Beeson professor Piotr Malysz is spending part of his sabbatical at Denmark's Aarhus University's LUMEN Centre working on a project detailing what he tentatively called Martin Luther's "ontology of the promise."
Cort Gatliff, MDiv '20, wrote the cover story for the December 2023 edition of Christianity Today.
In the spring of 2023, Beeson student J.T. Reeves was a senior at Wheaton College. He and his friends drove to Asbury University when they heard the reports of the spiritual awakening happening on that campus. Here, Reeves reflects on how that experience impacted him and his fellow students.
The Corinthian church needed the reminder of the power of God. So do we.
Beeson Divinity School's Joshua Chatraw, the Billy Graham Chair of Evangelism and Cultural Apologetics, joins author and theologian Jack Carson to share a word about how C.S. Lewis shows us how to care for those walking through doubt.
No modern theologian has been more influential in my personal faith and ministry development than Tim Keller.
The beauty of the gospel narrative can be likened to a well-made instrument.
In order for the church to remain relevant, it must be rooted in the Word without being restricted by the walls in which it worships. Watch this sermon by Dr. Robert Smith Jr.
The Jordan Evangelical Council, which is comprised of five Protestant denominations, met together on Oct. 28 to celebrate the 505th anniversary of the Reformation.
Hip-hop itself is not a genre I like as much as it is a culture that I grew up in and a lens through which I see the world. I am hip-hop.
Kristen Padilla interviews Jess Leslie for the 2022 issue of the Beeson magazine, "Singing the Faith," about hymn writing. Leslie shares a song she co-wrote with Drew Kearney.
Kristen Padilla interviews Tyshawn Gardner for the 2022 issue of the Beeson magazine, "Singing the Faith," about the role of hymns in the African American tradition.
The hymns of Charles Wesley (1707- 1788), younger brother of John Wesley, are often overlooked as significant means of “poetic proclamation” that both informed and inspired the people called Methodists.
Is Philippians 2:6-11 an early example of a Christian hymn? In this article, Dr. Sydney Park argues that even though it isn’t an early hymn, this text provides an important theological framework for contemporary worship.
Christian readers have a spiritual intuition about worship in the Old Testament. On the one hand, we immediately recognize that Israel’s tabernacle/temple worship is not for the church to practice, but on the other hand we see that traditional Christian worship reflects in many ways the practice and perspective of worship in Israel.
Psalms, hymns and spiritual songs have been central to Protestant worship ever since the Reformation. They have always been a part of Christian piety, of course. But during the 16th century, they came to play a much greater role than ever before in history.
Beeson alumni Kyle and Jules Thompson reflect on the ways Christians can respond to hurting mothers and children, drawing upon their personal and professional experience in orphan care.
When your faith wavers, when you face trials, when you have no other words, when you need to be reminded of the gospel, when you encounter the grace of God, and when you come to the end of your life, sing again and again about what Jesus Christ has done for you.
Today is John Wesley's birthday. Learn about Wesley and his profound desire to proclaim the gospel in order to the spread of holiness and Christian virtue.
A biblical pastoral theology grows out of a lived experience of the priesthood of all believers, the shared work of the kingdom of God, the gifts of the Spirit and life together in the body of Christ.
Lieutenant Commander Kaelan Clay, a chaplain in the U.S. Navy, shares a poem about the grief and hope that comes with chaplaincy ministry.
Lyuda, a longtime family friend and a missionary in Ukraine whom our church supports, in her daily updates from Odessa said, “Though today I cannot be sure that I will see you again, I am definitely sure to see you in heaven.” To Christians in Ukraine, heaven is more real than ever; to their loved ones, it has become more tangible.
The Bible begins, in the very first verse, by revealing God as the original artist. He conceived the complex universe in his imaginative mind and then spoke it into existence with incomparable craftsmanship.
Beeson graduate Anton Ivanov is from Russia and his wife, Dasha, is from Ukraine. Anton reflects on what it means to be united in Christ with those in Ukraine and shares ways Christians in the United States can pray for those in Ukraine.
No matter what your Enneagram number is, the Beatitudes do a number on your personality. Jesus cuts to the chase, ignores the numbers and does a deep dive into character. He lays out a comprehensive profile of the grace-based believer, whose personality has been transformed by the character impact of the gospel.
