Posts by Ben Shin

Ben Shin

Benjamin C. Shin has served in the ministry as a pastor, parachurch leader and professor for more than 20 years. He is a graduate of UCLA, Talbot School of Theology and Dallas Theological Seminary. He enjoys reading, music, sports (especially the UCLA Bruins) and spending time with people. His vision and passion includes mentoring leaders, rebuilding churches and teaching the Word of God. He is married to his bride, Jen, and has two wonderful boys named Adam and Zachary. He currently serves as Associate Professor of Bible Exposition and Director of the Asian-American Ministry track for the Doctor of Ministry at Talbot School of Theology in La Mirada, Calif.

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• The Good Book Blog

  Lessons on Leadership, Pt. 5: Abusing Biblical Power

  Ben Shin — November 17, 2011

  Leading people is never an easy task. It takes great skill and character to lead people effectively. It also takes time, effort, and patience to work with people and to lead them well. All of this is part of building a relationship. Unfortunately, many leaders take “shortcuts” in trying to work with people especially in the church. These leaders are not so concerned about the well-being of the common good but may be more bent towards controlling the people with biblical power sources such as the Bible. This entry will explore and potentially warn against these misuses and will respond with appropriate biblical refutations.

• The Good Book Blog

  Lessons on Leadership, Pt. 4: Plurality Vs. Singularity

  Ben Shin — September 29, 2011

  One the trickiest situations within leadership, has to do with how many people should be leading the church. Many people and cultures would strongly suggest a singular or monarchial type leader for the church while others would suggest a plurality of leaders. Which one is correct? Which model is the wisest? And what does the Word of God says about this? This entry will suggest that the Scriptures prescribe a plurality of leadership as being the wisest and most widely practiced model for leadership for the church.

• The Good Book Blog

  Lessons on Leadership from the Pastoral Epistles, Pt. 3-Choosing the Right Leaders

  Ben Shin — June 21, 2011

  Choosing the right leaders helps determine good leadership. This is true for every organization that requires leadership. Even the business world understands this important axiom. Jim Collins for example in his book Good to Great uses the analogy of getting the “right people on the bus” before any kind of leadership could move, develop, or flourish. This is not only a proven principle from experience but also something that the Pastoral Epistles certainly emphasizes. This is why following the prescription of what makes a good leader according to the Word of God is so crucial for the church. Without referring to the qualities mentioned in the Scripture, potentially wrong criteria could be imposed in choosing leaders for the church and this would be tragic!

• The Good Book Blog

  Lessons on Leadership from the Pastoral Epistles, Pt. 2-Multiplying Mentorship

  Ben Shin — May 17, 2011

  The whole mentorship movement continues to increase in popularity especially within the church. Many young people today are seeking out mentors. This even seems to be a value for the younger generation. But in actuality, this movement is not a new one at all but rather one that dates back even to the first century.

• The Good Book Blog

  Lessons on Leadership from the Pastoral Epistles, Pt. 1-"Paying Close Attention to Yourself"

  Ben Shin — April 07, 2011

  Leadership in the church is certainly not an easy task. It requires great diligence, faithfulness, time, energy, competence, and spirituality. The weekly demands of a pastor, for example, is much more than just preparing a sermon (even though the prep time certainly takes up a good portion of the week!). There are staff meetings, visitations, administrative duties, and many other responsibilities. Add to this, the personal responsibility of family and home life and you get a pretty full week! So how can a leader in ministry keep up all of these things, maintain a Spirit-filled life, fruitful ministry, and do so without going insane?

• Biola Magazine

  Are Novelty Bibles a Good Thing?

  Ben Shin — February 28, 2009

  These days, there are about as many versions and translations of the Bible as there are flavors of ice cream at the supermarket. Whoever you are...

• Biola Magazine

  Unjustifiably ‘Undignified’

  Does a Popular Praise Song Ignore the Biblical Context?

  Ben Shin — December 31, 2005

  Praise and worship are a huge part of the Christian experience. We are encouraged throughout the Psalms to praise the Lord. We are also called by...