Gary Neal Hansen

Theology. It's good for you.

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About

Mining the Christian Past to Build Confident, Competent Disciples

Welcome to GaryNealHansen.com – the place to explore the best of Christian theology, spirituality, and community.

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When I was a kid, I absorbed a few Christian basics without ever really thinking about them: Things like God as a Trinity, and Christ as fully human and fully God.

It was only when I got to seminary that I learned how the Church struggled over these issues for centuries.

And it was only as I learned the stories of those struggles that I realized how these “abstract” issues mattered for healthy faith and spiritual growth — for salvation itself.

My first book, Kneeling with Giants shows how diving deep into the ways Christians of the past approached God in prayer can give today’s Christ-followers new resources for growing closer to God.

When that book was named “Devotional Book of the Year” in the UK, I knew the point was getting across.

Know your past. Claim the riches you didn’t know were yours.

The more you know about your own family history, the wiser you can be about growing up and thriving.

Same goes for your knowledge of your Christian heritage. Follow the good examples. Avoid repeating past mistakes. Find some wisdom in a world of confusion.

I think of teaching as giving Christians access to their own hidden treasures:

  • classic understandings of core biblical teachings interpreted for our world
  • centuries-old spiritual practices that have changed the lives of millions
  • movements whose community life has deepened discipleship and catalyzed mission
  • role models and heroes for the disciple’s life

Whether in blog posts, books, classes, or conference speaking I want to go with you on the journey of discovery.

Subscribe for weekly updates and get some great free stuff

I’d love to send you a copy of my most recent book Love Your Bible: Finding Your Way to the Presence of God with a 12th Century Monk. It’s a modern introduction to the classic of lectio divina, a way to prayerfully explore Scripture so that it becomes a pathway to new life in Christ.

I’ll also send you links to every article I post on my blog once a week. And of course I’ll keep you posted about new books, classes, and projects to build your faith.

Just click the button so I can know where to send your book.

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Headshot: Todd Adamson, Adamson Studios, Iowa City

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AWESOME children’s sermons? Absolutely! Here’s how.

I'd love to send you my free Children's Sermon Cheat Sheet! You'll learn eight solid strategies to engage with kids on the Gospel.

Subscribe and I'll send it to you -- plus all my new children's sermons will come to you in my almost-weekly newsletter.

Theology. It’s good for you.

I'm a Church historian by trade. My writing, speaking, and teaching explores the Christian past to equip today's disciples. Join me here for regular posts on the best of theology, spirituality, community, and ministry. read more…

Recent Posts

  • A Children’s Sermon on John 10:22-30 — The Good Shepherd
  • A Children’s Sermon on John 21:1-19 — Easter 3
  • A Children’s Sermon on Luke 24:1-12 — Easter!
  • A Children’s Sermon on Luke 19:28-40
  • A Children’s Sermon on John 8:1-11 — The Woman Taken in Adultery

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Subscribe to my newsletter and I'll send you a free ebook copy of Love Your Bible: Finding Your Way to the Presence of God with a 12th Century Monk. It's a modern introduction to a classic spiritual discipline that brings prayer and Bible study together.

It's manageable. It's fun. And it's free, along with my (almost)weekly newsletter that brings you every new article and announcement.

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