JUNE 24, 1917 - OCTOBER 21, 1999
|
 |
 |
|
These Things I Remember
from Carl N. Price, Pastor
LaGuardo Baptist Church
Lebanon, Tennessee
- I entered the seminary in the Fall of l958. Due to the loss of several
professors the previous Spring, I had three fellows, two of whom were pressed
into service at the last minute, and Dr. Wayne Oates who taught Psychology of
Religion 151. That course at that specific time changed my understanding of
my calling, saved my ministry, and perhaps saved my life. For many years I
have considered Dr. Oates the best teacher I had in college and seminary. I
have thanked God for many years that in His providence I was exposed to his
influence when I was.
- I will always
remember how he started his classes that semester - with scripture, an
inspiring story, and prayer. A few weeks ago I used THE STEEP ASCENT by Anne
Morrow Lindberg in a sermon. Dr. Oates used it 41 years ago this Fall
to begin our class; the only time I had ever heard it used. I have
never forgotten how I felt that day.
- I will always remember what
Dr. Oates shared with us one day at the beginning of the class. Rumors had been
circulating around the campus that Dr. Oates had been offered a position at
Union Theological Seminary in New York, and that, of course, he would be
accepting the position. He started class that day by setting the record
straight. He said several things, but what I remember is that he said,
"God didn't call me to teach those fellows up there. God called me to teach
you fellows and I want you to know that I will be here with you."
- I only had Dr. Oates for that one
course. I have read most of his books and from time to time I attended
conferences he led. I was never one of his students in the sense of taking
advanced or graduate seminars under him. Yet, I consider him at the head of
the stream of a truly pastoral ministry to which God has called me, in which
He has led me and for which I was born. When THE STRUGGLE TO BE FREE became
available to us I used it as the basis for a series of book review messages
in prayer meeting, taking it chapter by chapter. I have repeated that series
in each pastorate since.
|
| HOME|OATES
JOURNAL|LEARNING CENTER|THE
INSTITUTE|MEMBERSHIP|OATES
LEGACY|RESOURCES|CONTACT
WEOI|
Copyright © 1998-2004 by The
Wayne E. Oates Institute. All rights reserved.
1101-A Cherokee Road / Louisville, Kentucky 40204
A. Christopher Hammon, Internet Project
Developer
Last updated: July 21, 20004
|