A Mountain of Fire
A Mountain of Fire
By William D. Shiell
George Herbert once wrote that country people “need a mountain of fire to kindle them. Sermons are dangerous things; that none goes out of church as he came in, but either better or worse.”1 Herbert’s 17th-century instruction to preachers then is relevant for all churches today. Herbert suggested that good sermons begin with the character of the preacher—the mountain of fire in the life of the preacher—that ignites a blaze into the daily life and community of believers.
This fall at Northern, we are rekindling that blaze in pastors through gathering, prayer, and training. The fall term officially starts September 19, but we are already touching students. In August, we celebrated the Korean-language Master of Arts in Worship with a concert at Christ Church of Oak Brook (Pictured). We began our summer in-person intensives, and Seminary Now will be offering a new course on Courageous Preaching. In September, we will focus on pastoral leadership through the Faith Leaders Symposium. In October, we are encouraging women who preach and teach God’s word and strengthening resilient pastors at Founders Day.
We invite you to participate in these events either online or in person. Your presence will ignite the fires of Pentecost and spread the gospel to this generation.
1 George Herbert, The Country Parson, The Temple (Edited by John N. Wall; Mahwall, NJ: Paulist Press, 1981), 62.