This year’s Effective Preaching Workshop will focus on 1 Peter. Join us on the Southwestern Seminary campus on October 5, 8:30am – 4:15pm. Click here for more information.
Name?
- Michael Criner
Current Ministry Role?
- Sr. Pastor of First Baptist Church of Rockwall (TX)
Education (college and seminary)?
- D.Min – Christian Worldview and Cultural Engagement (SWBTS, 16); M.Div w/ Languages (SWBTS, 07); BA – Christian Studies (Howard Payne University, 03)
Tell us about your family.
- Michael Criner serves as Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church in Rockwall, Texas. He and his wife, Abigail, have been married for over two decades and are grateful parents to three daughters who keep life joyful, active, and wonderfully full.
Favorite Book of the Bible?
- While choosing a favorite book of the Bible often depends on the season of life, Ephesians has long been one of Michael’s favorite books of the Bible because of its sweeping vision of God’s grace, the beauty of the Church, and the call for believers to live in a manner worthy of their calling in Christ.
What do you think is the most interesting facet of the Book of 1 Peter?
- As he studies 1 Peter, he is particularly drawn to Peter’s emphasis on Christian identity; that believers are “elect exiles” who are called to live with both conviction and hope in a world that often misunderstands them. Few themes feel more timely or pastorally necessary.
Best book on theology or preaching that you have read in the last year?
- Among the books he has read in the last year, Preaching in the New Testament (Volume 42) (New Studies in Biblical Theology) by Jonathan Griffiths has been especially helpful as he contends that the authoritative public proclamation of God’s Word remains a distinct and necessary ministry in the post-apostolic church.
