Mission and Tradition: Seeking Balance in Ministry

Knox Theological Seminary has assembled a remarkable faculty of world-class scholars and educators. When you enroll in a Knox/Logos Doctor of Ministry or master’s program, these experts become your instructors and lecturers.

Featured faculty member: Dr. Jim Belcher

Dr. Jim Belcher holds a BA from Gordon College, an MDiv from Fuller Theological Seminary, and a PhD from Georgetown University; he’s the author of Deep Church and In Search of Deep Faith. Dr. Belcher is Knox’s associate professor of practical theology.

Both his books and his lectures are saturated with wisdom gained from years of pastoring, parenting, and teaching. His passion for teaching the Christian life and faith is contagious—it shows not only in his lectures, but also in the lives of his students. His teaching ministry is shaped by the words of Nicholas Wolterstorff, who said that “Shalom is God’s cause in the world and our human calling . . . We are workers in God’s cause, his peace-workers. This missio Dei is our mission.” Dr. Belcher takes these words to heart, living out this mission and instilling the same dedication to God’s work in his students.

Explore the emerging and traditional churches

In June, Dr. Belcher will be teaching a five-day intensive Doctor of Ministry course in Fort Lauderdale, FL, titled Mission and Tradition: Seeking Balance in Ministry.

“This course will explore the emerging and traditional churches, as we seek to discover a third way to be the Church in the 21st century. Deep Church is the phrase C. S. Lewis used to describe the body of believers committed to mere Christianity. Unfortunately church in our postmodern era has been marked by a certain shallowness. This course brings hope to those who may be fed up with contemporary pragmatism by offering alternative visions for this present culture. While some traditional churches have reacted negatively and/or defensively, we will seek to bring the best insights from all sides of the issue to forge a third way between emerging and traditional: a missional church committed to both its own culture and its Christian tradition, valuing innovation in worships, arts, and community (mission) but also creeds, confessions, and historic patterns of worship and discipleship (tradition).”

Take the first step toward furthering your ministry with Dr. Belcher: ask about a Doctor of Ministry degree from Knox Theological Seminary with Logos. If you choose to earn a Knox DMin, you’ll get the tools you need to think critically about the world around you and engage in fruitful kingdom ministry.

Learn more, or apply for the DMin program today!