Firstfruits of a New Creation

by Doug Serven (General Editor)

Jerram Barrs is Professor of Christian Studies and Contemporary Culture at Covenant Theological Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri. A student of the late Francis Schaeffer, Professor Barrs joined the seminary faculty after eighteen years with L’Abri Fellowship in England, where he also served as a pastor in the International Presbyterian Church. As Founder and Senior Scholar-in-Residence of the Francis A. Schaeffer Institute, Jerram is widely respected for the breadth of his teaching interests, and he is especially known for the sensitivity he brings toward those outside of the Christian faith. This volume is an expression of thanks for Jerram’s life and ministry and his founding of the Francis A. Schaeffer Institute thirty years ago. In its pages, former students, current colleagues, and gifted friends from various institutions and ministries, lend their talents to unpacking a variety of themes broadly reflective of Jerram’s own interests. These chapters touch spiritual formation, cultural engagement, the Christian’s embrace of the arts, and apologetics and outreach.

286 pages, Paperback

Published September 18, 2019

Reviews

[Dave · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many Evangelical Christians are familiar with the name, Francis Schaeffer, whose writings continue to edify, equip and encourage Christians today in their interactions with non-Christians and modern cultural trends and influences. Jerram Barrs may not be a name you are familiar with, but he is worth knowing! This book is written in appreciation for, and in a sense, presenting applications from, Jerram's long ministry at Covenant Seminary in general, and the Francis A. Schaeffer Institute there in particular. Editor Doug Serven has gathered a diverse group of people who have known and been influenced by Jerram to write 14 essays that express both appreciation and understanding of the themes of Jerram's ministry and the character of his life. The book is divided into three sections based on the themes of Being Human (the title of one of Jerram's early books), Engaging Culture (one of Jerram's great interests), and Sharing Christ (one of Jerram's passions). In reading this book, I was reminded again of the grace and sensitivity of Jerram's ministry and teaching. A video series of his apologetic method nearly twenty years ago now, was titled, "Building Bridges and Tearing Down Walls" and that is an apropos description of the way Jerram conducts his life, and teaches his students how to share Christ. Some highlights of the book for me were Wade Bradshaw's chapter on "Undeserved Suffering", which gives a very Biblical perspective to suffering in a fallen world, and references the way Jerram endured a painful medical struggle for many years; the late Dr. David Clyde Jones essay on "Christ and Character", giving some of Jerram's history but also explaining the Biblical basis and means of growth in Christian character, and Zack Eswine's closing chapter on "Apologetic Communication", a very Jerram-esque chapter that is crucial in our angry, politicized, and fragmented age. One extra feature was a collection of short stories (or even paragraphs) at the end with personal recollections of some of Jerram's students.

Again, you may not know the name Jerram Barrs, but after reading this book, you will want to, or failing that, you will want to imitate his character and heart, as the book demonstrates how Christ has formed and used him in the lives of many. Thanks to Doug Serven for an early PDF of this work, and I was under no obligation to write a positive review - I just really wanted to because it warranted one!