Dear ______: Of course! I’m happy to tell you the story of how I came to believe that I was called to ministry. I thought you’d never ask. It all comes down to a parable and a sound investment strategy. The process started back as an undergrad at the University of Washington. I was heavily involved […]
Letters to a Young Pastor: Your Deep Gladness and the World’s Deep Need
Dear ______: Yes! I did promise some better approaches to hearing God’s call. Sorry to belabor the ones that aren’t so spiffy. One of my favorites comes from Presbyterian theologian and novelist Frederich Buechner: Neither the hair shirt nor the soft berth will do. The place God calls you to is the place where your […]
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 […]
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 […]