Timothy Tennent

The Transforming Power of the Word of God

I began my ministry in the mountains of North Georgia. I was the classic circuit riding preacher. I had four churches which were scattered across the county. I would drive one direction for an 8:30 service. After that service was complete, I would jump in the car and drive across the county to arrive at […]

Repairing the World Through Love

Our Jewish friends, dating back to the Mishnah, have a wonderful phrase “tikkun olam.” It means to “repair the world.” The Jews understand that God’s covenant love, known as hesed, is the means through which God “repairs the world” (tikkun olam). We all realize that our world is in a mess. Our society is broken. […]

An Argument for Non-Argumentative Argument

Pastors need a lot of skills today, don’t they? Pastors have always needed good theological and biblical sensibilities. They have generally needed to be strong communicators, as well as be pastorally sensitive. The sheer scope of a “day-in-the-life-of-a-pastor” can be overwhelming. In a given day you may find yourself in a hospital praying for the […]

Dispelling Myths about the Future of Methodism

One of the privileges of my role as the President of Asbury Seminary is that I have the opportunity to travel all across the world and meet with a whole range of Methodist groups. It has given me some sense of the hopes, dreams, and even fears, of the “people called Methodist.” The United Methodist […]

Charge to the 2022 Graduating Doctor of Ministry Students

This was my Presidential charge to our graduating Doctor of Ministry students who were honored in Estes Chapel on May 20, 2022. The Latin word, caputium, refers to what we call today an academic hood. The term dates back to the 13th century and, originally, had no connection whatsoever to academic achievements. It was, quite […]

What’s Next for the “People called Methodist”?

The United Methodist Church has delayed the next General Conference to 2024. This, in turn, has prompted the Global Methodist Church to announce that the new denomination will be officially launched on May 1, 2022. What does this mean for those who are heralds of historic orthodoxy in the United Methodist Church? First, why 2024 […]

Side B Christians and the Restoration of Celibacy, part 3

This is the third and final part in this series on the restoration of celibacy and the role “Side B” Christians may play in its renewal. We have established the biblical truth that both marriage and celibacy are meant to mirror the marriage of Christ and his church. The reason Paul says celibacy is “better” […]

Side B Christians and the Restoration of Celibacy, part 2

This is the second part in this series exploring Christians who experience same sex attractions, but are committed to the Lordship of Jesus Christ, the authority of Scripture, and have embraced celibacy. This group of Christians are known as “Side B” Christians. My earlier blog pointed out how this group of Christians are helping the […]

Side B Christians and the Restoration of Celibacy, part 1

This is the first of a short series of blogs seeking to explore the rise of same-sex attracted men and women who have embraced celibacy. All of us are aware of the current conversations both with and about LGBT peoples and practices. Asbury Seminary was blessed a few weeks ago to host Dr. Preston Sprinkle […]

Are you tattooed for Jesus?

We love to see lists, don’t we? We are inundated with all kinds of lists such as the top wealthiest people in the country, the top candidates for G.O.A.T. status in every sport, or the top ten popular songs on iTunes. The Church likes lists, too. We often see lists such as the “largest churches […]