A few months ago, I had the privilege of interviewing Dr. David Dockery on his book The Authority and Sufficiency of Scripture. If you are interested in looking at that interview, click here. Below is my interview with Dr. Dockery on his new book A Handbook of Theology. To purchase a copy of A Handbook of Theology, click here.

Evan: What did you enjoy about editing this important work with Danny Akin and Nathan Finn?

Dr. Dockery: Danny Akin and Nathan Finn have been special friends for several years. I have always admired and appreciated both of them and have enjoyed opportunities that we have been given to serve together. About five years ago I invited the two of them to join me on this project. It was a joyful privilege to learn from them and to collaborate on this project, envisioning it together and then editing the chapters together. It was an honor to work with them on this project, which we pray will serve a generation of students and Christian leaders.

Evan: What did you enjoy in working with a variety of contributors?

Dr. Dockery: We were blessed to work with nearly fifty quality scholars and practitioners on this volume. Danny, Nathan, and I recommended different people to be involved in this project. We are grateful for the expertise that the various contributors brought to the effort. Each person took their assignment seriously, which has resulted in what we pray will be a substantive and helpful resource for many for years and years ahead.

Evan: How do you hope that A Handbook of Theology will be used by readers?

Dr. Dockery: I think that people who are just starting the study of theology will take their time and work through the volume chapter by chapter, taking time to reflect on the themes emphasized by each contributor. We hope that the volume could even be used as a textbook in an introductory theology course in colleges or as a shared resource in a church discipleship group. I believe the volume can be beneficial for pastors as they prepare messages dealing with particular theological topics. The list of resources at the end of each chapter will hopefully deepen one’s understanding of the various theological themes.

Evan: How can we be praying for you and Southwestern?

Dr. Dockery: Thank you for asking. As you know, Southwestern is facing serious uphill challenges, but we are grateful for genuine markers of hope. We are thankful for increased unrestricted giving over the past five months, the slight enrollment uptick this spring semester, the enhanced morale among the faculty, and the excitement related to the forthcoming Preview Day on March 31. We would be truly grateful for prayers for prospective students and the upcoming Preview Day. We would ask that you pray for Board members, faculty, staff, and students as well. Please pray for God’s provision for Southwestern, and for the Lord’s blessings and favor to rest on the work of our hands (Ps 90:17).

Thank you Dr. Dockery! We will continue to pray for you, your family, and SWBTS!

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Evan Knies is an elder of North Hills Church in West Monroe, LA. He is husband of Lauren and father to Maesyn. He is a graduate of Boyce College and Southern Seminary.