Gary Neal Hansen

Theology. It's good for you.

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You are here: Home / Archives for discerning a call to ministry

Letters to a Young Pastor: A Sound Investment Strategy

October 1, 2015 by Gary Neal Hansen 2 Comments

A Sound Investment Strategy

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 […]

Filed Under: Bible, Ministry Tagged With: A Sound Investment Strategy, discerning a call to ministry, Finding the Will of God, Letters to a Young Pastor

Letters to a Young Pastor: Your Deep Gladness and the World’s Deep Need

September 18, 2015 by Gary Neal Hansen 2 Comments

Your Deep Gladness, 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 […]

Filed Under: Ministry, Theology Tagged With: discerning a call to ministry, Finding the Will of God, Frederich Buechner, Letters to a Young Pastor, Your Deep Joy and the World's Deep Hunger

Letters to a Young Pastor: “Specialness B”

August 20, 2015 by Gary Neal Hansen Leave a Comment

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 […]

Filed Under: Ministry Tagged With: discerning a call to ministry, Discerning the will of God, Letters to a Young Pastor, Servanthood, Specialness

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: Hearing God’s Voice

July 23, 2015 by Gary Neal Hansen 4 Comments

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 […]

Filed Under: Ministry, Prayer, Saints Tagged With: discerning a call to ministry, Discernment of Spirits, Examen, Examination of Conscience, Hearing voices, St Ignatius of Loyola

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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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