Gary Neal Hansen

Theology. It's good for you.

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Director’s Journal: Character Notes

December 9, 2015 by Gary Neal Hansen Leave a Comment

As I said yesterday, at the fourth rehearsal of my church’s production of my new Christmas Play, I decided to be more directive in my directing. In this or any church play there are people who do not aspire to be actors. They just got drafted. Their whole aim might be to stand in the right place and […]

Filed Under: Bible, Church Year, Prayer, Saints Tagged With: Character Notes, Christmas Play, Director's journal, Prayer of the Senses, St Ignatius of Loyola

Director’s Journal: Run-Through?

December 8, 2015 by Gary Neal Hansen 2 Comments

This week we had our 4th rehearsal of my new Christmas Play. Next Saturday is the dress rehearsal. Sunday morning the show must go on. The agenda at this point should be a “run-through”. That is, the cast should perform the play, start to finish, without interruption. Then I would make some comments on places to improve. But putting on […]

Filed Under: Bible, Worship Tagged With: Christmas Play, Church plays, Director's journal, Run-Through

Letters to a Young Pastor: Giving Thanks

November 25, 2015 by Gary Neal Hansen Leave a Comment

Giving Thanks

Dear ______: I’m sending this a bit early since I know you are heading out for the Thanksgiving break. I wanted to be sure it reaches you, especially since I know you are having a hard time just now. Holiday gatherings can amplify those feelings (imagine how ambivalent the poor turkey is), but I hope there is also […]

Filed Under: Bible, Ministry Tagged With: Give thanks, Gratitude, Letters to a Young Pastor, Psalm 136, Thanksgiving

Director’s Journal: Including the Children

November 24, 2015 by Gary Neal Hansen Leave a Comment

Including the Children

My pastor scheduled a short third rehearsal: just 45 minutes before an all-church event. That’s three quarters of an hour for two complicated jobs. 1. Re-block what Didn’t Work The first job was to re-block things that were troublesome last week. Sticking with my original plan might preserve my pride, but only temporarily. Better to just admit where it hadn’t […]

Filed Under: Bible, Church Year, Worship Tagged With: Christmas Play, Director's journal, Including the Children, re-blocking

Letters to a Young Pastor: Getting to Know the Story of the Old Testament

November 19, 2015 by Gary Neal Hansen Leave a Comment

Dear______: No, I am not kidding. The story of the Old Testament is actually pretty simple. Once you grasp it, all the parts make more sense. I know, finding your way around can be about as confusing as driving in Boston during construction season: The overall timeline is not made clear. Once you figure out the […]

Filed Under: Bible, Ministry Tagged With: Getting to know the Bible, Letters to a Young Pastor, The Story of the Old Testament

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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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