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 Inner Life of the Writer

January 22, 2016 by Gary Neal Hansen Leave a Comment

The Inner Life of the Writer

Dear ______: Sorry to let so much time lapse between letters. Thanks for your note, and I’m sorry that writing is proving to be such a struggle. You are in good company. If writing is part of what you do for a living then inner turmoil is probably another part. You can find a lot of professional […]

Filed Under: Ministry Tagged With: Journal keeping, Letters to a Young Pastor, Spiritual disciplines, St. Augustine, The inner life of the writer

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

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

Letters to a Young Pastor: Trouble with Old Testament

November 12, 2015 by Gary Neal Hansen 4 Comments

Trouble with Old Testament

Dear ______: So classes have started. I love the feeling of new classes. It is like a whole new world is about to open up — all kinds of potential for new discovery. Sorry to hear that your Old Testament class is giving you trouble though. I’m not exactly surprised, but that doesn’t mean I’m […]

Filed Under: Bible, Ministry Tagged With: Academic study of Scripture, Higher criticism, Letters to a Young Pastor, Praying the Bible, The story of the Bible, Trouble with Old Testament

Letters to a Young Pastor: How to Get the Most out of Seminary

October 29, 2015 by Gary Neal Hansen 3 Comments

Getting the Most Out of Seminary

Dear ______: Glad to hear you are enjoying orientation and the ramp-up to the new semester. I remember how exciting and important registration always felt. You want to know how to get the most out of seminary. As you put it so well, Seminary life seems like a smorgasbord. I almost have too many choices. […]

Filed Under: Ministry, Wesley Tagged With: How to get the most out of seminary, Letters to a Young Pastor, Seminary curricula

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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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