Theological Fidelity: An Interview with Tabletalk

June 01, 2015

by David Garner

An interview in the June issue of Tabletalk magazine.

Tabletalk: How did God call you to become a seminary professor, and how does that calling serve the local church?

David B. Garner: Some have enjoyed a deep sense of call since childhood; others have longed for certain vocations or ministry destinations, and found their steps markedly (and not always easily) redirected. Irrespective of anecdotes, calling consists of more than personal intuitions. The Lord uses the church’s “objective” voice to issue and confirm calling.

For me, this objective voice boomed loudly. While serving in pastoral ministry and parachurch ministry, strong exhortations came repeatedly from leaders in Christ’s church: “Pursue further education so that you can use your gifts more effectively.” God paved the way for PhD studies, which eventually facilitated my current dual call at Westminster Theological Seminary and Proclamation Presbyterian Church.

The church is Christ’s bride for whom He died. There is no more critical entity on earth. Alongside my pastoral ministry, teaching students state-side and abroad has kept me close to the church, because as a “seed bed” (the original meaning of seminary), the seminary prepares servants of Christ’s church. I teach students in the seminary context because of its churchly focus and value.

…continue reading from TableTalk.

David Garner

Dr. Garner (PhD, Westminster) is associate professor of systematic theology and vice president for advancement at WTS.

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