Brian McLaren

Questions from July, 2005

Read questions and answers from the month of July...

Wow...
…as I work part-time at a coffee shop, try to be a good husband, work full-time as a pastor, try to connect in relationship with those in my community, work hard at building up and encouraging our ever-emerging team, and prepare for January and my soon-to-be child... I find that I'm asking myself and now you this question:
When will God supply me with an older man who can be Jesus-on-earth to help guide me through this joyous, exciting, scary and sometimes painful process of planting an emerging community in this area?

Answer: You’re so wise to want to seek out one or more mentors. I’ve made this my practice through the years, and I highly recommend it. It’s good to pray … but I also think it’s good to seek. A good place to start would be to find or form an emergent cohort in your area – info at emergentvillage.com.

Hi Pastor Brian.
There's just one thing (for now) that I would like to ask you about. I grew
up Catholic as a kid (and was taught to believe in the Bible literally). After being "lost" in my twenties I "became" evangelical and became a member of a Southern Baptist Church in XXX (who also teach that the Bible is inerrant), so basically, even though I've lived all my life as a great sinner (worse than most)at the same time I've also believed all my life that what the Bible says is completely true, from top to bottom, even though I didn't demonstrated my believes by the way I've always behaved. Now I've finally found some people (you and Tony Campolo) who I think best describes the Christian faith, 'but' there's something I feel uncomfortable with. Maybe I misunderstood your chapter on the Bible, but I understood you don't believe that the Bible is inerrant. If God is an all mighty God, why not believe that Jesus walked on the
water, that he resurrected from the dead, that he converted a few pieces of bread and fish into dozens of full baskets to feed 5,000 people, that He created
the world in six days, etc, etc, after all, all thing are possible to a powerful God? (I understand that these are not the core teachings of the Bible, but the
Kingdom of God and loving Him and our neighbors is).
But if one is to believe some things of the Bible and not others, how do we know what to believe? If the Bible has errors then why should I believe that Jesus said "love your neighbor as yourself" and instead think that really didn't happen?

Answer: Thanks for your note. First, I’m quite certain you’ve never heard me say that the Bible is full of errors or anything like that. You may be referring to the fact that I don’t like to use the term “inerrancy” – but there are a number of reasons for that. Here’s one problem I have with the term: when people claim inerrancy for the Bible, they often don’t realize they also imply that they have access to the Bible free of any interpretation, and sometimes they seem to imply that their interpretations are inerrant. My concern is not with faults in the Bible, but rather with flaws in the way we interpret the Bible. I agree – God can do anything, and so there’s no reason to exclude miracles. I firmly believe that with God, all things are possible.

Hey Brian,
…As a further stepping stone, I've found Karl Barth to be another voice in the Emergent conversation (though he is often absent from the institution's speech). While Barth is very dense at times, George Hunsinger's books have been helping me to understand him (How to Read Karl Barth and Disruptive Grace). Barth's work has stood the test of time as he undergoes somewhat of a Renaissance these days. I'm told this is due to the post-liberal Yale School's influence, under people like Lindbeck and especially Hans Frei.
What is your experience with Barth?

Answer: I have read quite a bit of Barth, but I am by no means a Barth expert. It’s interesting you ask about my experience with Barth, because once, many years ago, while reading a section early in volume 1 of Church Dogmatics, I remember having this intense, gripping, almost scary sense of the glory and transcendence of God. I put the book down and just sat in a state of awe and worship. It was an afternoon I’ll never forget.

Hello,
I am a missionary with the _______. We are going to be having a project with South Americans coming to minister in Europe. Before they come we want them to understand some of the culture that they will face. Is any of Brian McLaren’s books dealing with Postmodernism already is Spanish?

Answer: Not yet. More Ready Than You Realize is being translated now – to come out with Ediciones Kairos.

Dear Brian,
I first became acquainted with you on "Larry King Live." You were invited on the show because you had recently been named one of America's most influential evangelicals in TIME magazine. You are exactly my kind of evangelical: post-evangelical. We both come from a conservative Protestant background but want to move beyond the old "evangelical" and "mainline" division. I listened closely to your answers on "Larry King Live." You left a strong and favorable impression with me, exhibiting love, wisdom, and humility.

