out to Starbucks for 2 hours. Then rotate.

  168. too evangelical for twitter, too liberal for facebook. #socialmediaproblems

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  169. Here's @ahc's response to the questions I raised about his editorial: http://spiritualfriendship.org/2013/06/27/how-do-bodies-matter/#comment-1412 … I may say more later, but for now, read Andy!

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  171. @jr_briggs Thanks! I think I'm going with Life Together because the textbook Teaching the Faith quotes so much Willard and Peterson.

  172. Interesting to read Wayne Grudem's comments about egalitarians (on women issue) who have not become liberal. http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/2013/06/12/an-open-letter-to-egalitarians-about-liberalism/ … @TGC

  173. Recap: Leaving @ptseminary in New Testament: Ross Wagner to Duke; Beverly Gaventa to Baylor. Dale Allison coming to Princeton.

  175. New Testament professor Nijay Gupta suggests "Six Academic Journals That Pastors Should Be Reading." http://nijaygupta.wordpress.com/2013/06/20/five-academic-journals-that-pastors-should-be-reading/ …

  177. @dmmowers Great. Looking forward to it! Thanks for tweeting. I'll follow you now.

  178. Considering also Yoder's Body Politics and Jeannine Brown, et al. "Whole and Holy" and Thomas Groome's "Sharing Faith."

  179. @jr_briggs If you had your choice on spiritual formation book for seminary course, B's Life Together or which Willard or Peterson book?

  181. For "Discipleship in Community" course @BethelSeminary, considering: Parrett/Kang's Teaching the Faith & Bonhoeffer/Willard/Eugene Peterson.

  182. "The real good news for humanity is that Jesus is now taking students in the master class of life." (Dallas Willard, The Divine Conspiracy)

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  183. If black bean burgers, kale and quinoa appear frequently at your church's cookouts, then it's too late you're already one of us.

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  185. A pep talk for writing compelling footnotes by a historian admiring David Foster Wallace's footnotes. http://www.themillions.com/2013/06/aphrodisiacal-footnotes-and-the-impotence-of-history.html … via @D_T_Max

  186. Please sponsor me to help find a cure for passive aggression. But really fine if you can't, we'll just have to find the money another way.

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  187. Excellent reflection by @jhiskes on living in urban Christian community during college. @theotherjournal http://theotherjournal.com/2013/06/24/pamoja-house/ …

  188. Lots of tweets today because I recently defended why Twitter should not be dismissed & realized I should tweet some instead of just lurking.

  190. I remember this @ayjay post striking me deeply when I read it 6 (!) years ago: http://www.theamericanconservative.com/jacobs/urbs/ 

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  191. I was Ken Carder's teaching assistant @DukeDivinity Here's his tribute to his mentor Will Campbell who died recently. http://www.faithandleadership.com/content/ken-carder-bubba-gadfly-remembering-will-d-campbell …

  192. In which I argue that counting humanities majors is not the best use of our time: http://www.theamericanconservative.com/jacobs/the-humanities-again/ … @amconmag

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  193. @kylearoberts I allude in my dissertation to Marten's The Heterodox Yoder saying Yoder is drawing on Barth dogmatically so is not heterodox.

  196. Death of the humanities watch, actual #s edition: http://1.usa.gov/12XCKpY  Humanities degrees were 17.1% of all degrees in 1971, 17.0 in 2010.

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  199. "Grandma, your carbon dioxide smells like coffee." The 8-year-old

      Retweeted by Andy Rowell
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  200. @dwcongdon Ys, talking with Wilbert Shenk and George Hunsberger are at the top of my highlights of going to ASM.

  201. @praxishabitus I'll definitely be using some sociology books and tools to broaden and test our assumptions about churches.

  202. @wesleyhill Thanks! We hear it is great place. Just long winters . . . and bad wind storms apparently! Yes, Roseville is close to Bethel.

  203. @theoskaris Yes, I'll be Assistant Professor of Ministry Leadership at @BethelSeminary. Thanks, Jim.

