Phillip A. Bishop,
Exercise Physiology,
University of Alabama
[May 1, 2011] —
As a Christian prof, I am the subject of evaluations by my students, a process both pleasurable and painful each semester. But what about my evaluation by the Teacher Himself?
I have taught Sunday school, and served on Church boards, and even spoken from the pulpit. All of this is fine. I am glad to serve in my congregation. But God has given me an opportunity to have a tremendous impact for good outside the confines of our local congregation.
On campus I have students of many religious and philosophical persuasions, including those who would never attend any church, and who are unlikely to attend any Christian student group on campus. I have close and lengthy contact with a couple dozen graduate students. And, on every campus I have visited, even small ones, I have seen a good number of international students. I may be as close as they get during the semester to really knowing someone who claims to follow Christ.
No Bully Pulpit
Neither my classroom or my lab is a bully pulpit; students are there to learn about exercise physiology, or at least that’s what they are paying for. Students can check out my story online (MeetTheProf.com), grab coffee in the Ferguson Student Union, or in the case of a brave few, join me for a morning run if they want to know more about the Savior. I do hope my demeanor both inside and outside the classroom reflects the One I worship. I may not have many talents, but I certainly have many opportunities.
Jesus tells one, or likely two (Matt 25; Luke 19), parables about talents and stewardship. In both parables, it doesn’t matter how large the resource is, what matters is that it is invested wisely. In I Corinthians 3, Paul talks about our works as believers being judged by fire. In Revelation 20:11-12, there is an accounting for those who have arrived in heaven through the rich grace of the blood of Christ.
My years as a teacher will one day be judged by the Teacher. And this has me reflecting.
Am I making the most of the opportunities God has provided me?
Ought I not to be deeply engaged in ministry at my university?
With Intentionality
I realize this plays out differently for each of us; I am affected not only by the climate in my department, but also by the particulars of my season of life and demands on my time and family. I find that I do have to approach each day with intentionality, seeking to represent Christ.
I just don’t want to use my activity at church as an excuse for my lack of ministry on campus. Because I spend 10 times more hours at the university than at church, should my impact be at least somewhat proportionate? To whom much is given…
© 2011 Phillip A. Bishop