Helmut Thielicke, in what has to be one of the finest little (absolutely must-have) books ever written for those in school and considering pastoring or a teaching ministry, A Little Exercise for Young Theologians
Bloggers pastors or students or theologians, especially young ones, need to listen to the wisdom of this little word by Thielicke. Why? Let me begin with this: what you say on your blog is international, permanent, and universally accessible. It's not that I think you need to hide your ideas; it is that some of your ideas are not wise to be aired in public. Keep them to your closer friends and give them time to dig roots. Some of them you may toss into the bucket before too long.
Recognize that you will change: I'm asking our pastor readers today to weigh in on this one. Here it is: Did you change your mind on something that, when you were a young pastor, you thought was absolutely important? What was that? Had I been blogging 25 years ago, I would have been harsh on the grace emphasis of a writer like Yancey.
The passions of young pastors are important, as is their enthusiasm. But some passions and some enthusiasm go too far when you are young, and when you get older and wiser those passions will be moderated into lasting wisdom. To use Thielicke's image, passions make the voice screechy.
You are working out your ideas and your theology -- at least I hope you are. It is indeed disappointing to me when someone thinks they've mastered theology as a result of a class in seminary or after having read an author or two. Especially when they haven't earned the ideas themselves but are simply borrowing someone else's ideas; we call this 3d person theology. Theology takes a lifetime to engage responsibly and wisely. So, hold your ideas a bit more tentatively when you are young. You'll grow into moderated, confident wisdom. That's the best time to chat about theology.
So, my suggestion to young pastors: blog with an open hand and an open mind.
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mmm.....when and how much to chat about theology?
...i agree with josenmiami( and others have also) that it shouldn't be before coffee.
...jesus creeders-do you remember the post this year over
those pesky calvinists?... perhaps the worst tone ever and over theology.
...how about yesterday and the theological differences over theology and slavery back in the day...they turned it over to the generals to decide who was right( and it would be myopic to think that only happened during the American civil war).
...am looking foward to a discussion on "Chrysalis" later this year...how about this quote..."Ironically, the institutional church is often an obstacle to spiritual growth...it has something of an investment in keeping its members in an infantile state."
...i definitely changed from thinking preaching was most important( including theological positioning) to people having priority( small groups seem right)... it comes from focusing on Him over time.
I appreciate the popularity and sentiments of this post and suggest there is a paradox of wisdom and a double ring at play here. www.vialogue.wordpress.com. Much appreciation for the discussion.
Excellent post! I'm 25 & I've been part of the blog world/(mostly informal) theological study for a few years now; honestly, when I hear other younger types sound off on many different issues, I don't really think it carries as much weight. I actually find myself a bit skeptical of motives from time to time, is this person (or am I) just trying to show others how smart he or she is? Or, is this person just trying to be like others they look up too? It's not that youth = insincerity, but rather that true credibility is doesn't come by having a blog and knowing some new/big vocab words. Perhaps James is correct, that we (especially younger types) should be quick to listen and slow to speak, and not many should presume to be teachers.
...so I'll be quiet now.
Scot,
Thanks so much for pointing out this book. I had not heard of it before.
I am 21-years-old and have some teaching responsibilities at my church (as part of the teaching team for the Sunday night service), so this book will be most welcome.
I am a bit of a "lurker" on this blog for this very reason: at least for now, I do my best to read very much and comment very little.
I find the things I wrestle with today and the food I preach off A YEAR LATER. It takes me at least a year before I bring it to my people.
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