  204. This year I'm teaching Discipleship in Community, Missional Outreach and Evangelism, & Intro to Transformational Leadership @BethelSeminary.

  205. AND we're thrilled to have sold our house to great folks! We're moving out of Durham, NC around July 23rd.

  206. The boys will be going into 3rd grade and kindergarten at Island Lake Elementary School in Shoreview, MN.

  207. Looks like we have a townhouse to rent in Arden Hills, MN 4-7 minutes from Bethel Seminary. Will give us the chance to get to know St. Paul.

  208. @dwcongdon Sorry to miss ASM and Barth Conference in Princeton this June. Moving to St. Paul, MN.

  209. Reflection on the legacy of Colin Gunton 10 yrs after his death on May 6, 2003 by @SteveRHolmes http://steverholmes.org.uk/blog/?p=6973  via @FaithTheology

  210. Paul T. Nimmo, author of Being in Action: The Theological Shape of Barth’s Ethical Vision, Joins Faculty at Aberdeen http://theologyforum.wordpress.com/2013/06/06/paul-t-nimmo-joins-faculty-at-aberdeen/ …

  217. @chrishennessey Thanks for your help in helping me get it! :-)

  219. @jonestony Looking forward to seeing you and getting your version of an orientation to the culture (police chaplaincy, pheasant, etc.).

  220. @james_ka_smith Thanks, Jamie. I appreciate your encouragement and your first reaction that it is a good fit. I think so too.

  221. @cewgreen Thanks, Chris. Maybe see you at AAR/SBL to talk Barth and mission this year? I'm presenting at Gospel in Our Culture Network.

  222. @davidswanson Thanks, David. I think of you fondly and look forward to crossing paths.

  223. @tedolsen Thanks. That means a lot coming from you--as you know the evangelical world.

  224. @BethelSeminary Thanks. Looking forward to tweeting and being with you all!

  225. News: I am taking a position as Assistant Professor of Ministry Leadership at Bethel Seminary (@BethelSeminary) in St. Paul, Minnesota!

  230. Will Willimon gettin' it done with this wake up call to seminaries on leadership, church, and Jesus: http://willwillimon.wordpress.com/2013/05/01/919/  @WillimonTweets

  232. "The new rebels might be the ones willing to risk the yawn, the rolled eyes, the parody of gifted ironists." DFW in http://books.google.com/books?id=fTzmRoY3z_IC&q=%22the+old+postmodern+insurgents%22 …

  234. "Recovery facilities try to control the stress of their participants so they generally prohibit school." @D_T_Max on David Foster Wallace.

  236. A dear friend of Dallas', John Ortberg wrote a wonderful tribute. Thank you John. http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2013/may-web-only/man-from-another-time-zone.html …

      Retweeted by Andy Rowell
    Expand

  237. Please share reflections and tributes about my dear friend Dallas who joined the great cloud of witnesses today. http://dallaswillardcenter.com/forum/best-practices-forum/dallas-willard-d-may-8-2013/ …

      Retweeted by Andy Rowell
    Expand

  238. @christilling There are a few pages on "The Work of the Holy Spirit" at the beginning of §62 in Church Dogmatics IV,1 pp. 643-650.

  241. John Webster is joining N.T. Wright, Scott Hafemann, Alan Torrance, Trevor Hart, and @SteveRHolmes at St Andrews. http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/divinity/about/news/title,217819,en.php …

  242. Finished reading 3rd book of Wingfeather Saga by @AndrewPeterson to my 7.5 year old. Highly recommended. Cf. @TheRabbitRoom @slugsandbugs

  243. April 10th post by Andrew Sullivan ‏@sullydish on David Kuo's funeral and Sullivan's first visit to a megachurch. http://dish.andrewsullivan.com/2013/04/10/the-world-of-kuo/ …

  245. Visualcy, generational differences, and leadership skills named as growing edges for theological education by @ahc http://www.catalystresources.org/issues/393Crouch.htm …

  246. Young clergy speaks on the occassion of Willimon's Episcopal Retirement. http://ow.ly/jAOjO 

      Retweeted by Andy Rowell
      View summary

  247. "Both the Roman Missal and the CDWDS instruct that the feet of men alone are to be washed." http://www.firstthings.com/onthesquare/2013/03/francis-washes-feet …

  248. Just when we thought #PopeFrancis couldn't get any more likeable, he goes and does something like this: http://ow.ly/jyArj  @aspeciale

      Retweeted by Andy Rowell
      View summary

  249. Get Prodigal Christianity by @fitchest and @geoffholsclaw Two fine theologians + many humorous and insightful church stories. Recommended.

