From the Inspirational Teacher's series:
Dr. Halstead, (warmly known as 'Doc'), the chairperson of the Biblical studies department at The Master's College and a great teacher. His interaction with students in and out of the classroom create an enduring relationship. Green students to the Bible gain long lasting memory and skill of scripture from his various assignments, including outlines. Doc is able to guide any beginning Bible student to a humble, robust knowledge and sincere conviction of God's word.
He is a welcoming professor to any freshman, a challenger to any upperclassman, and a tremendous friend to any graduate. His real knowledge, awareness, experience, and assessment of trials and suffering brings great delight to any authentic student. He is well-versed in multiple subject matters of scripture as well as life. He gives lasting wisdom that confronts life's hardest tests. He wants transformation in students well beyond the college years.
He loves the local church, his family, his professors, his college, and the Lord Jesus Christ. He even loves India! His truthful love makes a learning student dwell in prayer, in God's word, and in God's grace. He loves travel and humor, making his office an interesting and fun locale to the college campus. Thank you Doc!
Here's the Q and A:
- What inspired you to teach?
I really never planned to be a teacher. I had received my degrees in business. But the Lord changed my direction over a period of several years and I ended up going to seminary and being an associate pastor. I was asked to teach some courses at the college where I now am as an adjunct professor. After a couple years doing this, the college asked if I would come on full-time as a professor and I agreed. I have really grown to love teaching after I started teaching. Now I wouldn’t want to do anything else. - Why do you teach the way you teach?
I have always been more of a discussion-oriented practical teacher, not the pure academic lecturer. So in my classes I try to get beyond just the lecture to how it should impact our lives. I have always believed that it’s important to try and “scratch people where they itch” and I think practically applying the lectures can do that. It certainly doesn’t happen all the time, but it’s something I try to do. - What teacher has had the greatest influence on you (parent, elementary teacher, pastor, professor, friend, colleague, etc.)?
I can’t say there has been one teacher who has had the greatest influence on me. I have had several men over my years of life who have been very instrumental in my growth toward maturity. One of the most influential was an unbeliever who was like a dad to me and taught me much about life in my teen years. I was influenced by a college professor in my undergraduate work and wanted to emulate his teaching style. My senior pastor at the church where I was an associate was quite instrumental in teaching me how to preach and how to study the Word. So there have been several significant people in my life. - Why was the teacher so influential?
James 3:1 says that not many people should become teachers because they are under stricter judgement. The reason is that they influence, either for good or bad, the material they teach. Particularly in my case because I am teaching Scripture and theology, it is of utmost importance that I try and get it accurate, because students will be influenced and impacted by what I say and by the kind of life I am living. My greatest fear is that I would steer someone down the wrong path or teach wrong theology. Students may not agree with me but a teacher must be true to the Word of God in whatever he teaches, whether it is the Bible or science or music or whatever. We do influence students; they do listen and take what we say.
