Journal: Journal for Baptist Theology & Ministry
Volume: JBTM 08:2 (Fall 2011)
Article: My Reflections On Dan Holcomb
Author: Michael H. Edens

JBTM 8:2 (Fall 2011) p. 33

My Reflections On Dan Holcomb

Michael H. Edens

Dr. Edens is Associate Dean of Graduate Studies and Professor of Theology and Islamic Studies at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.

I first met Dr. Dan Holcomb when I was taking Ph.D. seminars while on furlough from International Mission Board service. He was in his fourth decade of teaching and first decade at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He invited me to a master’s class to discuss the rise of Islam. I was impressed by his keen wit and disciplined mind, and an abiding intent to prepare his students broadly and excellently for leadership and ministry. I have come to characterize him as the oldest young man I’ve ever met. No, I’m not talking about his zeal to adopt new electronic communication tools. He does disdain e-mail. Instead, I’m referring to his vigor and joy of life. I believe his passions are the source of his vigor.

Dan’s passions begin in his deep relationship with and faith in his Lord Jesus Christ. That union in Christ creates a passion for the local body of believers. On several occasions I have served congregations where Dan has preached. His love of God, the Bible, ministry, and that congregation causes his sermons to be high points in the lives of members of the congregation. Whether the gathering is small and rural or large and urban, Dr. Holcomb prepares and hones his message carefully because he is addressing the Lord’s bride—the Church. Even years later the evidence of his passion is apparent as people relate the impact of his sermons and ministry.

In public and private moments another passion animates Dan—the care of his family. From his loving attention for Olga to the pride in a son’s work in broadcast, his family moves this godly man. His emotions, time, and skill are theirs. When asked about a painful injury (the result of a touch football game with grandchildren), Dan made it clear those kids were worth anything and everything he had to give. However, Dan’s teaching is where I personally have witnessed his love and commitment to Christ as a dominating influence. Whether team teaching together or just discussing some of the problems our students face, I am always learning the art of teaching when I am with Dan. He worships his God with offerings of teaching and mentoring.

Once as we discussed the challenges of Christian leadership, he laid out an analogy which is still teaching me today, months later. He said that southern society, including Christian institutions, is marked by plantation leadership patterns. We have owners, household slaves, and field slaves. In the church we know that we are to lead as servants, so a biblical model is usually combined with the plantation pattern making a leadership matrix. The tw...