Thabiti Anyabwile, a former devout Muslim and pastor of First Baptist Church, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands, writes about what a good pastor is to do. This is excellent, practical, and important reading!
- What a Good Pastor Is To Do – Part 1
- What A Good Pastor Is To Do – Part 2
- What A Good Pastor Is To Do – Part 3
- What A Good Pastor Is To Do – Part 4
- What A Good Pastor Is To Do – Part 5
- What A Good Pastor Is To Do – Part 6
- What A Good Pastor Is To Do – Part 7
- What A Good Pastor Is To Do – Part 8
- What A Good Pastor Is To Do – Part 9
- What A Good Pastor Is to Do - Part 10
- What A Good Pastor Is to Do - Part 11
“The TNIV is a fine translation whose goal of being sensitive to the English of its audience opens up the Word, especially to those who may not be familiar with Scripture. The use of alternatives in the marginal notes helps the reader see where the translation is disputed. It is clear, concise, and contemporary. In my book, that is three for three.” 
"It has never been easy to distinguish between a 'translation' and a 'paraphrase'. Translations tend to go for contemporary scholarship at the expense of contemporary language, whereas paraphrases tend to sacrifice accuracy for relevance. Today's New International Version is highly successful in combining both scholarly accuracy and linguistic relevance." 
"The TNIV avoids the overly free translation of certain texts that previous gender-inclusive translations have included, while rendering gender-inclusive uses of "man," "he," "brothers," and the like with appropriate, contemporary English exactly corresponding to the meaning of the original Greek or Hebrew. Not to do this leaves a Bible that increasingly misleads the modern reader; as the father of two daughters I know first hand how this works! And I remain a complementarian with respect to gender roles; the two issues are quite separate." 
"The NIV took the late twentieth century church by storm. It has been the most readable version of the Bible in English. Today's NIV is even better. I recommend it warmly."
“I am thrilled with Today’s New International Version. The TNIV offers significant improvements in scholarship and in its use of English idiom. Without question, the TNIV is the finest English translation available at the beginning of this new millennium.” 
As one who is a youth worker, I have been concerned about Youth Specialties for a while. It is a place where more and more liberal theology is seen as on the "cutting edge." It is especially scary, because they influence the youth worker, who influences the youth in our churches, who become the so called "Christians" of the next generation. I think if we want to be on the cutting edge today we should teach the Scriptures, verse by verse to youth, and even preach! Yes, today in youth ministry circles, that would be considered radical and against the grain. Why? Because it is not "relational" enough, and we aren't at the center: God is.
Well said, Nick. I've been in youth ministry for almost three decades, and the dumbing down is astonishing. I speak in a variety of churches and camps (though I'm older than dirt), and all too often at a youth group meeting, class, "rally," I am the only one with a Bible. To see the biblical illiteracy of youth (and often parents)is indicative that many/most wouldn't have the slightest qualm with what started this whole string...Campolo's article. It is sad, scary, and, though trite, "a sign of the times."
In the meanwhile, I'll just keep relying on the Spirit of God to use His infallible Word to impact lives, starting with mine. My best "recommendation" in all these years is a big camp in the middle of the country that won't bring me back anymore because I use "too much Bible."