The Lord’s Day
Minute for Mission: Johnson C. Smith Theological Seminary

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Psalm 14 denounces the rampant godlessness that occurs in our society when people become “God-forgetters” and go off in search of what the theologian refers to as “blessings that don’t bless, cures that don’t cure, and solutions that don’t solve.”

However, Johnson C. Smith Theological Seminary is educating a good crop of seminarians that has the perfect cure for this type of amnesia, the fear of God. This is not the fear of a tsunami-type peril, but a deep, abiding concern that the God who made them would not be pleased if they did not prepare themselves well to be good preachers and servants of the faith.

Erika Rembert is a good example of such a student. A first-year seminarian from the Presbytery of New Harmony, Erika’s ambition is to become a parish minister. Her devotion to walk in the favor of the Lord came as a result of her mother’s assurance that she could rely on God’s care and provision. Says Erika, “God has confirmed God’s call many times over, through others. I take seriously the work of Christ and Christ’s church, and I desire to be fully prepared for all aspects of ministry.”

Erika demonstrates a commendable commitment and excellence to the preparation for ministry. Her example can give hope to the hopeless, power to the powerless, and enlightenment to those who say in their hearts and souls, “There is no God.”

—Dr. David L. Wallace, Sr., dean, Johnson C. Smith Theological Seminary