As we look back over 2021, we give thanks to God for his sustaining goodness to our school. Despite still having to navigate COVID, Beeson Divinity School continued offering in-person theological education and resources for the church. As we look back, here are our top news stories from 2021.
A Christmas message from Beeson Divinity School
I recently read the results of a major survey on preaching during the past year of 2020. What the survey showed is that the three leading sermon topics were COVID, politics and racism. This news prompted me to think of Dietrich Bonhoeffer and his work as a preacher and teacher of preachers during the Nazi regime of Adolf Hitler.
Watching the events unfold in Afghanistan, we know we ought to pray. However, it’s difficult to maintain prayer when we don’t see or feel hope. It’s easier to just let the bad news play on an endless loop until we fall into the trap of despair. David Parks shares how he has learned to pray in such times.
Beeson Divinity School advisory board member and adjunct professor, Collin Hansen, writes about the importance of meeting together in person for worship at The New York Times.
Beeson student Stephanie Patterson shares about her experience this summer during her Cross-Cultural Ministry Practicum in Brooklyn, New York.
The Robert Smith Jr. Preaching Institute is committed to strengthening preachers and preaching by focusing on learning, formation and practice. An excellent example of this commitment can be seen in the life and ministry of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, which is highlighted in this following essay by the director of the Preaching Institute.
Beeson's World Christianity Focus Week speaker Lionel Young shares about his personal experiences that led to the writing of his book, World Christianity and the Unfinished Task.
The pattern of our life as church is the pattern of Jesus and his whole ministry, which is God’s presence in the world, the Body of Christ. In fact, the things we do together are what characterized the whole life and ministry of Jesus in the story of the Gospel.
The silence of Holy Saturday shows how serious godlessness is, our godlessness. But already in this silence—the holy silence—godlessness is deprived of its reason to be, of any final word it might want to have on the matter of God.
There is no generic, nameless, pre-Christian deity to be known. Only God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit can be known, and only the Son reveals the very being of God.
As we begin Holy Week, may we join with the unnamed woman in offering ourselves wholeheartedly to the Lord who gave himself without reserve for us and our salvation.
Organic church growth in the household of faith has much more in common with the traditional family farm than it has with the highly programmed institutional church that services religious consumers. The best model for growing the church is not a mono-cultural-industrial farm.
The first time Beeson student Jordan C. learned about the story of Perpetua was while sitting in the very place Perpetua was martyred about 1,800 years ago. Today, on the anniversary of Perpetua and Felicitas's death, Jordan reflects on their legacy and the ways in which God is still at work in that area of the world today.
Get to know Dr. Timothy George in today's Friday Faculty Feature.
Eliza Davis George was a 19th-century African American missionary to Liberia, who was an evangelist, Bible teacher and church planter. Learn more about this incredible woman.
In this article, recently published in Lutheran Forum, Dr. Piotr Małysz reflects on his ten years in Birmingham and what he has learned, not only teaching at Beeson, but also providing pastoral care in an African American context.
The way Americans eat food is a kind of parable for how we eat God’s Word, and a fast-food restaurant chain is not the greatest model for following Christ and being the Church. Physical health and spiritual health are related in significant ways.
Get to know Dr. Mark DeVine in today's Friday Faculty Feature.
Get to know Dr. Ken Mathews in today's Friday Faculty Feature.
Get to know Dr. Sydney Park in today's Friday Faculty Feature.
Dr. Michael Pasquarello offers ten ways preachers of God's Word can seek to "redeem the time."
Get to know Dr. Paul House in today's Friday Faculty Feature.
On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Dr. Doug Webster reflects on Dr. King's speech against the Vietnam War as a time to break silence. Dr. Webster asks if Christians today are willing to break silence.
Get to know Dr. Mark Gignilliat in today's Friday Faculty Feature.
Get to know Dr. Gerald Bray in today's Friday Faculty Feature.
We take a look back at the top stories from Beeson Divinity School in 2020.
Get to know Dr. Robert Smith Jr. in today's Friday Faculty Feature.
Dr. Douglas D. Webster shares about the time a Christmas didn't go as planned and how it served as a reminder about the real joy of Christmas.