Intrigued to learn more, I quickly ran out and purchased your book, A Generous Orthodoxy. I read your manifesto with exuberance. The affect of this book in my life is hard to describe. You gracefully articulated my inchoate longing for the contemporary church. Throughout the book, I found myself affirming your points, "Yes! Yes! Finally, someone had the holy nerve to say it."

In the introduction, you anticipate your audience. I fall in the category of "a Christian struggling, questioning, and looking for reasons to say in [the church]." I am a …year-old gay Christian who is trying to figure out where I fit into the household of faith.

I recognize that homosexuality does not represent a moral dilemma for many people. Duff describes what happens when this is the case: "Although both sides continue to present their arguments, hoping to persuade those who have not already made up their minds, more energy is often given to strategies for winning the political day than to discussing the issue with opponents. As a result, the church is torn between two equally committed factions, each believing that it has taken the moral high road, each believing that it represents the will of God, and each seeking to win."

Along with Duff, I urge reformists and traditionalists to avoid the error of "divide and conquer," learning instead how to disagree "in the spirit of Christian love, acknowledging readily any truth held by their opponent, and being mindful that people on both sides of the debate stand under the judgment and the grace of God."

In closing, I thank God for your enriching and challenging presence in the church today. You are a gift and I celebrate the good things God is doing through you. When it's convenient, I would appreciate a response to this letter.

Answer: Thanks for your encouraging words. I continue to hope and pray that our churches will find a way ahead regarding the homosexuality issue that will not involve schism and mutual anathematizing. We have a chance – both “left” and “right” – to grow in grace, and I hope we will seize the opportunity.

Dear Brian,
I'll throw out a couple questions and maybe you'll respond.
Questions:
1) What do you think of reincarnation in a Christian context? Do you think God works to mature his children and a certain maturity is required for heaven and the riches and responsiblity that are part of it? The faithful servants in the gospel are given greater responsiblity from their master who says well done, good and faithful servant.

Answer: I’ve never seen any hint of reincarnation in the Bible, and it has always created more philosophical problems for me than it solves. Instead, I see resurrection to be the biblical hope. However, I understand why some people are attracted to reincarnation, and I think my book “The Last Word” may address some of those concerns.

Hey Brian,
In the emergent conversation, I have heard many people talk about ordination, both for and against. I am curious where you stand on the future nature of ordination within the emergent movement. Please understand that I am not suggesting First Church of Emergent, but rather the question goes to those who wish to seek ordination, but due to emergent beliefs, are unable to find an authoratative body to release them. Any of your thoughts would be welcome.

Answer: I see ordination as a tradition in certain faith communities that has real value, and real problems. And churches that don’t have that tradition also have advantages and problems as a result. So, I hope that ordination continues – and that its practice continues to be reformed. The upside of ordination is that communities establish clear tracks for leadership development. The downside is that sometimes those tracks favor scholars and bureaucrats over leaders with prophetic or apostolic gifts. And sometimes the idea of clergy leads to a passive laity. However, both of these problems could be largely resolved by improving processes (as many are envisioning and even experimenting with) and clarifying teaching.

Brian,
I am not sure this is the place to send this. . . but I attended the emergent conference in San Diego and was blessed by Brian’s presentation with the harp group sharing with us the liturgy of creation, chaos, call, etc. A friend of mine attended the Nashville meeting and visited with Brian and told me that is was available upon request. Could you please send it to me? I still remember that night because it touched my life so much. I had read his second book where he outlined this so wonderfully, but in the worship of that night I was able to participate in worship to our God with in my new understanding of the story of God. If this is not the place could you please redirect me? I would really like to have a copy of this to regularly walk through in my personal worship.

Answer: It’s not available yet, but I hope we can make it available before too long. Stay tuned!

Hi Brian!
MY QUESTION: One of the things I myself am passionate about is the pervasive issue of race and racism in America and particularly within the church or progressive movements. I have thought a great deal about that this year as I learn about who Sojourners reaches and who we advocate for and who is interested in our movement. I attended a seminar on racism called Doing Our Own Work over a series of 3 weekends in Philly and am continuing to learn. I am going to Princeton Seminary next year and want to keep working to overcome racism in these areas, but I feel so immobilized and intimidated. Even after learning do much, I don't know where to begin and I want to put my passion into action. Any ideas or helpful stories? Thanks so very much!