  250. I made a comment on John Howard Yoder and ecclesiology at the post by @fitchest "Is Tim Keller a Closet Niebuhrian?" http://www.reclaimingthemission.com/is-tim-keller-a-niebuhrian-post-2-on-center-church/ …

  251. I'm loving The Generals by Thomas Ricks (2012). Leadership, politics, history, war. Downloadable library audiobook: http://search.overdrive.com/ti/dcf03f83-74a2-400d-8823-d7260a506259-25-1-1-1-1/generals-thomas-e-ricks-audiobook …

 

 

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September 06, 2013

Why Books & Culture magazine matters

My favorite magazine, Books & Culture, is facing extinction if it does not raise $90,000 by Monday. It is the magazine by Christian professors for Christian professors.

Pledge to save it: http://www.booksandculture.com/donate/

Every Christian professor and graduate student of any discipline should be appalled that Books & Culture may fold. This is the magazine of Philip Jenkins, Alan Jacobs, Lauren Winner, Christian Smith, Mark Noll, Andy Crouch, John Stackhouse, C. Stephen Evans, and Richard Mouw. It covers art, books, literature, psychology, history, theology, sociology, economics, and science. In this way, readers are exposed to sharp, open, Christian commentary on the cutting edge of what is happening in the academic disciplines. Sure, you might, *might*, be able to find all of this somewhere somehow on the web but here it is curated, beautifully presented, and consistently excellent. Books & Culture is an open square where scholars can say what they really think and get a wide hearing from other academic people. Furthermore, writers draw broadly from the Christian tradition as opposed to many other publications where writers make no effort to engage with anyone beyond their politically conservative, or Reformed perspective, etc. In Books & Culture, you find pieces by Miroslav Volf, David Bebbington, James K. A. Smith, Scot McKnight, Mary Stewart Van Leeuwen, George Marsden, Jeremy Begbie, Nicholas Wolterstorff, Roger Olson, Ron Sider, Brad Gregory, and Roger Lundin. Furthermore, John Wilson has warmly welcomed the next generation including Winner, Crouch, David Taylor, Matthew Milliner, Elesha Coffman, Alissa Wilkinson, and Jason Byassee. Eventually you might notice that a number of the contributors have connections to Wheaton College, Calvin College, Baylor University, Duke University, or Notre Dame--what these schools have in common is their fine academic Christian scholarship but have differing evangelical, Reformed, Baptist, Methodist, and Roman Catholic roots respectively. If it does fold, some of this emphasis will surely be picked up by Christianity Today with Andy Crouch now as executive editor, but it will be difficult to combine the unique thoughtful openness of Books & Culture with the shorter attention span and lower tolerance for nuance of the average Christianity Today reader. Books & Culture helps scholarly Christians stay Christian and stay scholarly. Let's keep Books & Culture around for awhile. We still need it.

 

Update: September 9, 2013

http://www.booksandculture.com/donate/pledge.html

Donate to B&C
Harold Smtih

Dear Friends,

Never in my 30 years at Christianity Today have I witnessed such an outpouring of generosity and support as I have experienced over these past five days! Your passion and commitment to the ministry of Books & Culture have translated to pledges which, when added to those secured during the "quiet" phase of our campaign, have brought the total amount of 2014 pledges to just over $250K—the amount needed to secure Books & Culture's financial viability in the year ahead.

In addition, annual amounts of $110K have also been committed by colleges, universities, seminaries, and other individuals for each of the four years following 2014, thus providing our publication with a firmer fiscal foundation for the longer-term.

