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 […]
Letters to a Young Pastor: God’s Plan vs. God’s Goals
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 […]
Letters to a Young Pastor: “Specialness B”
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 […]
Letters to a Young Pastor: “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 […]
Helping Christian Community Thrive: What Are Your Priorities?
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 […]