Settling in Jacksonville

Well, we finally made it! We've been here a whole week now and most of our boxes are either unpacked or in storage. It's been an interesting transition going from a 7 room home to a bedroom and shared living/dining room and kitchen. We are living with our son and daughter-in law and it has been delightful. They are a great young couple to accommodate our living with them for the next few months. The weather is hot, but consistent. It is 90 degrees and sunny every day. Thank God for the invention of air conditioning.

Tova has started teaching at Biltmore School. It will be a challenge going from being a kindergarten teacher to a class full of rambunctious fifth graders. She is more than up to it. Tova is incredibly intelligent, works hard and loves teaching. We are proud of her.

Daniel will start working later this week. He will be working at a Barnes and Noble. His experience at Starbucks will come in handy when he works the cafe and his love for books will be put to use when he works the bookstore end of things. He has been a tremendous help in our move and welcoming us into his home.

I put in a few hours at Logos today. I met the entire staff and introduced myself and what I will be bringing to the College and Graduate School. My official title is Dean of Academic Administration. I will be responsible for coordinating, overseeing and developing much of the academic and administrative aspects of the school. I will also teach courses, create courses and develop the internet school. My plate is full, but I'm looking forward to rolling up my sleeves.

Logos is primarily a distance learning school. Although we have established a number of church based institutes worldwide, our training leaders over the internet is our principle endeavor. In the past a student would have to uproot his/herself and family to go to a standard campus based college. Now they can study at home with all kinds of interaction with their professors and work at a pace that suits their schedule. No commuting is necessary. I think it is much better stewardship of time. The next generation will find this a welcome innovation. The older ones will have a traditional mindset that probably won't understand that this can be an excellent way to train for ministry while putting into practice what they are learning directly into their local churches.

I'm believing that this will be my last ministry assignment. I would like to think that I have about 15-20 years of productive ministry left. To spend this time training up the next generation of leaders warms my heart. My thirty years of pastoral ministry and my professional training gives me a great sense of confidence in communicating with future pastors, missionaries and lay leaders.

I hope to settle in to being able to post every couple of days or so. Tune in. And especially let me know that you are by emailing me, or commenting on the posts.