PAST SCHOOLS OF THEOLOGY
by Peter MastersFROM SWORD & TROWEL 2003 No
2
Reviewing 28 years
Back in 1976 - the year of the first Tabernacle School of Theology - the aim
was rather different from now. In that year the School was held over two weeks, the day
sessions being equipped with desks, and following a more conventional teaching format. Dr
Geoff Adams and the Rev Wilfred Bauman came from Toronto Baptist Seminary to provide
a crash NT Greek reading course, with systematic theology and other topics. There were, of
course, UK speakers also.
From the beginning our burden was to address vital issues not being taken on
board by existing conferences and annual assemblies catering for the reformed, independent
community of churches. New problems had been rearing their heads since the early 1960s,
and these were clearly dividing and confusing Gospel churches, yet no conference seemed
willing to challenge them. Most either focused on historical themes or general doctrinal and
devotional matters, and important as these were, the conservative evangelical scene was
moving into turmoil and declining effectiveness.
When, in the 1970s, the Tabernacle convened a Day of Special Studies on
the charismatic issue, it was the very first such public conference on this subject ever held
in Britain, and this was after more than a decade of charismatic infiltration into our
churches. ‘Cessationism’ had become an almost unmentionable word.
Down the years the School of Theology and allied Days of Special Study
have (alongside topics to encourage doctrine and soul-winning) addressed the increasingly
worldly worship scene, the need for a renewal of evangelistic preaching, the rationalisation
of interpretation, the implementation of biblical separation, and other errors being used by
Satan to weaken, compromise and maim the Gospel cause.
Other conferences are still generally reluctant to touch the current dangers
that confront us. Some even encourage them.
By 1977, to cater more effectively for steeply rising numbers (produced by
the popular Days of Special Study) the format of the School of Theology became more akin
to a conference. A large panel of UK speakers drew hundreds, the sole overseas lecturer
being the greatly loved veteran Dr Hugh Farrell, former Carmelite monk, whose inimitable
treatment of the errors of Catholicism never failed to stir concern for Catholics, and loyalty
to the Bible. Photographs show the main lecture hall packed with over 350 people.
In 1978 the overseas guest speaker was Dr Arnold Dallimore, Canadian
pastor and author of the acclaimed biography of George Whitefield. A diminutive man, he
was the possessor of an immensely compelling style of narrative and anecdote. In that year
there were ten UK speakers, and the School ran from midday Monday to the end of Friday
afternoon.
1979 was a very special year, the overseas guest being the remarkable Bible
commentator Dr William Hendriksen. Although aged 79, and speaking publicly for the
second time since his retirement from pastoral ministry fourteen years previously (to devote
himself to his commentaries), his messages were outstanding in every way - disarmingly
simple, yet profound, winning and memorable. These addresses were entirely committed to
memory - including the Bible readings - Dr Hendriksen having a completely clear lectern
before him. Those present say they can hear him now when reading his books, and who
wouldn’t, given his transparent genuineness and warmth, and his American-tinged-with-
Dutch accent. (Dr Hendriksen went to be with the Lord in 1981, and his widow, Rita, was
called home only last year.)
In 1980 Dr John Whitcomb, theologian and co-author of The Genesis
Flood, paid his first visit to lecture on evolution and the Bible. He was at the very
peak of his unique presentational excellence, explaining complex matters in an ingenious
and captivating way. Pastors and Christian workers were enthralled throughout. It was not
to be his only visit.
The following year his co-author of The Genesis Flood, scientist
Dr Henry Morris, made his distinctive contribution. No man has done more to re-establish
commitment to creation among evangelicals than he - a brilliant yet altogether unassuming
man, whose spiritual books exceed in quality and depth the efforts of many writing pastors.
In 1982 Dr Clifford Wilson - a great eater of microphones however far away
they are placed - was our overseas guest. Australian archaeologist, pastor, and best-selling
author, he spoke on the role and the limitations of biblical archaeology, addresses this writer
still remembers well. He also gave an ‘insider’ view of the great names and personalities of
the archaeological world.
Alongside him as overseas guest was the late Dr Kenneth Good, who traced
the history of Calvinism among USA Baptists, together with their various debates.
Other overseas speakers through the years have included Dr Jay Adams (a
frequent visitor), and Dr Ernest Pickering (1984), whose gentlemanly manner and patent
sincerity clothed his passionate concern for biblical separation with a special authority.
Dr Simon Kistemaker, who has completed Dr Hendriksen’s New Testament
commentary series, brought fascinating observations on Luke’s Gospel, in
1988, and Dr James Grier, much appreciated ethicist and theologian from Grand Rapids,
paid his first of several visits in 1990.
Dr Martin Bobgan, whose books analysing the ‘psychologising’ of
evangelicalism have led to its rejection by many pastors, came first in 1990, attendance
registration by this time exceeding 450. Dr Dan Clair Davis, then Professor of Church
History at Westminster Seminary, USA, spoke in 1992, and Prof F LaGard Smith, a US law
academic, addressed the homosexuality issue in 1994.
Dr Michael Haykin, well-known church historian, always an excellent
presenter and applier of his material, came first in 1997. In recent years Dr Joel Beeke,
pastor, seminary president and writer, has been immensely appreciated, and so have David
A Reed, expert on the Watchtower, Dr Richard Mayhue, Dean of Master’s Seminary, Los
Angeles, and Dr John Gilmore, pastor and author of Probing Heaven.
Dr Gary Almy - a former professor of psychiatry - in 2001 brought clear
warnings against psychiatric dogma, coupled with counsel on the local church’s role in
helping troubled people.
For several years now the meetings have moved up into, and filled, the
sanctuary for all sessions. A great practical help arrived three years ago with the installation
of full air-conditioning. The vital week in July has often seen the hottest days of the year,
with London at its most humid.
Usually, UK speakers have outnumbered overseas guests (in past years by as
much as seven-to-one), but the latter have given the lion’s share of the lectures. This article
names the overseas men, but our debt to many excellent UK speakers who have served over
the years is considerable.
The School of Theology has become a most welcome time of fellowship
annually for pastors, Christian workers and others from throughout the UK and overseas,
especially those who take a stand on key matters and desire to be faithful to the old paths.
We hope to maintain an emphasis on topics most necessary and helpful to spiritual advance
and soul-winning in churches, and for the encouragement of pastors and leaders. We have
been delighted to see a great increase in the number of younger men, and feel a weight of
privilege and responsibility in devising programmes that will be strongly inspirational and
helpful.
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