Dr. Stokes as an Author
Writing is a form of teaching. And it lasts beyond a lecture or conversation. As a result, a teacher must ultimately become an author.
Early in his career and ministry, Dr. Stokes was reluctant to write. There were two reasons for this.
“I wasn’t sure if I really had anything to say. My thoughts and perspectives were still being formed and changing. I didn’t want to be captured by the words of my youth. And secondly, I can’t seem to finish anything I write. There is always more to say and a better way to say it.”
As a result, Dr Stokes began to write as he turned fifty. With a life of experience and a greater understanding of his areas of interest he had something to say. At present he has two books with more in process, scores of articles, hundreds of lectures and thousands of sermons.
“But they are all rough drafts. Everything I write or say is in motion. Not that I am not certain about many things, but the explanation and application is always changing with the audience, class or congregation.”
So, knowing that the best is the enemy of the good, Dr. Stokes has taken his best and most classroom and congregational stuff, and put it in writing. But it is all meant as dialog with the hope that his children and students, and congregation will learn more, understand clearer and apply better than he.
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