Main Story

Lawson: I would echo that, and then add ministry failures and successes. I’ve learned more from the failures than the successes. I think that the years of experience in church ministry and continuing to have some participation now as a volunteer is very important in shaping who I am and what I’m about. Good reading has also shaped me.

Issler: Along with those things, writing projects have really helped stretch me — reading the books, connecting with colleagues, asking questions, auditing courses, the conferences you need to go to.

Kim: For me, doing research and reading outside of my discipline sharpens my thought and writing. Lately I’ve been doing a lot of reading on theology and philosophy, which is helping me deepen my understanding of many foundational issues in Christian Education.

Carr: I would just say definitely the difficult days of ministry are the most influential on my life. They have shaped me, they’ve caused me to rely more on God and less on myself, they have given me a greater sense of calling to ministry and clarity about what God wants to do in my life.

Anthony: You know what really drives me, honestly, is because I remember my roots. I remember as a high school kid being a long-haired surfer kid on the beach in San Diego with most of my kids, my peers, on their way to jail. And I recognize that God really did a miraculous work to grab me from that context and put me where I am today.

Sundoulos: The life of a church staff person is so busy these days, so many competing demands on time, resources. What advice would you give our alumni with respect to staying current with developments in the field of Christian Education, and remaining faithful for the long haul in their ministry?

Lawson: In the Christian Education Journal, the book review section by itself helps you keep up with new things coming out and do some assessment on them. As for the question about remaining faithful in ministry for the long haul, I would put it in this phrase: “Don’t feel guilty about taking care of yourself” in a variety of ways: rest, exercise, good friends, golf, surfing — I think one of the greatest struggles people in vocational ministry have is that strong sense of call to give and to serve, but not really taking time to care for their own needs and to see God’s goodness to them when they’re not on the job.

Issler: We talk about caring for our bodies, which is very important, but also we need to care for our souls, to tend to those things that will help nurture us down deep. Friendships are really an important part of that, and also entering into some of the disciplines to connect with God more in our soul in solitude and silence, meditating on Scripture.

Leyda: Kevin did a study of what made for a successful associate staff ministry, and part of what I gleaned out of that is that the relationship one has with a senior pastor was a fairly critical element. Also — and Klaus alluded to this — nurturing your community, being refreshed by the key relationships in your life.

Carr: I’d say be a reader of a wide variety of things, both Christian and secular. Interact with non-believers, get outside of the church. I think far too many people in our field only know Christians and have lost touch with the real world.

Anthony: In terms of vibrancy for the long haul, as Jane said, staying connected with the lost should be a passion. And I think a key to the long haul is relationships.

Kim: Having a constant focus on the big picture is very important in ministry — we must remember why we do what we do, and for whose sake we are doing it. Having the big picture not only provides a clear directional movement in ministry but also gives meaning and purpose. Also, upholding the Scripture in teaching is very, very important. A key to the success of Christian Education in the 21st century lies in the church’s ability to provide a truth-based vision of the future. As long as the direction of Christian Education is guided by Scripture, there will be a continual improvement in ministry. Pastors must cultivate lay people with principles grounded in the timeless truths of Scripture, so they can appropriate scriptural knowledge in life.

Sundoulos: Is there something you’d like to add that I haven’t asked, that you’re dying to communicate with our readers?

Lawson: The Christian Education department here at Biola and Talbot is a very strong one. The people here, as you can hear, are pretty diverse. We’re not all majoring in the same thing, and the field of Christian Education is a big field, and we have a lot of good things to offer. So as alumni are reading this, pray for us; be thankful that God is pulling people together in this department to provide a good experience for those who come to study. There are good things happening here.

Leyda: I am probably more impressed than ever at the quality of the students coming in — their desire to serve the Lord, the richness of their experience, and their commitment, and that just stirs me to want to teach better and to encourage them as best I can.

Sundoulos: Thank you all very much. What a delight it is to serve alongside such a great department, as you help our students understand how to equip faithful men and women who can pass along the faith!