In the latest issue of the Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society 63, no. 1, Andreas Köstenberger’s editorial proposes eight pillars of scholarly excellence. They’re worthy of sharing, especially for the young, blooming evangelical scholar specifically, as that is for whom Köstenberger writes.
- A deep and abiding love for God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
- A deep and abiding love for God’s Word.
- A person sustained by a deep appreciation for God’s design for man and woman, that is, stressing equally man’s leadership and male-female partnership.
- A humble recognition of their own limitations, fallibility, and finitude. This quality is especially important for those successful in their early years.
- A love for the church, to serve and equip those in the church with the tools necessary for ministry, teaching, preaching, and spiritual growth. Also, a consistent attempt to encourage leaders in the church and affirm them in their ministry.
- A mind and heart for missions, that is, missio Dei.
- Solid scholarly craftsmanship, with professionalism and the proper research and writing skills necessary for a master of their craft.
- The twin virtues of creativity and eloquence, which go beyond the bare mechanics of academic writing.
While the first and second are of course foundational, I think the eighth is perhaps one of the most needed in our time. Many books regurgitate old debates, survey the same evidence, and really have little need for being published. The books that really make the academic world churn and grow are the heavily researched yet creative works such as Hurtado’s One God, One Lord, or N. T. Wright’s The New Testament and the People of God. I could name many more, but these are the type of book that deserve to be published, read, and discussed. I’d much prefer to read The New Testament and the People of God again for a second time than to read one of the latest 87 books that Wright has published.
The sixth quality is also important, but I would add not only that the scholar is familiar with the missio Dei and that he is participating in it through their writing, but also that the scholar seriously considers entering the missio Dei in other countries where their scholarship is desperately needed. Schools around the globe would be thrilled to have a PhD from an American or European university or seminary come to train their local pastors. The only catch? 99% of the time you’re raising your own funds. But if God has called you to go there, the funds will be available. It may be a hard road, and perhaps a long road of building up your team of supporters, but in the end God will make it happen. I wish more students getting PhD’s would make it their first option to complete their studies and then commit to furthering God’s mission around the globe through teaching in missions.
I would comment finally on the fifth quality. Yes, scholars need to be ready, willing, and humble enough to serve in a practical way in their churches–first by taking out the trash, second by greeting people at the front door, third by being a good model of a member committed to the body, fourth by serving in the kids ministry…… and perhaps thirteenth, by getting opportunities to teach. Yes, we all know you can teach; the letters behind your name tell your pastor that. But are you fully committed to serving how the body needs it? But also, it is not uncommonly noticed that pastors and laypeople can be somewhat skeptical of those with PhDs (or even masters degrees). In part, this is why teaching might be thirteenth on the list. A scholar, for better or for worse, has to earn the trust of their local leaders before being given free reign to a teaching ministry within the church. That is part of submitting to the elders of the church, but when that trust is there, the ministry can be so fruitful.
More could be said, but what do you feel about Köstenberger’s eight qualities? Would you add any, or remove any? Comment and let us know.
