Hershael York

Spouse: Tanya (22 years)

Children: Michael (20) and Seth (18)

Hometown: Lexington, Ky.

Current church: Highview Baptist Church (Preaching associate)

Ministry passion: Preaching. All else pales.

What do you like most about teaching: Seeing the Holy Spirit grip the hearts and direct the plans of those whom He has called. When they get a passion to preach, they fall under an unquenchable fire.

What influenced your decision to come to Southern Seminary: Two things. First, Dr. Mohler and Dr. Akin and I met in March 1997 about the possibility of my coming on the faculty. After lunch, Dr. Mohler took me to John Broadus’ grave to emphasize that he wanted me to restore a tradition of preaching that went directly back to Broadus. That really was not fair. I left six days later for Brazil. And while I was there praying about whether or not to come, I narrowly escaped harm and possible death in an accident that claimed the lives of many children. I could not help but think about what could have happened had I lost my life. It dawned on me that the loss of a teacher might leave a bigger hole in the work of the Kingdom than even the loss of a good pastor in a very good church. I came back to the States and called Dr. Akin and Dr. Mohler the day I returned and told them I was coming.

Most influential person in your life: My father, who taught me to grow, and Adrian Rogers, who taught me to pastor

What books, besides the Bible, have most influenced you: John Stott’s Between Two Worlds; D.A. Carson’s Exegetical Fallacies; Taylor Branch’s Parting the Waters; Walter Kaiser’s Toward an Exegetical Theology; and Joan Didion’s The White Album

Most embarrassing moment: You really don’t want me to answer this one.

Hobbies: Travel

Favorite preacher: Kent Hughes

Favorite movie: Monty Python and the Holy Grail

Favorite singer: James Taylor, and anyone who performs the music of Antonio Carlos Jobim

Something surprising students might not know about you: I once held the world record for the fastest time for someone under 18 hiking from the South Rim of the Grand Canyon to the Colorado River and back up.

A word of wisdom for Towers readers: If you choose to be married, develop, cultivate and constantly maintain a great relationship with your spouse. Nothing is more rewarding, more indicative of your character and a great help to your personal holiness than delighting in your soulmate.