Get to know Dr. Frank Thielman in today's Friday Faculty Feature.
Get to know Dr. Douglas Sweeney in today's Friday Faculty Feature.
Get to know Dr. David Parks in today's Friday Faculty Feature.
Get to know Dr. Thomas Fuller in today's Friday Faculty Feature.
Get to know Dr. Ronald Sterling in today's Friday Faculty Feature.
During his time in London, we find in Dietrich Bonhoeffer's preaching a primary concern for the renewal of the congregation and its ministry as a local appropriation of the gospel.
Get to know Dr. Osvaldo Padilla in today's Friday Faculty Feature.
Get to know Dr. Michael Pasquarello III in today's Friday Faculty Feature.
Bonhoeffer’s reading of Genesis is the work of a preacher and theologian engaged in listening to Scripture as a witness to divine revelation in order to understand and speak the truth about God, humanity and the world.
Get to know Dr. Stefana Dan Laing in today's Friday Faculty Feature.
In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, MDiv student Isaiah Cruz reflects on three lessons he learned from his mother, Pastora Lidia, about gospel ministry.
Get to know Dr. Douglas D. Webster in today's Friday Faculty Feature.
Jonathan Edwards was born on Oct. 5, 1703. In honor of his birthday, Dean Douglas A. Sweeney shares seven theses Edwards has to teach Christians today.
Get to know Dr. Piotr Małysz in this first Friday Faculty Feature.
I really want to grasp the big picture of God’s story of redemption, and I want my Beeson students to see themselves in this intricate, beautiful picture of redemption.
His parable of the wheat and weeds shows us what God’s kingdom is like, not just what it was like in the past or what it will be like in the future, but what it is like, which means the kingdom is present today.
God’s revelation deserves our careful attention. We want to resist the temptation to reduce the gospel message to sound-bites and anecdotes and insist on comprehending the whole counsel of God.
Gathering together around the whole counsel of God is hard work, but it's more than worth it.
We have been brought near by the blood of Jesus Christ. Let’s show the world our nearness to the Lord and one another
After serving almost six years as the pastor in residence at Beeson Divinity School, Darrell Cook is retiring.
Timothy George remembers his friend and colleague, Jim Packer, who died on July 17. Jim Packer was a founding member of Beeson Divinity's Advisory Board.
Professor Paul R. House, who served with J. I. Packer on the ESV Translation Oversight Committee, shares what he learned from Jim Packer and the legacy Jim leaves behind.
The death of Jim Packer, only days before his ninety-fourth birthday, sunders one of the last remaining links with the postwar years of theological revival in the Anglican Evangelical world. Professor Gerald Bray reflects on the life and ministry of J. I. Packer
Beeson Divinity students offer devotionals and prayers as a resource during COVID-19.
How should preachers think about the role of experience? Professor Mark DeVine explains.
The following blog post features a sermon Dr. Timothy George delivered at Beeson Divinity School for the “Black and White in America” conference on March 4, 2016.
In view of Ephesians 2:11-22, any argument/mindset that advocates or silently endorses racism stands in direct contrast to what God has accomplished perfectly in Christ. Racism is not simply sin, but active resistance against that perfected work of God on the cross.
Dr. Frank Thielman, Presbyterian Chair of Divinity and New Testament professor, gave the following lecture in 2018 called, "The Gospel, Social Justice, and the Church," which is shown to every incoming Beeson Divinity student during new student orientation.
Bloody racial and ethnic conflict has resurfaced yet again in America in recent years, captivating the media and calling down a storm of digital comments by people from nearly all walks of life. Dean Douglas Sweeney reflects on how the evangelical movement has suffered the sins of racial prejudice ever since it first emerged from the revivals of the eighteenth-century Great Awakening.
Bloody racial and ethnic conflict has resurfaced yet again in America in recent years, captivating the media and calling down a storm of digital comments by people from nearly all walks of life. Dean Douglas Sweeney reflects on how the evangelical movement has suffered the sins of racial prejudice ever since it first emerged from the revivals of the eighteenth-century Great Awakening.
Bloody racial and ethnic conflict has resurfaced yet again in America in recent years, captivating the media and calling down a storm of digital comments by people from nearly all walks of life. Dean Douglas Sweeney reflects on how the evangelical movement has suffered the sins of racial prejudice ever since it first emerged from the revivals of the eighteenth-century Great Awakening.
