The Good, The Bad, and The Holy: Stories and Musings From a Lifetime of Ministry

The Good, the Bad and the Holy is a collection of stories, essays, sermons, and dramas drawn from thirty seven years of Christian ministry in the US, Brazil, Puerto Rico and Madagascar. This collection recognizes the confusion and anxiety that often threatens ministers as well as the surprising moments of grace and wonder they also experience. Serious reflections are mixed with whimsical insights. The privilege of carrying the Gospel into the world is tempered by the recognition that those who carry it are merely 'clay pots'--plain, ordinary vessels. These words are written by a Lutheran pastor who comes from a family of pastors and discovered early on that pastors are flawed, real creatures. They are good, bad and holy. These writings reveal that ministry leaders are often as much seekers as those they serve. God's presence can be elusive, baffling and frightening. Ministry can be exhausting as well as exhilarating. Anyone who struggles with the spiritual dimensions of life can find a kindred spirit in these stories.