Gary Neal Hansen

Theology. It's good for you.

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Letters to a Young Pastor: Guidance and God’s Character

September 3, 2015 by Gary Neal Hansen Leave a Comment

Guidance and God's Character

Dear ______: Yes, I suppose it does sound like I’m making my theological judgment based on personal taste. I said that thinking God has a specific plan for each step of your life makes faith feel like a tightrope walk. I admit, it is my own metaphor, rather than something from Scripture. I do think it […]

Filed Under: Ministry Tagged With: DIvine guidance, God's Character, Letters to a Young Pastor

Letters to a Young Pastor: God’s Plan vs. God’s Goals

August 27, 2015 by Gary Neal Hansen 7 Comments

Dear ______: You ask whether, with all these ways to go astray, if there is a reliable way to find God’s plan for your life. That’s an interesting question. Possibly even more interesting is the question of whether God actually has a plan for your life. Many assume that God does. Some will put that […]

Filed Under: Ministry Tagged With: Finding the Will of God, God's plans vs. God's goals, Letters to a Young Pastor

Letters to a Young Pastor: “Specialness B”

August 20, 2015 by Gary Neal Hansen Leave a Comment

Dear ______: Yes, you are right: I did say that in ministry God brings out gifts in ordinary people. And that can lead people to do extraordinary things. That is true everywhere in life, actually. But please don’t let that lead you into thinking that ministry makes you special. That dangerous way of thinking is […]

Filed Under: Ministry Tagged With: discerning a call to ministry, Discerning the will of God, Letters to a Young Pastor, Servanthood, Specialness

Letters to a Young Pastor: “Specialness A”

August 13, 2015 by Gary Neal Hansen 6 Comments

Feeling called to ministry? Avoid "Specialness A"

Dear ______: I suppose your question is natural. As you think about your growing sense that God is calling you to full-time Christian service you can’t be blamed for asking “Why ME?”  But will it hurt your feelings if I tell you that the question is not very helpful? You wonder what is so special about you […]

Filed Under: Ministry Tagged With: Call to ministry, discerning a call to ministry, Moses, Virgin Mary

Helping Christian Community Thrive: What Are Your Priorities?

August 11, 2015 by Gary Neal Hansen 7 Comments

I’m fascinated by the second chapter of Acts. On that first Christian Pentecost, Peter and the whole apostolic gang were hiding out. Then suddenly they were filled with God’s own Spirit. They left their bunker and joined the crowd at the great Jewish festival in Jerusalem and began to bear witness to Christ. Peter preached […]

Filed Under: Community, Ministry, Theology

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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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