A message to the Beeson Divinity School community about racism and the nation's racial tensions.
How much do we actually need to adjust our preaching in the “new normal” created by COVID-19?
Friends and families, who have lost loved ones during the pandemic, are experiencing grief in a way that is very unlike our usual experience of grief. So how do we help brothers and sisters through these complex emotional and spiritual issues?
Professor Mark DeVine believes Jesus Christ can teach us at least two lessons in this extraordinary time of death and separation: he alone sustains our faith and gathering belongs to his permanent purposes.
Yesterday, on Easter Sunday, many sermons were preached from John 11 on Jesus’s raising of Lazarus of Bethany from the dead. Dr. Timothy George shares this post he originally wrote for First Things in 2015.
“The Lord of glory” has been “crucified” (1 Cor. 2:8). Jesus Christ, the Son of God, referred to by apostles as “the image of the invisible God” (Col. 1:15), the one in whom “the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily” (Col. 2:9), has died on a cross to save his people from their sins.
With his crucifixion imminent, Jesus, moved by his love, knelt to wash the feet of his disciples. But what does Peter's initial rejection of Jesus' act of love and grace toward him have to teach us about loving others? Beeson student Samuel Hagos offers this Maundy Thursday reflection.
As this year's Easter celebrations redefine what it means to "gather" for many churches nationwide, Doug Webster reflects on the meaning of Easter by considering what can be learned from the First Easter.
In an unexpected twist this year, solitude is being imposed upon us as a compulsory Lenten practice in the form of quarantine and social distancing. How can the spiritual discipline of solitude help us during this time?
Do you believe in coincidence? The whimsical Yogi Berra remarked, "Some things are just too coincidental to be a coincidence." I never thought of Yogi as a theologian, but he stumbled upon a rich theological persuasion of Christians. God’s superintendence of our lives “brings all things together for good for those who love God” (Romans 8:28).
Wesley offers an apt description of preaching that seeks to build up the witness of God’s people in the world. We would do well to heed his words as we prepare to meet both the challenges and opportunities that lie before us.
Life and ministry in the age of COVID-19 is giving communities and people in almost every corner of our world a shared experience like never before. Beeson alumni are serving all over the globe, navigating similar challenges related to COVID-19. Though the cultures, locations, languages and ministry settings are different, our Beeson extended family is working to serve others well, meet the needs of their communities as best they can and continue in the labor of gospel ministry as they face unforeseen and unprecedented circumstances.
How do God's divine memory, presence and promises give us comfort and hope during the COVID-19 pandemic? Read this latest reflection by Professor Mark DeVine.
Moses’ admonition in Ps. 90:12, “Teach us to number our days,” made me think of two works of art, the movie Castaway and the novel Robinson Crusoe. These two dramas explore the human trauma of time on our hands.
What does Ecclesiastes teach us about life in these uncertain and unprecedented times with the COVID-19 pandemic? Professor Mark Gignilliat reflects on the advice of the elderly preacher.
The 40 days of Lent represent a time of drawing apart from life as we normally live it out the other 325 days of the year. These 40 days between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday remind us of Jesus’ time in the wilderness prior to his earthly ministry .
In June of 2019, a group of mostly African-American Beeson students and staff attended the National African American Missions Conference (NAAMC) in Washington D.C. A few of those who attended recently shared what they learned with the Beeson community.
January 6, the feast of Epiphany, marks the official end of the Christmas season. But while our neighbors have taken down their decorations to go about their everyday business, the church is not finished celebrating just yet.
What can we learn about Advent and Christmas from German theologian, pastor and martyr Dietrich Bonhoeffer? Beeson professor Piotr Malysz offers this Christmas meditation.
A look back at 2019, an important year in the life of Beeson Divinity School.
Christy Harper offers a devotional on Micah 5:2-5a for the Advent season.
Psalm 127 provides us preachers with a splendid opportunity to reflect on the pilgrimage of God’s people across time and to proclaim a message of God’s faithful provision.
Mark DeVine introduces a lecture on preaching the whole Bible, given at Beeson Divinity School as part of the Robert Smith Jr. Preaching Institute's series, Text to Sermon.
