Respecting The Past While Planning For The Future
By Jackie M. Stearsman, Director

Every congregation of the Lord’s church (or work of the church) must be clearly anchored in the truth set forth in the past, but it must also set goals and objectives for the future. Joshua was told to pay close attention to the Law of Moses as he led the Israelites into the promised land (Josh. 1:1-18). Caleb, and the contemporary generation entering the land, with but few exceptions, followed the will of the Lord and subdued the land (Josh. 21:43-45).

Practical Reflections

The Florida School of Preaching was established on a firm foundation. The goal has always been to strengthen the churches in the State of Florida, and to train faithful servants in the cause of Christ. The Florida School of Preaching had strong and dedicated leaders to begin the work. B. C. Carr and G. K. Wallace, with the encouragement of the South Florida Avenue congregation in Lakeland, Florida, along with others who joined their ranks, carried the school forward
from having classes part-time to a full-time schedule.

As the board of directors selected Brian R. Kenyon to become the next director of the Florida School of Preaching, the foundation is being maintained as the progress of training men to strengthen churches not only in Florida but throughout the world is the persistent goal. Brian, being a product of the school, understands the roots of the school and has faithfully served the school for a number of years. Along with Brian are other men who are products of the school and are standing at his side as the school looks to the future.

Ted Wheeler and his wife, Renee, are products of the school. Ted and Renee lived in Ghana, West Africa, for five years following their completion of studies at the school. Ted has returned for more than a quarter of a century to establish churches there and strengthen the churches in various locations in Ghana. Ted is a part of the faculty that will be serving with Brian as the school moves forward.

Gene Burgett is a product of the school. Gene has for a number of years taught classes both at the South Florida Avenue location as well as extension classes in High Springs and in Alachua, Florida. Gene also serves as the director of public relations for the Florida School of Preaching. He will be by Brian’s side as the school progresses into the future, building on the foundation started by the original founders of the school.

Maurice Davis is a product of the school, and he has taught classes for a number of years. Brother Davis is the minister of the Sixth Street congregation in Lakeland. He has served on the board of directors, and he will continue to be a part of the faculty as the school moves forward under the board and direction given by brother Kenyon.

Mike Elledge is a product of the school. Mike preaches for the Spring Head congregation in Plant City, Florida. Mike has taught classes in the extension system and is presently teaching a class at South Florida Avenue.

Bob Bauer is a product of the school. Bob preaches for the Orange Street congregation in Auburndale, Florida, where he also serves as one of the elders. Bob, like Ted, has gone to Ghana for a number of years starting congregations and strengthening the brethren there. Bob teaches an extension class of the school that meets in the Orange Street church building in Auburndale.

In addition to those who are products of the school, there are others like brother J. H. Blackman, Jr., who has taught classes for the school for a number of years. J. H. is the preacher for the North Lakeland congregation, in Lakeland, Florida, and also serves as secretary of the board of directors. Congregations requesting an extension class in their area work with the school’s board of directors. Local churches are strengthened as faculty from their area are selected by their elderships and approved by the board of directors so that these classes conform to the standards set by the board and detailed in the school catalog. At the present time these include Stephen C. Atnip, who preaches for the Black Creek congregation, Middleburg, Florida, and teaches in the extension class in Jacksonville, Florida. James S. Colwell preaches for the Wesconnett congregation in Jacksonville, Florida, where he, like Stephen, teaches classes in the extension program meeting in their building. Miles Peeples preaches for the Chaffee Road congregation, and teaches an extension class in the Wesconnett rotation of classes.

Pride And Confidence

As the Florida School of Preaching moves forward with Brian R. Kenyon as the director, the supporters and students can rest assured that the school will be rooted in the stability that has characterized the school from the beginning. Any institution must plan on reproducing the components which give it legitimacy, while always seeking new and better ways to accomplish the tasks assigned it. I am confident that the Florida School of Preaching is doing this.

The Florida School of Preaching has avoided the extremes that have often plagued works of the church. Informed souls are aware that most of the time these extreme positions self-destruct. There will always be those who think they can better direct someone else’s business (1 Pet. 4:15), but have great difficulty managing their own. With the stability that characterized the beginning of the school, and the finished products of the school as faculty along with faithful and stable leaders upholding the school, the Florida School of Preaching should continue to be of service in training servants of the Lord. To this end we are confident in the present status of the school and having nothing but good in view as Brian R. Kenyon and the dedicated faculty take the school forward. They deserve our continued and expanded support.

