Dick Lucas
Rector Emeritus of St Helen’s, Bishopsgate and founder of The Proclamation Trust
The London Cornhill started as a hopeful, but enthusiastic, experiment. After a dozen or so years under David Jackman’s fine leadership, with more people applying each year than can be accommodated, any doubts as to its usefulness have disappeared.
The pattern of a year’s serious study of Scripture, specially designed with those in mind who hope to have a preaching, or teaching, ministry, plus a church placement where oversight and help can be received locally, as well as opportunities taken for ministry and practical service, has proved a ‘winner’.
It seems that in days when young converts often have little Bible background this course meets a real need. It is also clear that in the sometimes hostile, often unhelpful, atmosphere of academic theology, this preparation is invaluable and stabilizing for ordinands. Further, it is evident that Cornhill is a significant opportunity for those who come to discover whether or not ‘word ministry’ is for them.
So I could go on. It will be clear that I am an enthusiast for this type of training, and believe that under Dr Philip’s wise chairmanship plans for a Scottish course will be governed by his own commitment to ‘preaching the Word’. May this great new venture surpass all that has been achieved so far.
Dr D A Carson
Research Professor of New Testament, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Deerfield, Illinois
Those of us who have closely watched the ways in which the Cornhill course in England has helped many people understand their Bibles better, and learn, too, better ways of teaching them, cannot help but rejoice over the inauguration of The Cornhill Training Course in Scotland.
In a time of considerable spiritual dearth and remarkable biblical illiteracy, we should be grateful to God for every instrument that God raises up to combat these discouraging and evil trends. Moreover, the choice of Edward Lobb as Scottish Cornhill's first Director is already ample evidence of God's blessing on the endeavour.
I have had the privilege of watching Mr Lobb in several settings, but above all in his responsibilities as minister in charge in St Peter's, Stapenhill, Burton-on-Trent. That is the church my wife and I almost invariably attend when we are visiting her family in the Midlands — and never have we come away unfed. Edward Lobb has a remarkable ability to get across what Scripture says straightforwardly, simply (without descending to the simplistic), attractively — and his personal gifts of friendship strike me as no less honed.
I earnestly hope and pray that Christian leaders in Scotland will quickly recognize the gospel potential of Cornhill Scotland, and lend it their support.
David Jackman
President, The Proclamation Trust
Learning to handle the Bible with faithfulness and accuracy and to communicate it to others with clarity and relevance is the heart of the vision for the Cornhill Training Course in Scotland. It offers a year's investment towards a lifetime's ministry, in developing practical skills tied in to front line experience in local churches. The agenda is specific and focused. The goal is to see God raise up a new gospel work-force,
equipped to preach and teach his unchanging Word throughout the land.
Its location in Glasgow is strategic for its accessibility, not only from Scotland, but also from Ireland and northern England. Its duration for one academic year makes it feasible for people at different stages and from varying backgrounds to enrol for this excellent foundation training. It is especially valuable for young people who are seeking to discern God's will for their long-term future, with gospel ministry very much in view.
I am delighted that the course will be full-time and that it will begin under the expert leadership of Edward Lobb in 2006. I warmly commend it to the churches as a valuable new opportunity to deepen and strengthen Biblical ministry, both in Scotland and further afield.
Tim Keller
Senior Pastor, Redeemer Presbyterian Church, New York City, New York
I'm delighted to endorse the new Cornhill Training Course in Scotland. As crucial and irreplaceable as theological training is, it does not usually prepare us well for the actual practice of preaching, teaching, and pastoring. The Cornhill training, however, bridges the gap between school and our work. It develops skill in the core function of gospel ministry—understanding and clearly communicating God's Word to people.
There's no better place location for such a ministry in Scotland than the very heart of its largest city, Glasgow. Having worked with Willie Philip over the years, I know that (as chairman) he's the one to oversee this enterprise.
Alistair Begg
Senior Pastor, Parkside Church, Cleveland, Ohio
If I could begin my pastoral ministry all over again, I would sign up for the Cornhill Training Course — especially now that it is offered in my own city, Glasgow. Having benefited at a distance from its instruction, I cannot commend it highly enough.
Who knows but that this course will serve to see the fulfillment of Glasgow's ancient motto:
"Let Glasgow flourish by the preaching of Your Word..."
And not only this city, but the cities of the world!