Needless to say, it has all been quite overwhelming. And we praise God for his hand of blessing!

Having met our pledge objectives for 2014, we now focus on the remaining months of 2013. If you missed your opportunity to be a part of this historic push, please know that your tax-deductible gifts this year will further strengthen Books & Culture's bottom line going into 2014.

In closing, and on behalf of publisher Terumi Echols, editor John Wilson, and myself, I want to extend our sincerest thanks to all of you for achieving this milestone. And would our very surprising God continue to declare his "Yes" over this needed ministry for years to come!

Harold Smith
President and CEO
CHRISTIANITY TODAY

Give a One-Time GiftGive a Recurring Gift

 

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August 23, 2013

10 reasons to come to Bethel Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota

Bethel Seminary:

1. Has a superbly-trained faculty from places like Cambridge, Duke, and Harvard who present at Society of Biblical Literature, American Academy of Religion, and Evangelical Theological Society, and publish widely in both popular settings and academic journals. 

2. Emphasizes developing the Christian character and spiritual formation of the student. 

3. Trains students in uniquely practical and academically rigorous ways in the areas of leadership, marriage and family therapy, and children's ministry.  

4. Is located close to a marvelous variety of urban, hipster, edgy churches and ministries as well as megachurches in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area.

5. Is less than 20 minutes from the centers of both Minneapolis and St. Paul. Minneapolis-St. Paul is rated among the highest places to live in terms of physical health, parks, sports, arts, family life, economic growth, and affordability. See Infographic: 2013 Chart Topping American City: Minneapolis/Saint Paul (Aug 2, 2013).

6. Has a medium-sized faculty which facilitates personal interaction between students and faculty. The faculty is also warmly supportive of women in ministry and encouraging to people from diverse backgrounds.  

7. Is part of and shares the facilities of Bethel University--one of the largest of the Christian colleges. The seminary is located just a hundred yards along Valentine Lake from the gorgeous multi-million dollar student center--complete with leather chairs, coffee shop, dining center, and wireless internet. With permission, one might even take an elective or guided study with the excellent undergraduate faculty in biblical and theological studies or even integrate theological reflection with an art, history, science, or literature course. 

8. Hits the liberal to conservative spectrum in a way that will resonate with many young evangelicals. 

9. Is one of the most experienced schools in having their full-time faculty teach quality online and hybrid courses. It is at the forefront of schools offering seminary education to those already in ministry who want to take courses online and in 1-week intensives. 

10. Offers many of these strengths through its East and West coast campuses: Seminary of the East in New England (Auburn, MA) and Washington, DC (Landover, MD) and Bethel Seminary San Diego.

Of all the seminaries and divinity schools out there, Bethel is truly one of the top schools I would encourage people to consider. The graduates end up being very fine ministry practitioners--biblically and theologically-grounded, innovative, emotionally healthy, intellectually-serious, and well-rounded. So, crank through that application, register for a class online, and get started. Or stop by and sit in on a class and meet some students and faculty--say hello to me when you're here. We'd love to have you join us.

Posted at 06:18 PM in Bethel Seminary, Seminaries | | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

August 09, 2013

New Bethel Seminary Contact Information

I have an office, phone, and email address at Bethel so thought I would post it.


Andrew D. Rowell
Instructor of Ministry Leadership
Bethel Seminary 
Mail Service Center box #7006
3949 Bethel Dr
Saint Paul, MN 55112
Office phone: 651.638.6226
Office: A207
Email: a-rowell@bethel.edu
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AndyRowell
Blog: http://www.andyrowell.net/

