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. […]
Letters to a Young Pastor: On Gifts and Passions
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 […]
Letters to a Young Pastor: Get Ready. Get Set. THEN Go.
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 […]