Catalyst

Science and the Old Testament

Posted on : October 28, 2015

To conclude an introductory course on the OT, I took my class to the Georgia Aquarium. No, this was not an end-of-class celebration, although some consider it so. My students were actually on assignment as… Continue Reading

Critical Shifts for Embracing God’s 21st Century Mission: (1) From Preaching to the Choir to Communicating with Cultural Clarity

Posted on : October 26, 2015

“The difference between the almost right word and the right word is really a large matter – it’s the difference between the lightning bug and the lightning.” (Mark Twain) As Christendom continues to fade away,… Continue Reading

Building a New Testament Library: Matthew – Acts

Posted on : October 21, 2015

One of the pivotal responsibilities of every Christian generation is to engage the Scriptures exegetically and theologically. A number of fine commentaries are available to assist this task. During the 2015-16 academic year, Catalyst will… Continue Reading

A Modest Proposal

Posted on : October 19, 2015

One of the most pressing needs in The United Methodist Church today is to reconnect with the world that God created and loves. As George Morris and Eddie Fox reminded us many years ago, the… Continue Reading

A Modest Proposal

Posted on : October 19, 2015

One of the most pressing needs in The United Methodist Church today is to reconnect with the world that God created and loves. As George Morris and Eddie Fox reminded us many years ago, the… Continue Reading

Prevenient Grace as a Reappraised Doctrine

Posted on : October 14, 2015

When John Wesley penned “Predestination Calmly Considered,” he did not imagine that he was presenting the story of salvation in a renewed way. After all, he wrote from the ageless books of Scripture, restoring its… Continue Reading

The Musicality of Catechesis

Posted on : October 12, 2015

When thinking about catechesis, that is, oral instruction in the life of Christian faith, we often get caught in categories like creed, curriculum, lesson plans, and Bible study. We use them as tools or maps… Continue Reading

Can I Ask That? Imagining a Church Big Enough for Teenagers’ Hard Questions

Posted on : October 7, 2015

“Pastor, if I raise my finger, will God know which one I’m going to raise even before I raise it?” Thirteen year-old Steve attended church every week with his parents, and he had stayed after… Continue Reading

Can I Ask That? Imagining a Church Big Enough for Teenagers’ Hard Questions

Posted on : October 7, 2015

“Pastor, if I raise my finger, will God know which one I’m going to raise even before I raise it?” Thirteen year-old Steve attended church every week with his parents, and he had stayed after… Continue Reading

Advice for New Seminarians

Posted on : October 5, 2015

As a professor in the theology department of a Christian university, I often watch as my graduating students prepare to attend seminary. I am always curious to see how God will shape and direct these… Continue Reading
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catalyst
March 13, 2023

For some preachers and congregations, storytelling is the essence of preaching. A good preacher is a good storyteller, first and foremost, and if in fact there is more to good preaching …

March 8, 2023

The place to acquire a reputable knowledge and collection of works in Christian Ethics should not begin with Christian Ethics. Background work should be done first. As a relatively recent academic …

news & events
December 16, 2022

AFTE is now accepting scholarship applications for 2023. Applications and required supporting materials are due in the AFTE office no …

July 1, 2022

A Foundation for Theological Education (AFTE) John Wesley Fellowships have been awarded to six doctoral students. The John Wesley Fellows …