I’ve received several e-mails recently from men aspiring to go into the ministry. If you’re in that situation, being a regular recipient of the Nine Marks newsletters is an absolute must. They only come out six times a year (every other month), but they are jam-packed full of outstanding literature that is both theologically rich and deeply practical/pastoral. Here is a link to the latest issue (which is also available in PDF format). It deals with the issue of elders, the work of the eldership, and the training of elders and deacons.
Speaking of Nine Marks, one of the many things that Mark Dever does so well is conduct interviews. This two-hour theological discussion between John Piper, Bruce Ware, Mark Dever is one of the best I’ve ever heard. They cover issues ranging from particular redemption (a.k.a., limited atonement), justification, N.T. Wright/New Perspective, being “missional”, engaging culture, mega-churches vs one-service congregations, and more. Pastor John also gives a description of what The Bethlehem Institute (the theological/pastoral training program in which I am enrolled) is all about. Lastly, there is a Q&A session that includes some penetrating questions from my TBI brothers. I wish I could have been there. The discussion was apparently recorded in November 2006 when Pastor John and others were in Washington, DC for the Evangelical Theological Society meeting.
(HT: Between Two Worlds)