Gary Neal Hansen

Theology. It's good for you.

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You are here: Home / Archives for Ministry

Letters to a Young Pastor: The Wounded Healer?

July 16, 2015 by Gary Neal Hansen 6 Comments

Dear ______: I’m glad to hear that you are enjoying Henri Nouwen’s books. When I suggested you spend part of your pre-seminary time reading some theological works, this is just the kind of thing I had in mind. His books are full of gracious wisdom for thoughtful and spiritually rich discipleship. But I have to say I’m […]

Filed Under: Ministry Tagged With: Call to ministry, discerning a call to ministry, Henri Nouwen

Letters to a Young Pastor: Is Your Inner Sense of Call Enough?

July 9, 2015 by Gary Neal Hansen Leave a Comment

Dear ______: I’m very glad to hear that your friend said she could totally see you as a pastor. That is something very important in discerning whether you are called to ordained ministry. In my tradition we call that the “external call.” When other people affirm that ministry is a good choice it is the second half of what you need. […]

Filed Under: Calvin, Ministry Tagged With: discerning a call to ministry, External call, Internal call

Letters to a Young Pastor: On Gifts and Passions

July 2, 2015 by Gary Neal Hansen Leave a Comment

Dear ______: Yes, as you say, it does sound like I’m saying seminary is for everybody. Not every seminary is for everybody, of course. But a solid education in the Bible, in the Church’s history and its teachings, and in how to approach the tasks of ministry that take disciples into God’s mission is a […]

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

Letters to a Young Pastor: Get Ready. Get Set. THEN Go.

June 25, 2015 by Gary Neal Hansen 15 Comments

Dear ______: Thanks for writing back. I’m very glad to be able to talk more about your growing sense of being called to ministry. You had a great insight when you said that you are actually feeling called to seminary. You are right: you still have plenty of time to think about whether you want to […]

Filed Under: Ministry Tagged With: called to seminary, discerning a call to ministry, Getting ready for seminary, how to learn about theology, Read the Bible in a year

Letters to a Young Pastor: Are You Called to Ministry?

June 18, 2015 by Gary Neal Hansen 16 Comments

Letters to a Young Pastor: Are You Called to Ministry?

Dear _______: I was so glad to get your email. Seeing your faith develop has been a highlight of these last two years. It has been a great privilege, actually. And now you tell me that you are feeling called to the ministry, or wondering if you are. You ask whether I think this could possibly […]

Filed Under: Ministry, Theology Tagged With: Believers' priesthood, discerning a call to ministry, Martin Luther, Priesthood of all believers

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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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