Gary Neal Hansen

Theology. It's good for you.

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You are here: Home / Archives for Gary Neal Hansen

How Do You Make Sense of Theology? (Letters to a Young Pastor)

June 2, 2016 by Gary Neal Hansen 6 Comments

making sense of theology

Dear ______: After my last couple of letters I’m shocked (shocked) to find you are not yet convinced of the value of your Church history course. Okay, I’m no more shocked than Captain Renault was to find there was gambling going on in Rick’s Café Américain. (If you don’t know the reference, watch Casablanca. You […]

Filed Under: Ministry, Theology

Knowing the Church’s Story (Letters to a Young Pastor)

May 26, 2016 by Gary Neal Hansen 6 Comments

Knowing the Church's Story

Dear ______: I’m glad to hear that you are at least looking for some “friends” from your readings in Church history. I think that is one good reason to study Church history, whether you are in seminary or not — but it isn’t by any means the only reason. One key thing you gain from a […]

Filed Under: Ministry Tagged With: Church history, Family therapy, Seminary, Wisdom

Most Influential Christian Nominee: Constantine

May 20, 2016 by Gary Neal Hansen 3 Comments

On May 21 the Eastern Church celebrates the memory of my nominee for “Most Influential Christian”: Emperor Constantine the Great (272-337) Why, you may ask, is the Roman Emperor venerated as a saint? This guy who had the audacity to move the capital away from Rome, humbly renaming the city after himself? This guy who set […]

Filed Under: Saints, Theology Tagged With: Constantine the Great, Council of Nicaea, Post-Constantinian Era, St. Constantine

So Proud of Dr Naweji and Dr Ankrum!

May 19, 2016 by Gary Neal Hansen Leave a Comment

Dr Naweji and Dr Ankrum

Last Saturday was commencement. It is always a joy to see people I’ve taught sent out with their degrees, eager to serve Christ and the Church. This year, as well as my M.Div. and M.A.s, I had two Doctor of Ministry students graduating. Here they are in a group selfie from just before marching in for the […]

Filed Under: Reviews Tagged With: Congo, D.Min., Doctor of Ministry, John Calvin, John Wesely, Presbyterian Church (USA), Teaching Elder, United Methodist Church

Making Friends in Seminary (Letters to a Young Pastor)

May 12, 2016 by Gary Neal Hansen 2 Comments

Making friends in seminary

Dear ______: Thanks for sharing your thoughts on my recent letter about making friends with John Calvin. I think you drew some conclusions that I wasn’t intending. Let me take a step back. As a person in ministry, you need a lot of different kinds of friends — and seminary is a great place to […]

Filed Under: Ministry Tagged With: Augustine, Barbara Brown Taylor, Barth, Calvin, John Chrysostom, Letters to a Young Pastor, Making friends in seminary, Teresa of Avila

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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…

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