Gary Neal Hansen

Theology. It's good for you.

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You are here: Home / Archives for Finding the Will of God

Review: A Goodness I Cannot Explain

January 8, 2016 by Gary Neal Hansen 22 Comments

A Goodness I Cannot Explain

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 […]

Filed Under: books, Reviews Tagged With: A Goodness I Cannot Explain, Catherine Stewart, Finding the Will of God, Lectio divina, Medical Crisis

Letters to a Young Pastor: Setting Sail

October 15, 2015 by Gary Neal Hansen 4 Comments

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 […]

Filed Under: Ministry Tagged With: DIvine guidance, Finding the Will of God, Letters to a Young Pastor, Setting sail

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: 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: 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

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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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