“Ponder anew what the Almighty can do
If with his love he befriend thee.”
- Joachim Neander
Greetings!
Welcome to Ponder Anew, a chronicle of theology, culture, and spiritual growth. Thanks for stopping by. My name is Tim Valentino, and I live in Fleetwood, Pennsylvania (USA), which is a small town located between Allentown and Reading. I’m on the journey of life with the Author of life. Let’s walk together and marvel at the scenery. As we go, let’s also “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18).
Personally
I am a husband to Sonya, a father to Andrew and Bethany, and a flawed follower of Christ. Every personality test comes back INTJ (introverted, intuitive, thinking, judging), and every taste test comes back DCPB (dark chocolate, peanut butter). When cut, I bleed Phillies red. When depressed, I turn Yankees blue. Back in the day, I was an NCAA Division 1 swimmer. Today I just float and blow bubbles.
Vocationally
I am privileged to serve as the Senior Pastor of Fleetwood Bible Church in Fleetwood, PA. I am also privileged to be an Affiliate Professor at Evangelical Seminary in Myerstown, PA. At best I am a flawed shepherd pointing to a flawless Savior, so I need as much love and grace as anyone else. Probably more. My calling is best summarized in the words of Acts 5:20, “Tell the people the full message of this new life.”
Educationally
I received a high school diploma from Reading High School, Reading, PA in 1983 (salutatorian); a Bachelor of Arts degree from West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV in 1988 (English); a Master of Divinity degree from Evangelical Seminary, Myerstown, PA in 1995 (summa cum laude); and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Southern Seminary, Louisville, KY in 2009 (expository preaching). I love to learn new things!
Theologically
My aim is to be “boldly, broadly, and beautifully evangelical.” I am amazed by grace, centered on the gospel, thrilled by the covenant, fascinated by the law, grateful for the cross, overjoyed by the resurrection, desperate for the Spirit, and thankful for the church. Like Jacob of old, I earnestly seek the blessing of God in my life, but in the end l can only limp to the finish line as a fellow pilgrim on the journey.
Politically
I am not a dead ringer for either of the major political parties in the United States. In fact, neither one wants me or claims me as their own. And I am quite o.k. with that. It allows me to address the issues of the day from a theological and non-partisan perspective. It also enables me to pray sincerely for any politician, even those who ruffle my feathers! So let’s aim higher and find another way to be friends.
Senior Pastor at:
Fleetwood Bible Church
2847 Moselem Springs Road
Fleetwood, PA 19522-0205
(610) 944-9235
pastortim@fbcflame.org
Affiliate Professor at:
Evangelical Seminary
121 S. College Street
Myerstown, PA 17067
(717) 866-5775
tvalentino@evangelical.edu
