Gary Neal Hansen

Theology. It's good for you.

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You are here: Home / Archives for Letters to a Young Pastor

Letters to a Young Pastor: Trouble with Old Testament

November 12, 2015 by Gary Neal Hansen 4 Comments

Trouble with Old Testament

Dear ______: So classes have started. I love the feeling of new classes. It is like a whole new world is about to open up — all kinds of potential for new discovery. Sorry to hear that your Old Testament class is giving you trouble though. I’m not exactly surprised, but that doesn’t mean I’m […]

Filed Under: Bible, Ministry Tagged With: Academic study of Scripture, Higher criticism, Letters to a Young Pastor, Praying the Bible, The story of the Bible, Trouble with Old Testament

Letters to a Young Pastor: How to Get the Most out of Seminary

October 29, 2015 by Gary Neal Hansen 3 Comments

Getting the Most Out of Seminary

Dear ______: Glad to hear you are enjoying orientation and the ramp-up to the new semester. I remember how exciting and important registration always felt. You want to know how to get the most out of seminary. As you put it so well, Seminary life seems like a smorgasbord. I almost have too many choices. […]

Filed Under: Ministry, Wesley Tagged With: How to get the most out of seminary, Letters to a Young Pastor, Seminary curricula

Letters to a Young Pastor: Welcome to Seminary

October 22, 2015 by Gary Neal Hansen 2 Comments

Welcome to Seminary

Dear ______: Welcome to seminary! You’ve made it. That’s great. Thanks for letting me walk with you through the process of listening for God’s call. As I said when I saw you, I think you’ve made a good decision. It isn’t the only good decision you might have made: You could have served God as […]

Filed Under: Ministry Tagged With: Letters to a Young Pastor, Welcome to Seminary

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: Getting God’s Will Wrong

October 8, 2015 by Gary Neal Hansen Leave a Comment

Is there a risk of getting God's will wrong?

Dear ______: When you have to choose a path, it does put the pressure on. You are afraid of getting God’s will wrong. Sorry: I didn’t mean to upset you. But my question from a few letters back is serious: What if you really couldn’t make a fatal mistake? Getting God’s will wrong. Let me tell you […]

Filed Under: Ministry, Saints Tagged With: Getting God's Will Wrong, Letters to a Young Pastor, San Damiano Cross, St. Francis of Assisi

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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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