The PC Experience
So I didn't get but one update out during our time at the PC and for that I apologize. I do want to give a post-Pastor's College update and share some of what the PC was all about. And know this, that I cannot give adequate explanation to all that God has done during this time, but here is some of the consistent blessings that we received.
When we arrived, we were immersed into relationship with 22 other men and their families. From the beginning of the year there was a unique sense of unity that was only of God, and it was maintained throughout the school year. This set a context for learning from one another and being challenged by one another. Each of these men exuded spiritual qualities that were personally challenging and such an opportunity to be significantly affected by them could only have taken place in a setting like the PC.
Also, the teaching was exceptional. Each week we had a different class in which a couple hundred pages were read and tests or projects were completely (and we had greek class every Friday!). Each week typically brought about a new teacher. Some were world-class scholars and others were experienced pastors. A few of my favorite weeks came from Mike Bullmore, Ian Duguid, Jerry Bridges and each of the classes that Jeff Purswell taught. These classes provided challenging academics that consistently maintained pastoral insights.
Most weeks we had the opportunity to gather together in our fellowship group which consisted of four other men from the PC. This gave us an opportunity to share our challenges with one another and give care when needed. These were rich times of fellowship and prayer.
There are simply too many rich blessings that the Lord allowed us the opportunity to partake of at the PC and a blogpost seems so small to summarize them. We give thanks to God for his good plans and for his good gifts along the way, both of which are anchored in the person and work of Christ that has made all of this possible. Here is video that summarizes our year at the PC.
We've arrived back in Philly excited by what God has been doing and what we believe he will continue to do. We will provide posts explaining the next steps in our journey toward a church plant here in Northeast Philadelphia as we take those steps.
Thank you so much for your prayers and contributions. Please continue to pray for God's work here in Philly!
In Christ,
Dan and Jodi Birkholz