Gerald McDermott introduces a lecture on the preaching of Jonathan Edwards, given at Beeson Divinity School as part of the Robert Smith Jr. Preaching Institute's series, Text to Sermon.
A devotional for All Saints' Day by Beeson student Katherine Ladd.
Beeson student Kara Young writes about the release of her new song, Come Away from Rush and Hurry.
Gerald McDermott reflects on his scholarly relationship with the work of Jonathan Edwards to commemorate Edwards' 316th birthday.
Part five of a series in which Beeson professor Paul House shares about his visit to Germany and Poland this summer to visit sites from Dietrich Bonhoeffer's life and ministry.
Part six of a series in which Beeson professor Paul House shares about his visit to Germany and Poland this summer to visit sites from Dietrich Bonhoeffer's life and ministry.
Part four of a series in which Beeson professor Paul House shares about his visit to Germany and Poland this summer to visit sites from Dietrich Bonhoeffer's life and ministry.
Part three of a series in which Beeson professor Paul House shares about his visit to Germany and Poland this summer to visit sites from Dietrich Bonhoeffer's life and ministry.
Part two of a series in which Beeson professor Paul House shares about his visit to Germany and Poland this summer to visit sites from Dietrich Bonhoeffer's life and ministry.
Beeson professor Paul House shares about his visit to Germany and Poland this summer to visit sites from Dietrich Bonhoeffer's life and ministry.
A devotion by Douglas A. Sweeney given at a Samford University faculty workshop.
Grant D. Taylor, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs at Beeson Divinity School, shares advice for students preparing to begin seminary.
Grant D. Taylor, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs at Beeson Divinity School, shares advice for students preparing to begin seminary.
Beeson student Daniel Gilliland shares about his experience this summer during his Cross-Cultural Ministry Practicum in White Swan, Washington.
A meditation by Timothy George presented to the Annual Gathering of the Baptist World Alliance in Nassau, The Bahamas.
Beeson student Dylan Evans shares about his experience during his Cross-Cultural Ministry Practicum in Nepal this summer.
Beeson student Kyle Young shares about his experience during his Cross-Cultural Ministry Practicum in Bolivia this summer.
Beeson student Russell Mann shares about his experience during his Cross-Cultural Ministry Practicum in Ecuador this summer.
Beeson student Anna Russell shares about her experience during her Cross-Cultural Ministry Practicum in Myanmar this summer.
Dr. Grant Taylor explains how the Psalms can help Christians suffer well for the glory of God.
"We want to advance the cause of Christ. We want to see the kingdom of God flourish in this world, and we'll do what we can to take it as far as we can. Then we will do our very best to pass the task on to somebody else who can run further than we can, faster than we can and who will one day cross that finish line."--Timothy George
Kristen Padilla recounts Dr. George's journey from Hell's Half Acre to Beeson Divinity School.
Articles and sermons worthy of serious consideration.
Beeson student Daniel McCarley reviews a new collection of essays by Dr. James Earl Massey.
Articles and sermons worthy of serious consideration.
Dr. John Woodbridge reflects on Dean George's role in Evangelicals and Catholics Together over the last two decades.
Articles and sermons worthy of serious consideration.
How Ralph Waldo Beeson and Andrew Gerow Hodges shaped the character and mission of Beeson Divinity School.
Dr. Frank Thielman surveys the main concerns of Luke's gospel and gives guidance to assist pastors in moving from text to sermon.
Articles and sermons worthy of serious consideration.
Dean Timothy George reflects on three great facts of faith expressed in the official hymn of Beeson Divinity School, "For All the Saints."
Articles and sermons worthy of serious consideration.
Dr. Sydney Park illustrates how to preach the gospel of Mark by examining the account of Jesus calming the storm.
Articles and sermons worthy of serious consideration.
Dr. Osvaldo Padilla gives an overview of Matthew's gospel to help pastors move from text to sermon.
Must we, as Christians, believe in Christ’s resurrection? Should we expect a resurrection from the dead, even our own resurrection?
Articles and sermons worthy of serious consideration.
Dr. Gerald McDermott reflects on two historic prayers to prepare our minds and hearts for Easter.
Articles and sermons worthy of serious consideration.
