Orthodoxy + Orthopraxy
Articles from Covenant Seminary faculty, alumni, and friends about biblical doctrine and the Christian life.
A Road Paved With Books
When I started down this road of working with people, I figured what I learned in school would carry me along. Now I know you must keep up on the advancements in our understanding of people, their problems, and how to help. Keeping up takes books, lots of them.
Why the Cross?
Have you ever wondered why our Triune God chose a cross for the Messiah’s sacrificial death? Among the myriad of ways one can die, why crucifixion? In a Lenten reflection on this challenging topic, Dr. David Chapman helps us draw out some key biblical strands concerning the significance of Jesus’s cross.
Grace and Conviction in the Next Few
We have begun a period of transition and discernment within the Counseling Department at Covenant Seminary, and we’re inviting you—our students, alumni, and the wider church—to help us think through what it might look like to face the kinds of questions we all ask when we are in the midst of change and transition.
Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Dr. David C. Jones
As a prelude to the return of Covenant Seminary’s David C. Jones Theology Lectures later this month, we offer here a celebration of the life and legacy of the beloved Covenant professor whose name adorns the lectures and whose influence continues to shape the tenor of theological training for our students.
African American Preaching: A Gift to the Whole Church
Just as the study and theologizing of our Reformed forefathers has been a blessing not only to the Reformed or Presbyterian church but to the whole church, so also the unique contributions of African American preaching can benefit not only the black church but the church at large in our world.
Jones Theology Lectures: A Heritage of Theological Reflection for Building Up Christ’s Church
As Covenant Seminary relaunches its David C. Jones Theology Lectures later this month, we thought it would be helpful to offer some thoughts on the need for a series of academic lectures on theology and why such theological reflection is important for the training of future pastors and other ministry leaders for the church.
Pastors and Counselors in Tandem
Though pastors and counselors have the same ultimate goal in mind, they often approach the process of helping hurting people in different ways and from different perspectives. Dr. Paul Loosemore offers some thoughts on how they can work in tandem to usher people toward God and his designs for life, which will result in changed hearts and experiences.
Jackson Browne, Suffering, and Awareness
Suffering is a gentle teacher. You learn from suffering what you cannot learn any other way. For nearly fifty years, the songs of Jackson Browne have been a key voice for me during times of suffering and deep loss, reminding me in those moments I was not alone even though alone was the only thing I knew.
Is It Really Depression?
When our friends, family, or spouse seem really “down” or apathetic for a while, it isn’t long until we start wondering about the “D word.” Maybe it’s a whispered suggestion: “Do you think they might be depressed?” But are they really?
2023 President’s Report to the PCA 50th General Assembly
Rev. Dr. Tom Gibbs presented this state-of-the-Seminary report at the PCA’s 50th General Assembly, held in Memphis, Tennessee, in June 2023.
Listening Is?
“Listening is not a skill,” says author and life coach Jacob Coldwell in his book Listen Simply. But if it isn’t a skill, what is it? And how can we be good listeners and counselors as we seek to understand and help others? Dr. Dan Zink gives us some insights from the book.
Why I’m Thankful for Tim Keller
Tim Keller was one of the greatest gifts to church planting the PCA has ever known. His ministry was also a great blessing to me, personally.
Our Returning King
During times of tragedy, we look to the book of Revelation to remember that our king Jesus will have the last word on history, the last word on evil, and the last word on us.
Reflections on the Whispers
Seventy is upon me. I find I am not afraid. I find peace. I am discovering that this spot down the track is a high place, like a place where after climbing up and standing, you catch your breath only to have it taken again by the vastness and the beauty of the view.
My top Ten(ish) Reads of 2022
Dr. Mark Ryan has put together a list of favorite books he read this year to help you discern what may be helpful for your own ministry as you seek to proclaim the gospel in your particular context.
The Beauty of Seeing One Another Developmentally
We’re all in different stages of growth as human beings. How does it change our view of others if we allow ourselves to consider their ongoing development and not just our experience of them?
Five Steps Toward Discernment
Here are five steps for a discernment process that I teach in leadership workshops and continue to work on in my own life. In describing each aspect, I’ll give a simple example of what it might sound like.
A Tribute to Jerram Barrs
Dr. Mark Ryan pays tribute to the man whose heart for the gospel, compassion for people, and passion for apologetics based in respect for others has shaped generations of pastors and ministry leaders through his teaching and work with the Francis Schaeffer Institute.
Podcasts for those Who Enjoy Thinking about Cultural Apologetics (and Who Want to Get Into Conversation)
Dr. Mark Ryan offers an updated list of podcasts to help inform your thinking and equip you to engage compassionately and respectfully with people on the cultural issues of our time.
Preparing Pastors and Ministry Leaders to Reach the Next Generation
In any given year the pressures of pastoral ministry are challenging, and today’s cultural climate has made our time one of the most difficult seasons for ministry leaders. How can we prepare such leaders for what they will face? God offers some help through his prophet Isaiah.
Fallow Ground and the Rain of Righteousness
“Fallow” basically means unused or undeveloped. For farmers it applies to land left unplanted for a year so it can be more productive the next. “Fallow” can also describe the human heart, which should respond productively to God’s Word. But our hearts may underperform.