I watch the young people hurry across campus. I’ve come to Rosedale Bible College in Ohio for a week of classes. I notice the students and they seem so energized and full of purpose. They smile and exude a real excitement for their life and future. (I wonder to myself if I was that way 22 years ago when I was first a student here.)

One young man smiles as he shares with me that he has put off writing his papers and now he has one due every Friday for the next couple weeks. He seems unduly calm about it and later I see him playing Frisbee. I yell to him and ask if his paper is done and he answers in the negative, but he says he is thinking about it. This guy scares me but I know he is quite intelligent and he seems very confident about his situation. I’m not feeling so confident and I head to my room to study. I return to sitting in a rather empty dorm room on campus. I try to digest the good lunch and my last class called "Introduction to Theology" taught by Eric Kouns. The class is quite interesting, the topics are challenging and the words are long. He gives us assignments that will continue on into April next year and involve writing papers and reading books.

The other class I’m taking is called "Pastoral Care and Counseling" taught by Steve Swartz. Before I even attend the first class session, I have an uneasiness that I need a masters in psychology and a Ph. D. in counseling if I want to be an effective pastor. The instructor assures us all that God equips pastors to correct, rebuke and encourage. Paul told Timothy in 2 Timothy 4:2, "Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching." I’m encouraged, and yet I realize my limitations and often feel inadequate.

There is a verse running through my mind. It is 1 Peter 3:15, "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear." Peter encourages us to set apart Christ as Lord in our hearts and be ready to articulate what we believe to others. And not just to share a few words, but to share with-in the context of humbleness and caring. I hope I will have the privilege (and it is a great privilege) to continue studying that I may in turn be a better teacher and pastor. But in all this knowledge that goes whooshing through my mind, leaving only dust trails and a few small particles that stick, I pray for a life of integrity and compassion for people. I want to love Jesus with all my heart, mind, soul, and strength and treat others as I want to be treated. For without that, I may think I have something to share, but who would want to listen? Not me!

The first day of classes end and I’m already glad this only lasts a week. I look forward to seeing my wife and two girls soon. I look forward to returning to Powhatan (and that’s not so hard to imagine when you know the people that live there). Just imagine!

By Tim Kennell

Note: Tim Kennell and Glen Landis attended a week of classes with the Institute of Pastoral Studies at Rosedale Bible College in Ohio, October 6-10.