Over thirty years ago I started my seminary studies at Columbia International University.  Many of my fellow students said, “Make sure you take courses from Dr. Burchett.”  I asked, “Which one?”  They said, “It doesn’t matter, just sign up for his courses.”  It was in Dr. Burchett’s “New Testament Church Life” course that I developed a love for the local church and a passion to serve the in the local church.

Dr. Burchett had a relationship with God that we students emulated.  As he shared his stories in ministry we gained a vision of what God could do in and through the local church.  We were captivated by his stories and encouraged to see how God might use us for His glory.  Dr. Burchett is truly a pastor’s pastor.   I took all of the courses I could from Dr. Burchett, then I became his teaching assistant, and now I am honored to teach his course on Prayer and Discipleship.

His teaching continues on – I am happy to announce that Dr. Burchett has recently written a book of God’s work in his life entitled, Bright Light:  A lifetime of seeing God at work.  This book is a personal mentoring session with Dr. Burchett as he shares the experiences of God’s work in his life.  He shares his victories and his struggles revealing how God shapes a heart that is submitted to Him.  This book is filled with stories and principles that have made Dr. Burchett such an effective pastor.  I recall him emphasizing in class the principle stated on p. 66, “Misconceptions regarding major truths will not support the weight of life’s heavier trials.”  The principles in the concluding chapter of the book are invaluable as Dr. Burchett shares a lifetime of wisdom.

If you are involved in ministering to others I highly recommend Dr. Burchett’s books; here are ones that I’ve recommended:

HEALING FOR THE CHURCH
God can change your church through you! And perhaps this manual will prepare you to help with the healing. Read it and share it!

PEOPLE HELPING PEOPLE
How Every Christian Can Counsel. Believers with one another. Parents with children. Husbands and wives with each other. All need to know how to build up and counsel friends and family. The ABC lessons in edification are spelled out—whether confronting problems of habitual sin or helping with spiritual growth.

SPIRITUAL LIFE STUDIES
A plan with a proven history of results in changing individuals and churches. The Plan: Thirteen weekly sessions one hour in length, one on one. The leader helps his or her friend to shape their Christian life by Bible truth. Learn to base all obligations on God’s gracious provisions.

BRINGING CHRIST BACK
Bringing Christ Back, by Dr. Burchett, is a priceless and practical theology desperately needed by the modern church to drag it out of the doldrums—far too many of its “average” believers are finding no release from agonizing chains of sin. Its knife-edged message is that the powerful presence of Christ seems to be withdrawn from the church as crucial truths about our Lord are reduced to common platitudes. When Christ is brought back as the center of faith in fact, not just in theory, believers will experience his deliverance from sin through the power of the Holy Spirit.

LAST LIGHT
Go with the author and his wife as they make their long descent into her Alzheimer’s Disease. See the surprising ways God uses the ailing loved one to change her husband’s life. Then learn lessons with him in facing a terminal trial, as well as 40 hints on handling Alzheimer’s. A very personal story of love and marriage.

You can find additional information as well as ordering information at http://www.bcbministries.com/.  At 89 years old Dr. Burchett is still going strong and encouraging others in ministry.  Thank you Dr. Burchett for the impact you’ve had in my life and the legacy you are leaving for the next generation!

Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith.  (Hebrews 13:7)

Rick Higgins

Associate Pastor – Discipleship.  The Church at LifePark

Professor of Discipleship, Columbia International University

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