Gary Neal Hansen

Theology. It's good for you.

  • About
    • Speaking
    • Contact
    • Home
  • Books
    • Love Your Bible
    • Christmas Play
    • Kneeling with Giants
    • Review Crew
  • Library
    • Join
    • Login
  • Blog
  • Advent Lectio Divina Class Info!
    • Lectio Divina Class Log In
    • Class Info: Your First Sermon
      • Your 1st Sermon — Course Login
    • Lenten Prayer Class Info
      • Lenten Prayer Class log in
    • “Pray Like a Reformer” Class Info
      • Pray Like a Reformer Login
  • Christmas Play
  • Love Your Bible
  • Kneeling with Giants
You are here: Home / Archives for Call to ministry

Letters to a Young Pastor: Looking Back to Find God

September 24, 2015 by Gary Neal Hansen 2 Comments

looking back to find God

Dear ______: You make an interesting point. It is true that all these ways of finding God’s will are a bit indirect. We usually find ourselves looking back to find God has been there, nudging us in a particular direction. Frustrating as it may be, I think that is the nature of biblical faith. So, before […]

Filed Under: Bible, Ministry Tagged With: Call to ministry, Discerning God's will, Finding the Will of God, Letters to a Young Pastor, looking back to find God

Letters to a Young Pastor: “Specialness A”

August 13, 2015 by Gary Neal Hansen 6 Comments

Feeling called to ministry? Avoid "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 […]

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

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: 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

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…

Recent Posts

  • The Cleansing of the Temple — Lent 3
  • The Transfiguration — Mark 9:2-9
  • A Day in the Life of Jesus — Mark 1:29-39
  • The Presentation of Jesus — Luke 2:22-40
  • The Annunciation — Luke 1:26-38 on Advent 3

Search the site

Need a new and manageable way to dig into Scripture?

Find out how it can be a joy again--or maybe for the first time. Love Your Bible: Finding Your Way to the Presence of God with a 12th Century Monk is a modern introduction to an ancient, prayerful, Christian practice called lectio divina. Click the button to subscribe to my weekly(ish) newsletter with all my new articles and announcements. As my way of thanking you, I'll send you the ebook version for free.

Get my book!

Archives

Let’s connect on social media…

  • Facebook
  • Google+
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter

Search the site

  • Community for Mission
  • Letters to a Young Pastor
  • Christianity as a Second Language
  • Role Models for Discipleship

© 2021 garynealhansen.com · Rainmaker Platform