Imagine: You start having odd symptoms. Your doctor does a scan of your head. There is a tumor. Two treatments are possible: each has very serious risks. How do you decide? That is the situation Rev. Catherine Stewart faced a few years back. The journey that follows is the subject of her new book, A Goodness […]
Letters to a Young Pastor: Setting Sail
Dear ______: Here’s the thing: in the end you have to choose. It is time for setting sail. You might be St. Francis, choosing after a direct message spoken by Christ. You might be a disciple, choosing based on what you think will best serve the kingdom. And then again, you might not have the slightest hint of […]
Letters to a Young Pastor: 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 […]
Letters to a Young Pastor: 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 […]
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 […]