North Park Seminary is an affluent Chicago suburb
North Park Seminary is an affluent Chicago suburb. It's the only graduate theological college of the Evangelical Covenant Church located in the area. It was founded by Dr. Arthur A. Stackhouse, who is a prolific author and teacher of theology and scriptural studies. His writings on both themes have earned him many awards including the coveted fellowships from the Evangelical Covenant and Wheaton College.
What does North Park Seminary offer students who are considering entering the religious community? It offers a Biola Degree program which was founded by Dr. Arthur A. Stackhouse. His efforts as a chaplain and pastor of a church in New Hampshire have influenced his teaching at North Park Seminary. His goal with the Biola degree program is to produce competent leaders who can impact their fellowmen while helping to build up the church in their community. He has written that we live “in the shadow of God”, and that our role in the community is to act as the light of God within it. His Biola degree teaches students to be advocates for those in need, as well as effective and convincing advocates of the faith.
Theologies of Dr. Stackhouse's Biola program are influenced by traditional Reformed churches. But, he also teaches students who share some of his concerns about the way in which the Reformed church has grown lax in its approach to scripture and the kingdom of God. Some of this concern has to do with the growth of antinitarianism and the rejection of traditional authority in favor of a “postmodern” individualism. Another concern is the way in which the Reformed church has abandoned its historic defense of traditional marriage and family relationships. Some of the problems that exist today in the US regarding sexual ethics have their roots in the decline of the Reformed church in America. Many of the problems we face in our society today stem from these same root causes.
A major theme of Dr. Stackhouse's Biola coursework is the new testament' role as the source of our spiritual life. He teaches that in the new testament we have a new revelation of God's truth and therefore we have a new reason and ability to serve Him. As a result, students at the north park seminary can expect to experience a growing closeness to Christ as they navigate the rough waters of contemporary life. The knowledge that Christ teaches in the new testament is much different than what we found in early church.
Part of Dr. Stackhouse's teaching is to teach students about the role and privilege of the prophetic. He uses this concept to show how the New Testament writers used the book of prophecy to communicate important messages. The book of Daniel gives us an example of how God flooded the city of Nineveh with holy water in ancient times. This was done by the prophetially appointed King Nebuchadnezzar to convey a message of peace after the war had begun. Similar floods occurred to Nineveh over three hundred years later when King Cyrus forced the Jews to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem.
Dr. Stackhouse also uses this concept to illustrate how the people of Nineveh heard the prophetic and received direction from messengers sent by God. Throughout my time at the North Park Seminary, I have worked with many students who are preparing to enter into the prophetic ministry. At the north park seminary, they work with Dr. Stackhouse to help them prepare for this new spiritual role. In the summer before the tBD sessions begin students are encouraged to read the book of Acts, particularly the last chapter, Romans 13. Dr. Stackhouse teaches that when we read the book of Acts, we draw from the uniqueness of the gospel message to prepare for the upcoming assemblies.
Another favorite assignment for the summer seminary series is to prepare group reflections on 1 Timothy. The book of 1 Timothy begins with a birth story that emphasizes the importance of prophecy to the newly born Jesus. The opening chapter opens with verses from the New Testament that highlight God's promises to the church and to Timothy, specifically, God's promise to preside over the church. The book of 1 Timothy continues with verses that stress God's rule over the church and encourage Timothy to be strong in his ministry. In our last session, students will reflect on how Timothy dealt with the situation of an earthquake and what the future may hold for the church.
The work of Dr. Stackhouse inspires students to see themselves as part of God's ministry in the new society that is now evolving around them. He brings real life to the Bible and makes teaching and learning accessible. Students will leave the seminary prepared to be leaders in tomorrow's world.
What does North Park Seminary offer students who are considering entering the religious community? It offers a Biola Degree program which was founded by Dr. Arthur A. Stackhouse. His efforts as a chaplain and pastor of a church in New Hampshire have influenced his teaching at North Park Seminary. His goal with the Biola degree program is to produce competent leaders who can impact their fellowmen while helping to build up the church in their community. He has written that we live “in the shadow of God”, and that our role in the community is to act as the light of God within it. His Biola degree teaches students to be advocates for those in need, as well as effective and convincing advocates of the faith.
Theologies of Dr. Stackhouse's Biola program are influenced by traditional Reformed churches. But, he also teaches students who share some of his concerns about the way in which the Reformed church has grown lax in its approach to scripture and the kingdom of God. Some of this concern has to do with the growth of antinitarianism and the rejection of traditional authority in favor of a “postmodern” individualism. Another concern is the way in which the Reformed church has abandoned its historic defense of traditional marriage and family relationships. Some of the problems that exist today in the US regarding sexual ethics have their roots in the decline of the Reformed church in America. Many of the problems we face in our society today stem from these same root causes.
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Part of Dr. Stackhouse's teaching is to teach students about the role and privilege of the prophetic. He uses this concept to show how the New Testament writers used the book of prophecy to communicate important messages. The book of Daniel gives us an example of how God flooded the city of Nineveh with holy water in ancient times. This was done by the prophetially appointed King Nebuchadnezzar to convey a message of peace after the war had begun. Similar floods occurred to Nineveh over three hundred years later when King Cyrus forced the Jews to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem.
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Another favorite assignment for the summer seminary series is to prepare group reflections on 1 Timothy. The book of 1 Timothy begins with a birth story that emphasizes the importance of prophecy to the newly born Jesus. The opening chapter opens with verses from the New Testament that highlight God's promises to the church and to Timothy, specifically, God's promise to preside over the church. The book of 1 Timothy continues with verses that stress God's rule over the church and encourage Timothy to be strong in his ministry. In our last session, students will reflect on how Timothy dealt with the situation of an earthquake and what the future may hold for the church.
The work of Dr. Stackhouse inspires students to see themselves as part of God's ministry in the new society that is now evolving around them. He brings real life to the Bible and makes teaching and learning accessible. Students will leave the seminary prepared to be leaders in tomorrow's world.
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