Hershael York is My Homey

With all apologies to all my SBTS professors that are dear to my heart, I may have decided on a favorite.  Hershael York has, in great detail, just posted on his experience at the Blackalicious and G Love and Special Sauce concert he and his wife attended with their son in Nashville. 

Hershael is fun and insightful in the classroom, and this post is right in that vein.  He leaves some reflections on the evening as well, and I'm thankful for them.

Memorable quotes...

I think it is safe to say that I am probably the only professor at Southern Seminary who has ever been to a G Love and Blackalicious concert.

I am not a hip hop fan, though I confess that I have a certain admiration when they 'freestyle.'

"She's got sauce--your baby's not sweet like mine" was a crowd favorite, as was "Booty Call," which was about precisely what you think it was about. "Two Birds" flew through the set and "Don't Drop It" didn't get dropped, but I kept hoping for him to do "Cold Beverages," a favorite of mine, though he never did.

Tanya and I...inadvertently found ourselves standing in the middle of the drinkers, smokers, and tokers. We could hear dying brain cells gasping their last shallow breaths.

I felt neither uncomfortable nor offended. I had seen all this before. I used to have my own band years ago, after all, and things haven't changed that much.

You want to know something strange? Do you know what I did during the concert? I prayed. My heart was breaking for many of the kids around me. In the middle of the music and surrounded by the revelry, mostly I felt sad. I knew that most of these kids did not understand that they are playing with fire. They didn't seem to consider the consequences that their actions lead to. But I did. I have counseled husbands whose wives were sexually promiscuous and it haunted them. I have had to sit with patients dying of aids that they contracted sexually. I have listened to men who have no attention span and cannot hold a job lament that they burned out their brains with drugs. I've counseled girls who had abortions, girls who had babies out of wedlock, young adults who have become addicted to alcohol and drugs. I am the guy who helps people put the shattered pieces of their lives back together after they realize that much of their fun is really bondage.

I was...reflecting on Richard Blackaby's poignant message on grace and entering the world of those who need it rather than just scolding them You can hear it here). Still, I thought, I just don't know what to do now that I am in their world.

Comments

[Richard A. Bailey]

I concur, Steve, on all points. York's post was quite encouraging and I think it demonstrates what I hope many of his students have seen, namely, he has a pastor's heart, which is burdened for those around him. Leanne and I have said to each other on several occasions that if we were able to situate ourselves in any pastor's ministry longterm that it would likely be Hershael's. He and Tanya are both amazing ministers and parents. Plus, they are loads of fun. Thanks again for pointing readers his way.

As an aside, reading your comments reminded me that (if memory serves me correctly) you and I were in his preaching class together . Of course, this should say nothing about York's abilities as a teacher. No one claimed he could work miracles. But it might say something about his patience and faithfulness.

[Ashlee]

I enjoyed his post as well. I haven't had York as a professor, but I do appreciate profs that are active in ministry and really genuinely care about people's salvation. I think I learn more from a professor that has a passion for redeeming others than those who know a lot but don't use it for the purpose of drawing others to Christ. I'll try not to vent. :)

[ScottyB]

this post highlighted for me exactly what I am seraching for in a education--a good example to follow--Prof York has the balance

we need to learn doctrine but we also need to learn orthopraxy--a wise man said knowledge not applied is like an abortion

[Eric Schumacher]

I love that last line:

"Still, I thought, I just don't know what to do now that I am in their world."

That encouraged me.