7 Questions with Dr. Chris Morgan

This week CSBC had the privilege of sitting down with Dr. Chris Morgan, who serves as the Dean and Professor of Theology for the School of Christian Ministries at California Baptist University, where he has served for nearly a quarter of a century! Dr. Morgan is an avid reader who loves the calling and work of the church. He is a friend of the convention at all levels, and it would not be uncommon to see him at both State and National Annual Meetings. Be sure to find him in New Orleans and say “hi!” On April 23, Dr. Morgan also became the Pastor of Immanuel Baptist Church in Highland, where he can exercise his gifts in one his favorite locations, the local church.

Well, I think I’m a bit weird when it comes to reading… I just read “50 Years of Ministry,” by Bob Russell. It’s a really good book. You’d like it. The subtitle says, “7 things I’d do differently, 7 things I’d do the same.” I’m rereading “Early Christian Mission” by Eckhard J. Schnabel. It’s incredible! It goes through every passage of the New Testament related to mission~ with thoroughness! John Stott’s work on “Ephesians,” I’m rereading it again too. He’s an incredible writer with a pastoral heart.

I guess I have a predictable answer. I’d have to say Paul for so many reasons: his passion for the mission of the church, his brilliant theological mind, his willingness to suffer at the hands of persecutors, his eagerness to help churches work together, along with his eagerness to raise the next generation of leaders. Another answer, for me, would be Timothy, because Paul said, I have no one else like him who will genuinely care for your welfare (Phil 2:19-24) … Paul had developed so many leaders and Timothy was the only one he totally trusted to send in who would be completely about the church and not about themselves. If Paul is that impressed with Timothy, then I should be too.

Yes……. (Writer’s note: … Dr. Morgan drank from a Chick-fil-A cup throughout the interview) 😊

I used to deliver drugs…. I was a pharmaceutical driver in high school in Mt. Vernon, Illinois.

When I first started in ministry, I worked at a church in Missouri. The church was near fields, and I found out snakes would sometimes get into the building. After I saw the first snake, I learned that part of my job meant sweeping snakes out from the worship center. I had to do a check every week just to be sure. You have to stay on top of these things because if you don’t, it’s a great way to lose your church growth. The most harrowing instance happened with a 6ft snake while I was dressed in a suit right before a funeral.

I’m in my dream jobs right now. I get to hang out with students who love the Bible and watch them grow and shine… And I get to coach them as they get older and serve in various ministry roles… And then I get to be around their students and help disciple their disciples. It’s an upward spiral of discipleship… And I even get to be around faculty who care about the church in a California context. And now, I get to preach and shepherd a great church and help it reach its full potential in reaching the community.

The Good Shepherd …He’s the Shepherd of Psalm 23… Jesus declares himself to be divine, and He is saying He loves the sheep and will protect them.