This blog post is written by former Pastoral Intern, Joshua Duemler Do students enter seminary with the desire to become pastors? I can only speak from personal experience, but I suspect it applies to others: I’m often tempted by the desire to become a great preacher. I want to be the greatest in the kingdom […]
Continue ReadingMission
Does Calvinism Kill Missions?
It is often asserted that Calvinism creates a barrier to evangelism and missions. The accusation usually comes in the form of questions. How could those who believe the Scriptures teach predestination and election truly have a heart for missions? If God has determined who shall be saved, why would there be any need to engage […]
Continue ReadingIndigenous Pilgrims
In his recent article (August 27, 2020) “Ministering in Malawi in the Midst of COVID-19,” Malawi Reformation Network (MRN) founder Rev. Confex Makhalira describes several examples of innovative new outreach initiatives by MRN’s Blantyre-based Christ Presbyterian Church plant which the Lord has blessed to “share God’s word and show the love of Christ to the […]
Continue ReadingA Compassionate Pastor – The Need of the Hour
Compassion is rightfully aroused when we are faced with the hungry, sick, and naked. And right compassion leads to right action. But compassion is not limited to the sphere of the physical, emotional, or even psychological. We often find Jesus in his earthly ministry moved with compassion by something we seldom associate with the need […]
Continue ReadingPastoral Internships – Making the Most of the Opportunity
While typing my thesis, I suddenly sensed someone behind me. Turning around in my chair, I saw a large homeless man, blank-faced, dazed by drug use. He had entered the church building—and my office—silently. Engaging him in conversation, I called down the hall for the senior and associate pastors to join me and was soon […]
Continue ReadingRipple Effects
(Including Christianity’s Cross-Cultural Translatability) The Cambridge Dictionary defines a ripple effect as “a series of things that happen as the result of a particular action or event.” The Malawi Reformation Network’s primary work is to promote the growth and multiplication of solid Reformed churches in Malawi through the gospel ministry of godly and well-trained men. […]
Continue ReadingBuilding Denominational Trust as a Mission Organization
After recently reading the seventeenth chapter from the Gospel of John, the following verses have been on my mind as I pray for the work in Malawi. John 17:18-23, … As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. 19 And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they […]
Continue ReadingWhy Seminary Students Must Be Involved in a Local Church
Many Bible college and seminary towns have the same dilemma—how to get seminary students out of their peer group and into the life of the local church. Students flock to local churches, especially to those with vital preaching and evangelism ministries, yet can often be found clustered together in a circle talking about their studies […]
Continue Reading[VIDEO] Coming to the USA for Seminary and a Pastoral Internship
Hear from Confex Makhalira on what it was like leaving Malawi and coming to study in the USA at PRTS seminary and do a pastoral internship at University Reformed Church in East Lansing, MI. Confex shares… What was the hardest adjustment coming to the USA? What could a Malawian do to make the adjustment easier? […]
Continue ReadingProclaiming His Excellencies
A few days ago, one of my children found several toads in the backyard. Bursting with excitement he rushed up calling for me to come quickly to see them. In 1 Peter, the apostle Peter, full of enthusiasm and excitement for a much greater reality, calls us to see what God has made us through […]
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