Why Does Cedar Grove
Support ETSPM?
By
Printed on December 12,
2004
Last
week, I commented about the East Tennessee School of Preaching and Missions
(ETSPM). This institution is where
students across the nation and around the globe are formally trained in Bible
for two years. Many associate preaching
schools with training Gospel Preachers for local work. Although most graduates enter full-time
pulpit ministries, ETSPM continues to train men and women to serve
congregations in other capacities as well.
Certainly graduates know how to study, teach, and preach. And many do so very well. Other graduates serve congregations as
elders, deacons, ministry leaders, Bible Class teachers,
missionaries, writers, speakers, etc. In
all duties, God’s word is proclaimed and Christ’s kingdom is advanced.
A
major accomplishment of ETSPM is for the departing students to know a bit more
about the Bible than when they began their studies. To this end, tests are given to each student
during the first and last months of the two-year program. The desire is basically twofold. Men who are trained at ETSPM should be
equipped with information, knowledge, and ability. Using the tools learned in the classroom at
the feet of seasoned men, graduates should be able to build up the saints in an
area where the church is weak. Many new
congregations have been planted through such efforts. Graduates should also be able to defend
Biblical doctrine where the church is criticized or condemned.
ETSPM’s
existence is legitimate; its purpose is righteous; its successes are
well-known; and its positive work is widely felt. People acquainted with the East Tennessee
School of Preaching and Missions know that it strives to help people emulate
Jesus. As I mentioned, the instructors
are well-qualified to teach. The proof
of this is the reputation that the school continues to maintain. In 1998 when I became a student, I was told
that the faculty collectively held more than 200 years experience. This is invaluable to the achievement of the
school and its students. Simply, it is
preachers training preachers to preach and teachers training teachers to teach.
At
the beginning of 2003, the Cedar Grove Eldership saw ETSPM as a great
investment in the kingdom and as a great opportunity to reach lost souls. Therefore, our Shepherds decided to support
the school with a monthly sum of $225.00.
To date, these monies have been earmarked for Steven Lucas and his
family while enrolled at ETSPM. (You may
recall Steven delivering a lesson the morning when they came to
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