Principles of Perpetuation
by Brian R. Kenyon

The nation of Israel came into being by the mighty hand of God through the events surrounding the deliverance of His people from Egyptian bondage (Ex. 1-15). Following this defining event in Israel’s history, Moses showed himself a great leader of God’s people. Inspiration testifies: “And there arose not a prophet since in Israel like unto Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face” (Deut. 34:10). Moses, however, could not lead Israel forever.
In fact, no human being can lead forever on this earth. After all, if nothing else, “it is appointed unto men once to die” (Heb. 9:27). Thus, it is wise to plan ahead for leadership to continue. As the Florida School of Preaching will undergo a change of directorship over the next year, examining principles of perpetuating the soundness and purpose of the school are in order. Perhaps the greatest example of the transferal of leadership found in the Bible is the transition that took place from Moses to Joshua. Let us examine three principles from God’s charge to Joshua concerning the perpetuation of leadership that includes the perpetuation of the very Biblical qualities and sound goals upon which the Florida School of Preaching was instituted and has always stood.

Planning Ahead

God’s charge to Joshua is introduced with the following words: “Now after the death of Moses the servant of the Lord it came to pass, that the Lord spake unto Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ minister, saying” (Josh. 1:1). From these opening words, two truths emerge. First, present earthly leadership cannot continue forever. Again, Moses was a great leader, but he too must “go the way of all the earth” (1 Kgs. 2:2). Since God is all-knowing, nothing takes Him by surprise, and so the unfolding of history is in a sense according to His will (cf. Dan. 4:17). We, on the other hand are not omniscient; thus, we must plan according to God’s will (Jas. 4:15). Included in those plans must be the transferal of leadership at some point in the future. How many institutions, local churches included, have fallen apart or even ceased existing because no plans were made concerning future leadership?

Second, Joshua being referred to as “Moses’ minister” (Josh. 1:1) indicates that he was already prepared for leadership. Joshua was not a new comer. Most notably, he faithfully served in battle (Ex. 17:8-16), and he was one of only two spies who had faith enough in God to take the land (Num. 14:6-10).

The school’s board of directors and Jackie M. Stearsman are to be commended for planning ahead. As the previous article stated, faithful personnel are in place who are familiar with the school, its purpose, and its guide, the Bible.

Practical Aspects

God charged the new leader of Israel, “now therefore arise...5as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. 6Be strong and of a good courage...7Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest. 8This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein” (Josh. 1:2-8a).

From this instruction, note three principles of application that are necessary for the perpetuation of leadership and purpose in the Lord. First, “now therefore arise” indicates that the work must continue no matter who is involved with leadership. We must not lose sight of the goal (cf. Phil. 3:12-14; Heb. 12:1-2). We must not procrastinate, for none of us are promised tomorrow (cf. Ps. 27:1). When an organization is properly prepared, a change of leadership will not thwart its pursuit of its purpose, but will continue in stride of its goal.

Second, the repeated mention of strength and courage (Josh. 1:6-7, 9) assures us that courage is needed at times of leadership change. If doing God’s will under “normal” circumstances requires great courage, how much more so at times like these? Joshua displayed great courage to spy out the land (Num. 13:17-20). Joshua also exhibited great courage to trust in God that they could take the land in the face of overwhelming doubt among his peers (Josh. 14:6-9).

Third, the focus on God’s “book of the law” necessitates our obedience to God. Although Joshua lived under the Law of Moses, which law is now done away (2 Cor. 3:7, 11, 14), the principle of keeping God’s law still applies. If we are to accomplish the work God has set before us, we must adhere to God’s authority (Col. 3:17). God’s word must permeate our souls (Ps. 1:2; 119:97), and dictate our lives (Jas. 1:22).

Promise of Success

If Joshua began at once, had courage, and observed God’s law, God promised, “then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. 9Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest” (Josh. 1:8b-9). Joshua did meet the God-given conditions and was, therefore, successful (cf. Josh. 24:29-31).

Paul asked the question, whose answer is obvious, “If God be for us, who can be against us?” (Rom. 8:31). Be assured, the Florida School of Preaching will continue to be faithful and fulfill its purpose in the Lord—training preachers and preparing souls to better serve the Lord. Some may be against us, but with God for us, they cannot defeat us. As has always been the case, we could not fulfill our purpose without your help. We ask for your continued
prayers and financial support as we continue this great purpose for which we began in 1969.