Dr. Robert Smith calls on preachers who handle the Word to be personally shaped by that same Word.
Articles and sermons worthy of serious consideration.
Timothy George offers a Lenten meditation on John 11.
Articles and sermons worthy of serious consideration.
Sometimes our calling to serve as ministers of God’s flock becomes clear only in a moment of crisis or uncertainty.
Articles and sermons worthy of serious consideration.
Dr. Paul House reflects on the importance of finding friends who share the joys and burdens of ministry.
Articles and sermons worthy of serious consideration.
What is the goal of studying theology?
Articles and sermons worthy of serious consideration.
Dr. Grant Taylor introduces the Gospel of John as part of Beeson's Spring 2019 chapel series, Jesus Christ: Abundant Life.
Dean Timothy George reflects on the martyrdom of St. Polycarp.
Articles and sermons worthy of serious consideration.
Words of acceptance by Timothy George as he was installed as Founding Dean of the Beeson Divinity School on February 21, 1989.
Articles and sermons worthy of serious consideration.
The stigmata of Jesus Christ, empowered by the Spirit of God, enables the believer to overcome the stigma of racism.
Articles and sermons worthy of serious consideration.
Dr. Carl Beckwith shares about his approach to teaching and his current projects.
Articles and sermons worthy of serious consideration.
The fundamental premise of Christian preaching and witness is the declaration "Jesus is Lord."
Mark DeVine calls on churches to pursue authenticity by embracing their denominational heritage.
Articles and sermons worthy of serious consideration.
Articles and sermons worthy of serious consideration.
Dr. Stefana Dan Laing shares about Antony's approach to spiritual growth.
Articles and sermons worthy of serious consideration.
Dr. Paul House explains why pastors should preach the Old Testament.
A look back at 2018, an important year in the life of Beeson Divinity School.
Articles and sermons worthy of serious consideration.
A Christmas reflection from Dr. Grant Taylor.
Dr. Timothy George's commencement address to the Fall 2018 graduating class of Samford University.
Articles and sermons worthy of serious consideration.
Beeson Divinity School presents a statement of appreciation for the life and ministry of Dr. James Earl Massey.
Articles and sermons worthy of serious consideration.
Mary is the person and the place where God has chosen for his glory to enter most deeply into the human story, which is the story of every one of us.
Articles and sermons worthy of serious consideration.
Dr. Gordon Bals on the relationship between preaching and pastoral care.
Articles and sermons worthy of serious consideration.
Beeson alumnus John Bacon reflects on entering ministry after graduating from Beeson Divinity School.
Because Christian ministry is embodied, evangelical seminaries should focus on personal, embodied theological education for ministry.
Articles and sermons worthy of serious consideration.
How Jonathan Edwards' depiction of God's beauty changes the way we view God and his creation.
Kristen Padilla interviews Dr. Frank Thielman about his new Romans commentary, his time at Beeson and his current writing projects.
Articles and sermons worthy of serious consideration.
Dr. Piotr Malysz calls the church to celebrate the Reformation by proclaiming the Gospel.
Articles and sermons worthy of serious consideration.
Dr. Michael Pasquarello discusses the way of the preacher through the life of John Wesley.
Articles and sermons worthy of serious consideration.
An interview with Lyle and Mary Dorsett on their relationship with Andrew and Norine Brunson.
Articles and sermons worthy of serious consideration.
Following Christ's call to ministry whatever the cost.
Articles and sermons worthy of serious consideration.
Dr. Doug Webster explains the significance of the Sermon on the Mount for our cultural moment.
Dean Timothy George on showing Christian hospitality in a racially and politically polarized world.
Dr. Gerald McDermott gives a personal introduction to current persecution of Christians in Nigeria.
Articles and sermons worthy of serious consideration.
Ministers should read fiction for more than sermon illustrations.
Articles and sermons worthy of serious consideration.
Dr. Robert Smith defines the task of the preacher and provides a diagnosis of contemporary preaching.
Beeson's Dr. Frank Thielman on what the Bible has to say about justice and reconciliation.
Welcome to the new and improved online forum of Beeson Divinity School.
Finkenblog, named for Finkenwalde, the underground seminary organized and led by Dietrich Bonhoeffer, is an online forum aimed at providing content for the edification of the church.
