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I had the wonderful privilege of spending two weeks with Pastor Derrick Gerber during our 8th class in Rock Sound – Pastoral Ministry and Church Ministry Administration and Education.
The course is most meaningful for those pastors who are serving in senior leadership, however that is not the case with most of our students. Therefore, Derrick focused his attention on how the subject of biblical pastoral leadership principles could be embraced by everyone.
We looked at the role of the pastor, the church educator, church government structure, expectations for spiritual leaders, qualifications for ministry offices, and other ministry roles in the church. Derrick didn’t shy away from addressing some of the more controversial issues as well.
One such issue which the class requested we spend extended time on was the biblical role of women in the church. While, this subject was taught during their Doctrines II course it was handed extensively during a few nights in the past two weeks.
While Derrick has taught for CMA before (both on Eleuthera and St. Martin) there is always a new adjustment to the culture. One night he even had to teach in complete darkness, as the power was off for the entire class.
Derrick brought a wealth of experience as a pastor and sensitivity dealing with difficult issues. He also possess a unique ability to defuse tension with humor, and the students were routinely laughing a both him and themselves – you can never take yourself too seriously in ministry.
I appreciated Derrick’s fellowship during our long drives down to the school. He has a love for the Word of God and a thirst to encounter doctrine in everyday life. I’m also thankful for the lunches together and the way he invests in people, no matter how long he’s known them.
The role of the pastor is perhaps the most important in the church, and EBTC has benefited from the Lord’s work in Derrick’s life as a pastor. We are thankful for his self-sacrifice and humble instruction for the past two weeks, and I, like him, look forward to continued transformation in the lives of our students, through the exposition of God’s Word.