I took "hermeneutics" in Seminary

(Further testimonies from the Institute for Forming Instructors)

“I took hermeneutics in Seminary” (principles of interpretation) says Manuel Cortes, a pastor who has pastored for over 25 years in Guanacaste, Costa Rica.

“But the difference between 60 hours of lecture in Seminary and being taught in this IFI-3, then accompanied as you exegete (interpret) and prepare a series of Bible studies on Eph. 6 is a world of difference.”

Pastor Manuel Cortes with Bessy Macotto looking on

“The knowledge in my head finally got worked out and applied as I was prompted to practice and apply what I’d learned. Ever since Bob Sabean introduced me in the 1970’s to this approach to studying the Bible, I have been struck by how practical, hands on CCI /LA is in its teaching. I am discovering this is part of an entire educational philosophy and it’s prompting me to re-evaluate how I pastor and how I lead other pastors in our denomination.”

What a joy and challenge it was for the team of professors to have amongst the participants five pastors!

Hidden Numbers- The real story behind the Institute for Forming Instructors-3 (IFI-3)

Sometimes numbers tell the story and although we never publicized this two-week intensive training with these numbers, after the fact, we have discovered they tell the story of God’s Word penetrating deep into our lives… “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” Heb. 4:12.

How can we tell the story of what God has done these last two weeks of the IFI-3? asked Robert of the teaching team that gathered together the day after the Institute for Forming Instructors (IFI-3) ended.

Let’s look at the numbers, he answered himself. Ninety hours all told!

Over the last two weeks, how many hours did the instructors study the Bible alone, one-on-one between God’s Word and you?

36 (thirty-six hours)

Over the last two weeks, how many hours did the instructors study the Bible in community, with two or three other believers?

22 (twenty hours)

Over the last two weeks, how many hours were the instructors taught how to observe, interpret and apply God’s Word first for themselves then to help others do likewise?

28 (twenty-eight hours)

Over the last two weeks, how many hours did the instructors practice teaching others to study the Bible for themselves?

2 hours to children ages 3-7 (more on that for the next blog)

2 hours to their peers (adults)

What is the fruit of such personal and communal interaction with God’s Word? Ninety hours all told!

God’s Word never returns void, when people handle it and plunge its depths they are transformed forever. Isaiah 55:11 so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.

Over the next several blog entries I will have the pleasure of detailing some of those changes and transformations that have come as a result of your prayers!

Share with me your thoughts, reactions and praises to God for how He has answered your prayers!