Answer: You are needed! I hope you stay tuned at the emergentvillage.com website because Tony Jones is planning a gathering around this important topic – I hope you can be there. You’ll find a few other Q & A’s related to this subject on this site – so be assured there are a lot of us who share this concern. You might want to google “Race to Unity” – an effort led by my African American friend Ray McMillan to bring this issue more center stage. This issue is very close to my heart and I’m glad it is for you as well.

Dear Brian,
I am a prodigal. There are many of us, but my "party in a far country" had far reaching consequences for many in that I was a pastor. I lost touch with my soul and the heart of the Good News, seeking to satisfy a deep desire for intimacy by means of adultery. I resigned from my church X years ago after a "successful" ministry of X years.

The tough news is that I my sin had so many consequences with my wife, X young adult children, church family, seekers in the community where I ministered and, most of all, to Jesus whom I love (though so very poorly at times).

The encouraging news is that my wife and I have taken both an individual and a joint journey that is bringing us to a very solid place. My kids have responded with loyal love for their father, even though they were greatly embarrassed and hurt. Some church members reached out to us and the board did the best they could with a difficult situation.

The Catholic mystics have been a source of great help in both my wife's and my journey. Also your writings have been most encouraging. My spiritual director for the past 2 years continues to ask the right questions of me.

Though I DEEPLY regret and, as best I know how, have repented of my sin, I am grateful to Jesus for His love, mercy and grace. My soul is changing more and more into the likeness of Jesus. I feel I love Jesus more than I ever have.

Someday I hope to be involved in leadership in an emergent church.

Thanks for your faithfulness in following the Spirit of Jesus wherever you are being led. I pray for you and hope to meet you someday.

If you have any advice for me, it would be appreciated.

Answer: I include your story here so that others who read it will pray for you and yours, and so that they’ll feel the warmth of your heart as you continue in this healing process. It’s so good that you’re getting spiritual direction. When the right time comes, I trust that you will be a wonderful leader in the church again – and even now, I’m sure your life is being used by God in important ways in your family and beyond. Thanks for sharing your story.

Brian,
Re: your brush off of this question with an almost 20th century politician like answer: Theory of Atonement: Could you elaborate on your personal theory of atonement? If God wanted to forgive us, why didn’t he just forgive us? Why did torturing Jesus make things better?

Help us who desire straight talking dialogue. Are you rejecting the teaching found in the Epistles that Christ died for sinners to redeem them, ala Romans 5:8 and other passgaes like 1 Corinthians 15:3 and Galatians 1? And please don't recommend books about the Bible just tell us what you believe...based on what the Bible states... Everyone can turn to their favorite panel of "experts" and "influential writers," how bout referring us to what the Holy Spirit said and commenting on it:

1 Corinthians 15:1-5 Now I make known to you, brethren, the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received, in which also you stand, 2 by which also you are saved, if you hold fast the word which I preached to you, unless you believed in vain. 3 For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, 5 and that He appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve.

Romans 5:6-10 6 For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die. 8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him. 10 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.

Galatians 1:3-9 3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, 4 who gave Himself for our sins so that He might rescue us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, 5 to whom be the glory forevermore. Amen. 6 I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel; 7 which is really not another; only there are some who are disturbing you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed! 9 As we have said before, so I say again now, if any man is preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received, he is to be accursed!

I know you're into short easy questions and short easy answers but many of us who are trying to understand you are also into honesty and straightforward dialogue. Be real. Be authentic. Be clear.

Answer: I don’t like the tone of your question. Perhaps you didn’t intend this, but I don’t feel respected by your tone, and you don’t seem aware of the many assumptions that lie behind your questions. I’ve already written quite a bit on this subject in my books, and if you have read them and still have more questions, then the only thing I could do to be of further help would be refer you to other authors. But you’ve said you don’t want me to do that, so it sounds like I can’t help you. I’m sorry.

Dear Brian,
I just finished reading posted reviews of The Last Word and the Word After That (which I've yet to read) and A Generous Orthodoxy (reading for the second time) on Amazon.com. You are not kidding when you say that reviews of your books are never neutral. I had to deliberately make myself breathe slower and fight outrage over the pure butchery and meanness I saw--and not because I'm a raving fan or anything, but because I was sickened by the ugliness.

