From Wales to America and Back Again: Lessons from a Life in Ministry with Derek Thomas

In this episode, Kevin is joined by his friend and RTS colleague, Derek Thomas as the two of them talk about pastoring, preaching, and why Derek loves Columbia, South Carolina. Derek shares about his conversion (through reading John Stott), some terrible advice from his vicar, and the differences between pastoring at a small church and at a big church. You’ll also hear the story of how Derek and Ligon Duncan were finalists for the same ministerial position (which went to Ligon!). As Derek nears retirement, this episode is a great opportunity to listen to some of the lessons he’s learned in almost five decades of ministry.

Timestamps:

0:00: Intro and Sponsor

1:11: Guest: Derek Thomas

14:52: Geoffrey Thomas and Wales

25:00: Early Ministry

30:50: Large Churches

37:03: Academia and the Pastorate

41:34: Preaching

52:30: Sponsor 2

53:17: Suffering and Heaven

55:30: Crystallizing Convictions

59:25: Most Formative Authors

Books:

In the Shadow of the Rock: An Autobiography

Thoughts on Preaching and Pastoral Ministry: Lessons from the Life and Writings of James W. Alexander

Come, Lord Jesus: Meditations on the Second Coming of Christ