A short, interesting article from the New York Times about a Presbyterian Minister who grew frustrated and angry over his congregation’s inability to do what he told them to, which led him to quit the pastorate.
A few years later, however, he rediscovered his joy for ministry and the power of love (i.e. Grace) as opposed to command (i.e. Law).
A potent quote (he’s a pacifist): “I still feel the same about guns and I know I’m right… If I thought giving that sermon would be the end of guns in this society, I’d give it again in a second. But it won’t. That sermon was more about placating my need to be right than about preaching the Gospel. It does more to defeat my case than help it… You can tell people to do the right thing or you can do the loving thing and get the same result”.
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3 responses to “Death and Resurrection in the NYTimes”
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What an incredible article in an unexpected place.
I think Mr. Ives’ ministry will be an outstanding success:
a stunning transformation expressed within a stunning building.
David Zahl also attended nursery school there.
Incredible…