Now I know you receive your critics and seek to learn from them, but I do hope you're not exceeding the recommended dosage. Words from friends (and enemies) are faithful, but not if they're wielding an axe. Anyway, after reading those reviews (in which, strangely, I felt bludgeoned because I happen to think your work has merit), I felt concerned as to pray for you and encourage you to continue thinking, learning, and leading.

Answer: Thanks for these encouraging words. Thanks so much for your prayers. Yes, some of the reviews are a bit hard to reconcile with, say, 2 Timothy 2.

Brian,
After rereading A Generous Orthodoxy, on which I'm writing a report for the President of Asbury Theological Seminary, I wonder if maybe you were not provocative enough in Chapter 17: "Why I am Incarnational." You mention the original title and your reasons for it (though I agree it was wise to not have it on the cover, if anything just to save booksellers from cleaning rotten vegetables off their shelves), but I notice that you left your sense of incarnational ministry at the doorsteps of other religions. To be incarnational as Jesus was incarnational, wouldn't a better title have been: "Why I Am Buddhist/Muslim/Hindu/Jewish/Homosexual/Pro-Choice/Leftist/and a Reader of Harry Potter"? Because the latter group tends to not only be ignored by Christians, but also seen as outright enemies (especially by the Religious Right). A truly incarnational lifestyle would have to include them (even though I tend not to and I realize more and more how un-incarnational I really am), we would have to move toward them and live with them and join them in their struggles.

Of course, such a title probably would have been vocational suicide, so it's best you didn't use it.

Answer: What? A reader of Harry Potter? Now THAT’S going too far! Just kidding.

Brian,
I heard you at the Emergent Convention in Nashville on the subject of Scripture. At the beginning of his presentation he read several prayers. I was wondering if those came from a specific resource and if so what is the name of the resource?

Answer: No, they were gleaned from a variety of sources. There are so many wonderful books of prayer available, and you can also google on ancient prayers and find excellent resources.

Hi Brian,
I’m writing as a distressed minister (33 years old working with young adults at a large institution).

The Emerging Church is new to me. But it is as old as the day is long in hot August as well.

I am ready to vomit. I despise the institution I am in. I have been threatened with being fired, “We’ll have to deploy you elsewhere.” I have been told I should look for a better paying job. I have been called a dispensationalist (when I can hardly spell the word).

I recently told the senior CEO Pastor that I cannot support his view of tithing from our gross income when Paul summed up NT giving in 2 Co. 8 & 9. I could not support his view that all of us should speak in tongues…hence the comments from above.

I’m tired…frustrated…and distressed. I want out of this sick machine.

Or maybe I want to be with Emergent people? That’s what I am beginning to think. Many of the things I do here fit into the category of postmodern, etc. I’ve been told by students of the Emerging movement, “XXX, you do things the way the Emerging Church does it.”

But I cannot get a position in ministry with these folks since I am not currently in ministry with the Emerging movement (they all want someone that’s been in it). It feels like a club I cannot break into, yet I am not sure I would even fit.

Do you have any advice Brian?

Amswer: First, I hope that people will feel the pathos of your situation. I receive so many messages like yours, which constantly remind me how much pain and dissatisfaction is out there among our leaders (and nonleaders too). I don’t think the “emerging movement” is as clearly defined as you think it is, with such clear in- and out-. But then again, I think you can understand emergent pastors who have experienced the flip side of what you’re experiencing now: they brought someone onto their team who seemed sympathetic, but then reverted to familiar approaches that were out of synch with where the church was going. Here’s what I’d recommend – find or form a cohort in your area and get to know some folks who are grappling with these issues. Attend as many of the national or regional events that you can – info at emergentvillage.com. Then, you’ll develop relationships, learn more, and see where the best fits might be. Perhaps eventually, emergentvillage.com will offer some sort of job listings to help people find suitable places for service. I hope readers will join me in praying for you, and others like you, who are in such pain during these times of transition.

Hello,
I was just wondering if Brian has ever written something that plain people can understand? I really can't grasp much of what he writes. Is there anything that is dumbed down for the less esoteric person?

