Encouragement...Just Do IT!

Submitted by: Professor Eric Moore
February, 2009

Professor Eric Moore Instructor in Pastoral Ministries

We had just completed the second class of the semester. As I was walking down the hall, one of the new students was following close behind me. So I stopped to give him a few words of encouragement. I told him how I really valued his comments in class and that he had a lot to contribute. He seemed to appreciate my words. 

Soon afterwards, I shared with a more seasoned student who observed the exchange, “We have to encourage the neophytes.” To my surprise, I looked up and the new student overheard my words. He later asked me, “What is a neophyte anyway?”

Neophyte comes from the Greek word, “neophytes.” According to Webster, the English word means “newly planted” or “newly converted.” 

This semester Michigan Theological Seminary has been blessed with approximately 60 new students (neophytes). As a result of these new students, the atmosphere around the school is electric. These new students bring with them the excitement and gratitude of being able to study God’s Word on a deep level. Their enthusiasm is infectious.

However, the reality of quizzes, midterms, papers, projects and final exams can take their toll. They can be enthusiasm killers...It doesn’t have to be that way.

We all need to remember and put into practice the words of the Apostle Paul to the church at Thessalonica, “Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing” (1 Thessalonians 5:11).

Don’t just think about encouraging your fellow student. Be like the Nike slogan and “Just Do IT!”