 

http://seminary.bethel.edu/academics/faculty/st-paul/

Name Andrew D. Rowell
Email a-rowell@bethel.edu
Department Ministry Leadership
School SEM
Title Instructor of Ministry Leadership
Year started at Bethel 2013
Education B.A., Taylor University; M.Div., Regent College; Th.D. (in progress), Duke Divinity School
Bio Rowell is a new full-time tenure-track faculty member beginning in the fall of 2013. He brings pastoral experience in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada and experience teaching Christian educational ministries at Taylor University. Most recently, he has been at Duke Divinity School at Duke University in Durham, NC the last six years doing his doctorate in theology. He is presently finishing his dissertation on Karl Barth's theology of the church. He has also written about Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Lesslie Newbigin, John Howard Yoder, church planting, church consulting, megachurches, trends in theological education, leadership literature, the quantitative study of congregations in sociology, university ministry, models of practical theology, and 1 Corinthians. He teaches evangelism, discipleship, and leadership at Bethel Seminary.
URL http://www.andyrowell.net/

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July 01, 2013

My Fall 2013 Required Textbooks at Bethel Seminary for Discipleship, Evangelism, and Leadership courses

Here are the textbooks I am requiring for my three Ministry Leadership (ML) courses this fall at Bethel Seminary (St. Paul, MN). I am teaching each of these courses this three times this year and I am teaching each in both traditional format as well as in an online or intensive format. I would love to have you. Registration begins today: July 1st, 2013. 

 

ML 506: Discipleship in Community

Parrett, Gary A., and S. Steve Kang. Teaching the Faith, Forming the Faithful: A Biblical Vision for Education in the Church. Downers Grove, IL.: IVP Academic, 2009. 

This is a thoughtful theological treatment of teaching and theological formation in the church--drawing on the richness of the literature in Christian education, social science, and spiritual formation. Parrett is known as a superb person and teacher as well as (along with Kang) being cognizant of the need to be sensitive and thoughtful about diversity in the church. This is the preeminent text today for helping pastors grasp the spiritual formation task while equipping them for teaching effectiveness. Too many pastors know nothing beyond preaching and thus try to bring the lecture method into all settings including small groups and classrooms and are oblivious of the challenges and rewards of seeing adults, youth, children really learn and grow. 

 

Bonhoeffer, Dietrich. Life Together and Prayerbook of the Bible. Vol. 5. Dietrich Bonhoeffer Works. Minneapolis, MN: Augsburg Fortress, 1996.

Bonhoeffer's Life Together is both a classic warning against pride in ministry leadership while also being an inspirational description of a passionate, creative, ecumenical, emergency attempt to form pastors for ministry. It is a classic and it only gets richer as one learns more about Bonhoeffer's life and his theological work from the beginning of his career to the end of it which reinforces his ideas here.

 

ML 507: Missional Outreach and Evangelism

Bowen, John P. Evangelism for "Normal" People: Good News for Those Looking for a Fresh Approach. Minneapolis, MN: Augsburg Fortress, 2002. 

Bowen, with years of experience in post-Christian university contexts with Inter-Varsity university ministry as well as steeped in the biblical and theological thoughtfulness of evangelical Anglicanism, describes the process of inviting outsiders into Christian community. This textbook in evangelism by a leading professor of evangelism sketches the biblical and theological case behind virtually all of the thriving contemporary approaches to church and ministry today.

 

Keller, Timothy J. The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism. New York: Dutton, 2008. 

Keller, one of our most articulate theologically-interested church leaders is also one of the best examples of an effective evangelists in 2013. Here he plies his craft--knocking down objections to the Christian faith and making his case for it so as to make intellectually plausible the winsome life with Christ which he hopes Christians live out before their non-believing neighbors. 

 

Newbigin, Lesslie. The Gospel in a Pluralist Society. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1989.

Newbigin, in his life and in this book, demonstrate the full scope of sophisticated philosophical reflection on epistemology in a pluralist world, strong biblical sensibilities, as well as an emphasis on the sociological demonstration of the gospel in the church. In Newbigin, we see a first-rate apologist, academic, missionary, pastor, and leader. 

 

ML 523: Introduction to Transformational Leadership

Northouse, Peter G. Leadership: Theory and Practice. 6th ed., Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE, 2013. 

Both of my colleagues teaching leadership at Bethel Seminary, Mark McCloskey and Justin Irving, also require this classic leadership textbook which familiarizes students with the latest in leadership theory and modeling.  