Answer: Sorry about that! I hope my answer to your question will at least be understandable! My friend Chuck Smith Junior has written a book that I think helps people who I don’t do such a good job with: it’s called “The End of the World As We Know It.” But I wouldn’t call it “dumbed down,” because I think Chuck is brilliant. In fact, it takes more brilliance to make things simple and understandable than it does to make them “esoteric!” Also – Tim Conder has a book that will be out very soon that you will find helpful. And Ryan Bolger and Eddie Gibbs’ new book – Emerging Churches – will be extremely useful, and hopefully more understandable for you than my work has been. Actually – there are so many helpful authors these days – Donald Miller, for example.

Brian,
I have been engaged with a discussion posted on a message board regarding postmodernism and the emerging church. _____l, no doubt taking his cue from Albert Mohler, raised some serious issues. I addressed these issues but was taken to task because it was believed that I used _____ comments, and _______ comments were taken out of context.

Consequently, I further researched the EC movement and postmodernism. It seems that it is difficult to clearly define the EC because by nature it is emerging, and therefore cannot be clearly defined until time has passed, much like the Reformation.

One web site, however, went as far as to post major "tenets" or "guidelines." [see http://www.emergingchurch.org/postmodern.html ] This site offers the following:
the customization & subjectification of truth means that culturally supported meta-narratives and broad-cast notions of truth have been defacto de-constructed. postmodern truths are concepts that are narrow-cast, self-discovered and authoritative only for the person seeking them.

the modern creedal orientation of "we believe,"has been subverted by the postmodern creedal orientation summed up by sheryl crow in her song which proclaims "if it makes you happy, it can't be half bad."

Clearly the above position is humanistic. My questions are these: How do you respond to the above citation? If you disagree with the position cited above, are there any public declarations that refute the position?

Answer: As you probably realize, the internet is a free space and people can post almost anything they want. Nobody can refute everything they disagree with either. So, I think if you read my work, you will know where I stand on these issues. There are a number of places on this site where I respond to the kind of questions you’re raising. By the way, I think your assumption behind “the postmodern creedal orientation” above is faulty and needs re-examination. Can I suggest you take a look at anewkindofconversation.com? You’ll find some helpful dialogue and clarifications there.

Brian,
Is there any way to respond to the man who wrote and asked you why there is so much hatred against homosexuals? I want him to know that his writing made a huge impact on me. It was heartbreaking to think that, as he said, the church ripped away from him the most important thing in his life: his love for God. I couldn't stop weeping. I've always been on the edge about homosexuality and gay marriage: I can't get around the scripture that calls homosexuality a sin, yet scripture also calls my greed, lust, apathy, deceitfulness, etc. sin, and I haven't been kicked out of my church for sometimes exhibiting those sins. And though the church calls for a high standard for elders, I know some of the elders in my church are far from perfect, yet they are not asked to step down from their positions. I can't figure out why we think we can pick and choose which sins to focus on.

On the other hand, I have been afraid of standing for gay marriage because it seems to undermine the idea of family and fly in the face of God's clear command. This is a confusing issue for me, and though I have felt pained over the way many Christians have responded to and treated gay people, I have avoided taking a stand on their behalf. I have pretty much kept my feelings to myself. However, after reading his very painful testimony, I will do what I can to make his life and the lives of others in similar situations more peaceful on earth and leave it to our loving Father to deal with the rest of it, as he suggests. And I would like to apologize, as a Christian, for the pain he has suffered at the hands of the church and for the fear and confusion and ignorance that has informed much of the church's response to him. May God have mercy on us all.

Answer: Amen. I include your whole posting because I think it says what needs to be said. Thank you.

Brian,
I wanted to give you a copy of my CD at the conference and converse with you on how worship leading will look for an emergent thinker. My only start is that questions are welcome in the songs. I would still like to send you a copy and get your feedback. I recently found your open letter to the worship singer/songwriter and I am thinking through that. Can I get an address to send you a CD to? Thanks.

Answer: Feel free to go to crcc.org and send it to me via the church. Thanks!

Hi Brian,
…My problem is I don't know where to go from here. I can't, in good conscience, contribute any more time, money, or energy to an edifice that seems to promote men's egos over God's kingdom. I am equally afraid of the opposite extreme, a church without any hierarchy (anarchy?). So I feel like I am stuck in a semi-paralysis.
What would you say, or what authors/books/articles would you recommend that would help me navigate through this impasse?

