”Ask questions, ask questions, ask questions. Find people who are leading ministries in a way that draw you in. Call anyone on our team. Listen to God through the voices of others. There are no stupid questions in discernment and there are rarely definitive answers. Discernment is listening to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, trusting just enough to take the next step.”

Dr. Kris StacheVice President for Leadership Formation

“If I had to describe discernment, I would use lines from this song. This song is an invitation to find beauty and courage in the midst of uncertainty and learn to “sing the kind of song you like singing”, which I take to mean express your unique life, your unique vocation and passion, in a way that is authentic to who God has made and called you to be.”

Bryan OdeenFinal Year MDiv Student

Let Your Life Speak by Parker Palmer (a short but compelling read wherein passion, purpose, courage & vulnerability meet.
Mary Oliver’s poem “The Summer Day” (for meditation and pondering, concluding with a question to be lived rather than “answered.”)

Nate FrambachProfessor of Pastoral Theology

The Hammer of God, by Bo Giertz was a required textbook in seminary when I was a student and I have since used it in presentations in continuing education events for pastors, deacons, lay leaders in various settings in the U.S.A., as well as in Guyana and Iceland. These novellas provide realistic, promising glimpses into ministry in Jesus’ Name, and prompt the reader to consider her/his own call to bear witness to Jesus Christ.”

Winston PersaudProfessor of Systematic Theology