 

Wren, J. Thomas. The Leader's Companion: Insights on Leadership Through the Ages. New York: Free Press, 1995. 

This books provides readings from a variety of figures throughout history on leadership--fleshing out the analytical contemporary models and theories in the Northouse volume. 

 

Yoder, John Howard. Body Politics: Five Practices of the Christian Community Before the Watching World. Scottdale, PA: Herald Press, 1992.

This 80-page gem by genius theologian and ethicist John Howard Yoder gives a compelling description of what the church should look like. A leader in the church has the task for wrestling with how this vision compares with the status quo. We'll start the course with this to catalyze our reflection.  

 

Posted at 04:00 AM in Bethel Seminary, Books, Church Growth, Church Planting, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Evangelism, John Howard Yoder, Leadership, Lesslie Newbigin, Missional, Practical Theology, Teaching, Tim Keller | | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

June 01, 2013

Taking a position at Bethel Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota

Just a note that I am accepting an offer to teach at Bethel Seminary in St. Paul, MN as Assistant Professor of Ministry Leadership (Tenure Track). We are planning to rent this first year to get to know the area. We are glad to have advice from people about schools, neighborhoods, renting, realtors, churches, etc. in the St. Paul area. Ryan will be in third grade and Jacob in kindergarten. Allie is 3. 

I am very excited about this position. It is the courses I want to be teaching (leadership, mission, evangelism, discipleship, pastoral ministry) at an institution where I fit, with a fine faculty. With 861 students, it is the 16th largest seminary in the nation. It does a good job of stressing academic excellence, character formation, and leadership.
The seminary is part of Bethel University, a strong undergraduate school with 3,467 undergraduates, which has has its own fine biblical and theological studies faculty.   
We hear that the Twin Cities are a great place to live: arts, lakes, biking, etc.That is not to say we are excited about the winters of Minnesota but Amy is from Erie, PA and I'm from the Chicago area, so we will make it work.
My plan is to defend my dissertation on Karl Barth's theology of the church for my Th.D. degree from Duke in August but that means I have a lot of revising to do in the next few weeks. 
Warm greetings to all,
Andy

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May 31, 2013

The rise of the non-M.Div. theological masters degree ATS Enrollment 1999-2012

  TABLE 2.10 and 2.11 HEAD COUNT and FULL-TIME EQUIVALENT ENROLLMENT BY DEGREE CATEGORY AND PROGRAM
  ALL MEMBER SCHOOLS                      
                             
  1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
Basic Ministerial Leadership MDiv                      
HC 29842 30438 31143 32005 33287 34,234 34,505 34,935 34,120 33,319 32,773 32,850 32,369 32,235
FTE 22782 23784 24175 24065 25012 26,250 26,595 25,938 25,674 24,231 24,400 24,386 24,411 23,996
                             
Basic Ministerial Leadership Non-MDiv                    
HC 7632 8443 7882 8690 9338 10,529 11,018 11,030 11,031 11,063 11,104 11,225 10,932 11,438
FTE 5421 6032 5516 5968 6519 6,575 6,772 6,342 6,407 6,272 6,373 6,364 6,400 6,614
                             
General Theological Studies                        
HC 7015 7509 7666 7560 7728 9,382 9,831 9,844 9,598 9,226 9,049 9,266 8,843 8,788
FTE 4685 5099 5045 5138 5229 5,589 5,610 5,649 5,594 5,434 5,383 5,482 5,332 5,265

 

 

Annual Data Tables/FactBooks 
http://www.ats.edu/resources/pages/annualdatatablesfactbooks.aspx
The Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada
Collated by Andrew D. Rowell, March 2013

 

  Download Excel document of Rise of the non-MDiv - ATS Enrollment 1999-2012

Comments: Note that MDiv and General Theological Studies enrollment maxed out in 2005 and 2006, while non-MDiv masters degree Head Count hit an all time high in 2012. I started my blog in January 2006--I think there was indeed less "felt need" for a theological education once the internet boomed with blogs and podcasts from seminary professors and church leaders.

Note: I did this research for a separate project but thought I would share it here for others' benefit.

