Scribes for the Kingdom

by Corne Bekker, James Flynn, Mara Crabtree

Undertaking a graduate degree in theology can be an intimidating prospect, but it does not need to be. Scribes for the Kingdom was birthed out of a desire to assist new students in graduate theological education to understand the nature of master’s programs in theological disciplines and cultivate the necessary Biblical attitudes and skills to flourish in such a program. We identified eight areas of foci around which to structure this book as a primer on how to prepare for an effective and fruitful graduate theological education. Chapter one introduces the nature and function of a master’s degree taking its cue from the instructions of Jesus in Matthew’s Gospel to prepare scribes trained for the kingdom of heaven. In chapter two, Mara Crabtree explores the discipline of study as an act of worship. Larry Asplund follows by mapping out the practice of reading well in the next chapter. Chapter four, written by Scott Adams, describes the steps to study well. Greg Kame builds on these insights and demonstrates how reading and studying well lead to excellent writing. In chapter six, Carrie Wood teaches the importance of keeping a Sabbath and developing time management for students. Alemayehu Mekonnen grounds the next chapter in understanding that study is more than just an individual exercise; it is done in community for the body of Christ. The book concludes with a final chapter that links the pursuit of graduate theological education with our common and specific vocations in Christ. Theology matters for the Church. Faithful theological education matters in equal measure for the formation of dedicated ministers and scholars that will serve the Church and seek the transformation of our world for the glory of Christ. It is our deepest desire that this book may contribute to your ministerial and scholarly formation as you follow Christ’s call for obedience to our Father as you are empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Paperback

Published January 3, 2023

Reviews

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is clearly a labor of love for the new seminarian. It’s written for a precise audience, embarking on the walk of the seminary experience, and is written with a great tenderness to the Spirit.

With a number of “scribes” contributing to it, concepts of divine time, obedience resulting in saplings or forests, and the humble privilege of being a simple scribe for the Kingdom were the aspects of the book that marked me. Thank you to Dr. Corné Bekker for your organization of this pursuit and prayer over those who read it.

[Geneva Freeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent foundational book for pursuing a career in Christian ministry or furthering education in Christian ministry. Reminds one of the purpose behind all of our study of the Bible in the first place.