Answer: My heart goes out to you. I don’t know your denominational background, but if you’re from a mainline background, let me recommend Diana Butler Bass’ “The Practicing Congregation.” If you’re from an Evangelical, fundamentalist, or Pentecostal denomination, you’ll find a lot of good resources through emergentvillage.com.

Brian,
My wife is doing a MTh through the Seminary at Stellenbosch University in South Africa.
She is very keen to do some reaearch into the postmodern christian woman - are you aware of anything that's been done in this area?
Any books you know of?

Answer: I hope to meet you both when I’m at Stellenbosch in March of 06. Can I suggest you google on “emerging women’s leadership initiative,” and check out theooze.com and emergentvillage.com? Also, the “Reformation and Revival Journal” will have a good article on women in the emerging church in the next issue. (Again, if you google on this, you’ll find the website easily.)

Brian—
I have appreciated your views on many subjects. I recently viewed a talk you gave at Off the Map’s website. You said that while military use is (and now I’m paraphrasing) prevalent, that it does not establish God’s reign here on earth. I am a church worker moving from a denomination that has a strong peace position to one that allows room for people with a peace position, but is not necessarily essential, or maybe peripheral is a better word. My wife and I are not sure what God is saying to us by calling us to this new place of worship and service, but we are sure that God is calling us to this new church. I do plan to be employed by this new church, and we are happy to go wherever God asks.

My question to you is how to convey that ethic to those who don’t hold it as dear as I do. Or maybe this is more of a question of co-existence. I do have a little fear that while I’ll try my best to be respectful of other’s views, I’m not sure that ours will be so respected. Then again, we all have to learn how to deal with each other, right? I guess the issue really boils down to aiding the transition into a different sort of world view. Any word, article, or direction you may be able to give would be appreciated.

Answer: I address this issue in my cover article for Sojourners magazine, September 05, on being bridges. I’ll also address the peace-war issue more fully than I have in “The Secret Message of Jesus,” which will be out in April 06. I do hope you’ll speak up whenever you have the chance, just to say, “I know my view may not be common here, but I come from the peace church tradition …” There is enormous power in a nondirective statement. (Nondirective means, “I believe…” not “You should believe…”)

Brian,
…I don't know how to say this, except to be fairly blunt. Please don't
let this go to your head. Please. I hope you can feel that my heart
is in this message not to castigate or accuse or suspect that somehow
you are heading toward the same ego driven patterns of so many of our
leaders, but to know how susceptible we are are humans to the trappings
of success (myself being one of them : ).

You are the same vessel that Jesus has chosen to use over these last
years. When you were a little known pastor who was tired of what he
was seeing, God was able to speak into your heart the words that He
wanted you to hear. Now that you are highly respected (and vilified
I'd imagine : ), don't allow your status to undermine your sensitivity
to the Holy Spirit, or to use your influence in inappropriate ways.

I've seen it too often. It's happened too much. We don't need another
leader to become conceited with his/her own status, success (spelled
m-o-n-e-y), or influence. We need leaders who stay the course and step
carefully around the pitfalls and minefields of 'success'. Don't let
your early years be your best ministry years.

I feel a sense of risk in sending this to you. After all, who am I?
But I also feel a deep urgency that drives me to dare to communicate
with you in this way. I hope it is of God, for that is all that
matters.

Answer: Thanks so much. You’re right: success and notoriety bring a new set of temptations. Obscurity brings other temptations. For many years I struggled with the latter set of temptations, and increasingly I face the former set. It would be hard to say which I prefer!

I appreciate your concern, gratefully receive your warning, and welcome your continuing prayers. As Paul said, when we think we stand, we’re in great danger of falling. I once wrote a song that had this line, “When you go to the wedding feast, take the lowest place for sure, for no one has ever fallen off the floor: that’s why that place is so secure.” May God help us all to stay low. This is one of the great blessings that has come to me through my critics … they are a gift from God to remind me that I am, at best, an unprofitable servant, and need to stay low. My own sins and weaknesses remind me of this on a daily basis as well. (I’ve posted elsewhere on this website a beautiful prayer from a Serbian Orthodox bishop that has helped me profoundly this year, which has included more publicity and criticism than any so far in my life. Perhaps it will be of help to others too.)