Journal: Conservative Theological Journal
Volume: CTJ 02:4 (Mar 1998)
Article: The Most Important Business of Seminaries
Author: Mal Couch

The Most Important Business of Seminaries

Mal Couch, Editor

My staff and I at TYNDALE Seminary recently hosted almost fifty men in a weekend Leadership Conference at a lakeside retreat lodge. This was our second such event in two years. The number of men attending more than doubled, with some attendees coming from as far away as California and even the East coast.

The subjects we discussed for almost three days were not that awe-inspiring but, in another sense, they were basic in regard to what is going on in local assemblies, in terms of both problems and methodology. But what was presented and taught by the TYNDALE staff and our special guests, Dr. Tommy Ice (Executive Director—PreTrib Study Group) and Mike Gendron (founder and president - Proclaiming the Gospel Ministry) must have struck a powerful and emotional note! The testimonials and feedback we received were positive and most refreshing. In fact, here are some comments given to us at the close of the conference:

This conference has helped me refocus proper spiritual priorities, given me valuable information, and motivated me to live for our Lord.

What a blessing to spend a weekend with men so devoted to Christ and so determined to contend for the faith. It was encouraging to see so many pastors and church leaders committed to the teaching and application of pure doctrine.

It has been uplifting again to know that there are some who are still in love with the truth. Thank you Tyndale for the conference.

In the discussions, we discovered how truly deep were the problems in the local churches. We heard horror stories of the invasion of modernity sneaking into congregations, of cultish concepts being set forth by both church laymen and pastors. We found out how subtle and yet sometimes blatant is the charismatic movement. Church after church is being swept away by emotionalism and feel-good messages.

As the conference progressed, all agreed that there is a desperate need for a return to doctrinal stability and to the teaching of the Word of God at every opportunity within the local church structure. A strong Statement of Faith must be in place and believed and taught by the pastors, elders, and Sunday school teachers.

But also, it became obvious in the discussions that many seminaries we are aware of are no longer focusing on training pulpit exegetes, men who will stand at the helm and thoroughly explain God’s Word with both clarity and passion. Many seminaries and Bible colleges have become simplistic and pragmatic. They are teaching secular psychology, aberrant theories of missions, and a dumbing down of theology and the biblical languages. On the other hand, many are striving for academic perfection, focusing on accreditations that g...