I am delighted that Mickey Klink, Associated Professor of Biblical and Theological Studies at Biola University is jump-starting this new addition of "Getting to Know..."
1.
Tell us a bit about your background, family,
etc.
I was born in northern Illinois, in the city of Rockford,
raised by a wonderful single mom, and actively involved in an EFCA church. I
met my wife in college and we married in 1999. We have three kids, two boys (ages 7 and 5) and a girl (age 1), and are living as
aliens and strangers (Mid-westerners) in southern California. We are actively
involved in our local church, our local public school, and at the University at
which I teach.
2.
Could you share a bit about your educational
journey beginning at Trinity International and culminating at St. Andrews where
you studied under Richard Bauckham?
I went to Trinity (undergrad) because I was recruited to
play football there by Leslie Frazier, the current head coach for the Minnesota
Vikings. The university does not have the academic strength of my current
university, but for me and my situation in life it was a wonderful place. I was
introduced to the study of the Bible by some loving professors, and was cared
for pastorally by several wonderful men.
I left Trinity for two years to study at Dallas
Theological Seminary, but returned to finish my MDiv at Trinity (TEDS). I loved
DTS, but felt the pull to go back to Trinity for both academic and personal
reasons. Toward the end of my MDiv I was sensing that academic work might
become a possibility for me, so I stayed on to do a ThM in New Testament – an
excellent decision. My ThM coursework and thesis allowed me to more fully
establish my general knowledge of NT studies, as well as the skills needed for
doctoral work. I also began my work in the Gospel of John at that time; a work
I have not yet completed.
As I was considering PhD studies I asked one of my
professors, D. A. Carson, who he would recommend for me to study the Gospel of
John under. He mentioned three people, one of whom was Richard Bauckham. I
spent three years in St. Andrews, Scotland, studying under Richard and had a
wonderful learning experience. And it was not just the influence of Richard,
but also a rich a vibrant learning community, which included a seminar called
“Scripture and Theology,” led by Chris Seitz and Mark Elliott, that became
formative on my thinking of hermeneutics, theology, and the Bible. From
beginning to end I have seen God’s providence in my educational journey, for
which I am very thankful.
3.
Speaking of your time at St. Andrews, discuss
some of the factors that lead to your choice of dissertation topics, which
eventually was published as The Sheep of
the Fold: A Critical Assessment of the Audience and Origin of the Gospel of
John Society for New Testament Studies Monograph Series 141
(Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2007; paperback 2010)?
My thesis (dissertation) developed quite simply out of my
growing interest in seminary in the gospels, especially how the gospels were
(and are!) intended to be read and interpreted. My eventual monograph was more
deconstructive than constructive, but a necessary start for my own journey. In
the process I learned how the gospels were (and are) being read and, more
specifically, what is going on in Johannine studies. I also developed my own
sensibilities regarding the gospels, especially the Fourth Gospel, leading to
the constructive work I am directly involved in now.
4.
You are a recognized scholar of John’s
Gospel. Discuss some of the projects that you are working on now, including the
commentary on John for ZECNT.
Since my published thesis I have written several articles
and essays on the Fourth Gospel. John’s rich historical nature and powerful
theological presentation continues to be my area of research, as well as a more
general interest in how to read the gospels, specifically the combination of
history and theology. I was invited to contribute the John commentary for ZECNT
in early 2010, and have spent most of my time focusing on that massive project.
While all commentaries have different agendas, I like what ZECNT is trying to
do and hoping to provide its readers, both the academy and the church. This
commentary has allowed me to develop as an exegete, as well as to wrestle with
my own constructive approach to the intersection between historical exegesis
and theological exegesis, both of which I am utilizing. In many ways my
approach to John will fit well within an evangelical and confessional approach
to the gospel; at the same time, I think I am bringing several different
perspectives to certain texts, as well as a few different exegetical emphases
that I hope will be helpful and well received. I am currently in chapter 11 of
John (over half way!) and plan (and am on schedule) to be finished with the
commentary by the end of summer 2014.
5.
You have also co-written a book with friend
and colleague, Darian Lockett, entitled Understanding
Biblical Theology (Zondervan, 2012). Share some of the aims of this volume
and how it unpacks the various schools of Biblical Theology.
Our book UnderstandingBiblical Theology, which just came out, finds its origin all the way back
in St. Andrews, Scotland, in the Scripture and Theology seminar that Lockett
and I participated in as doctoral students. You have already given a helpful
overview of the book on your blog, so my summary can be brief. In short, this
book tries to explain the different expressions of the “theology of the Bible”
that spring from the history-theology tension spreading across biblical studies
and theology. It is merely a descriptive book; we make no argument for a pure
definition but offer a mere map for others to find their way – no matter which
direction they may want to travel. The book began over numerous conversations
between fellow professors and friends and will continue, we hope, to find life
over fresh conversations.
6.
You serve as an associate pastor at Calvary Community
Church (Brea, California). How has your pastoral ministry informed your
scholarship and vice-versa?
I began studying theology because of my commitment to
Christ and in light of a calling to the church, and I believe my current work,
even if done primarily in the academy, is a service to the church. I do not
believe my calling to the church has changed, I just think it is multifaceted.
My service in the church serves as a constant reminder that theology is about
life, not books or tests, and that people are the end goal. I have to admit I
still wrestle with tension between the local church and the academy. As I write
my John commentary I am thankful to be in the academy, for I do not see how I
could get it done in this period of time without the freedom of university
teaching. Yet I would not be surprised if the Lord moved me to the church at
some time – a move I would be more than willing to make. I conceive of myself
as a pastor-scholar, even if I am described on paper as a professor.
7.
For those of us who would like to continue
our education at the PhD level, what advice would you give?
In light of my own story I would encourage the potential
PhD student to base their decisions and motivations on their calling by the
Lord, and not merely their perceived gifting or professional aspirations. I
would also encourage them to consider topics of study or specialties that might
meet specific needs in this generation. For example, while I am thankful for
the amount of people and time spent discussing method, especially in light of
recent theological readings, etc., I think it is time for an equal amount of
time to be spent on interpreting texts. Finally, I would also ask them to
consider if they would be able and willing to take their completed PhD not only
into an academic post, but also into a church pulpit. My own participation in
the Society for the Advancement of Ecclesial Theology (http://www.saet-online.org/) is
a reflection of my growing concern that exegesis and theology be a comfortable
principle and practice in the church, and not just the academy.
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