See also my post: 

D.Min. enrollment hit an all-time high in 2012

 

 

Posted at 12:55 PM in Seminaries | | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

D.Min. enrollment hit an all-time high in 2012

 

 

Year 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997
ATS 6459 6462 6741 6934 7274 7610 7423 7844 7923 7968
                     
  1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
  8373 8425 8322 8436 8827 8920 9216 9045 9151 9066
                     
  2008 2009 2010 2011 2012          
  9183 9077 9063 9047 9335          
                     
                     
                     
                     
Annual Data Tables/FactBooks             
http://www.ats.edu/resources/pages/annualdatatablesfactbooks.aspx
The Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada
Collated by Andrew D. Rowell, April 2013          

  Download Excel document of ATS DMin Enrollment 1988-2012

Comments: Why are there so many people today in Doctor of Ministry programs?

 

5 reasons why there are so many people doing D.Min. programs today

1. A Ph.D. is too painful and a D.Min. is just right. I think it is too expensive, long, and painful to get a Ph.D. for most people. The average time for a Duke Ph.D. in Religion is 5.8 years and that is one of the very best stipends and student-friendly programs anywhere. And, even if you survive for 6 years living on $20,000 a year (at best), it is very difficult to get a job. A D.Min. is not a Ph.D. or Th.D. but does demonstrate initiative, a zeal to learn, and perseverance. 

2. A D.Min. is a way of carving out space to learn. Yes, there are enormous resources available on the web for pastors and many superb books to read but it is of course very difficult to find time to get away from the daily hectic routine and learn. Some ministry leaders are capable of getting away enough to cultivate vision, assess themselves, even write books, but for many ministry leaders, a D.Min. program (with the discipline of coursework and time away) is ideal for carving out time to study, learn, and find solace and friendship with other pastors.

3. Sometimes churches help with the cost. Sometimes churches will share some of the cost of the D.Min. program knowing that it benefits them to have a more balanced, rejuvenated, learning pastor. However, there are some churches who have had their clergy leave to a larger church after getting a D.Min. so they feel resentful toward what they paid. The church should structure their payments knowing that a pastor may leave because of course this can happen at any time for any reason; They may for example pay 1/2 of tuition right away but gradually pay for the whole thing if the pastor stays for 5 years after completing the D.Min.program. (There are a number of costs also for D.Min. programs that are away from home such as plane tickets and housing for intense courses but these trips are so rich-in-experience that few seem to complain about the costs).

4. D.Min. programs are getting better with the web. Rather than just reading at home by yourself before the intensive courses on campus, with online course components, ministry leaders can now bond, share, empathize, and learn online with other pastors in their class before meeting.

5. D.Min. programs have tracks for all sorts of specializations. You can do a D.Min. in spiritual formation, executive leadership, marriage and family counseling, preaching, leading parachurch organizations, etc. 

 

Two things to ask about prospective D.Min. programs 

1. Ask whether you have the opportunity to study with regular seminary faculty or just adjuncts. What is odd is that some D.Min. programs use adjuncts almost exclusively so that a student may have very little interaction with the regular faculty from the school. It is cheaper for the seminary that way. But you have to wonder as a DMin student if you are getting a first class education from that seminary with all adjuncts. Some seminaries justify this as "The regular residential seminary faculty don't know anything about ministry so it is good they don't teach in the D.Min. program!" But it would be better if regular seminary faculty could invest in D.Min. students and learn from them. 

2. Beware of the tendency to get stalled during the dissertation-writing phase. The other thing to note is that many students get stalled after coursework writing their "project" or "dissertation" or "thesis." A program should have a workable template which makes completing the dissertation fairly straightforward but should also allow room for creative, ambitious projects for those highly motivated and capable for pulling them off. Ask about how they help students finish their projects in a timely way.

 

 

 

Note: I did this research for a separate project but thought I would share it here for others' benefit.

See also my posts:

The rise of the non-M.Div. theological masters degree ATS Enrollment 1999-2012

and 

Largest D.Min. Programs 2012, 2011, 1988

 

 


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