Dear ______: I’m glad you like the idea of finding guidance for your life in Scripture—where God has always spoken, God does speak still. But you are right: there is a learning curve. It takes a while to get the big picture of things in the Bible. You have to invest some time before it can […]
Letters to a Young Pastor: A Reformed Approach to Divine Guidance
Dear ______: Yes, I agree, it would be awfully nice if God would speak up more often and give direct answers to our questions — like whether you are called to ministry. Most of us want divine guidance. We all face serious struggles and deep confusion at times. And it isn’t like God doesn’t care […]
Letters to a Young Pastor: Hearing God’s Voice
Dear ______: Sorry. I didn’t mean to imply that you had all those problems yourself. What I wanted to say is that God’s call requires more than woundedness. So, sometimes you think you hear an actual voice telling you that you are called. That is more than woundedness! But let’s think about it. When I was […]
Letters to a Young Pastor: The Wounded Healer?
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 […]
Letters to a Young Pastor: Is Your Inner Sense of Call Enough?
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. […]