by Bishop Bill Gohl
Fortunately, it was the former.
by Bishop Bill GohlIt was a mid-eighties moment. 1986, I think. I was heading to Camp Beisler (now Crossroads) in New Jersey for my first youth retreat. I was new to the congregation, new to youth group, and new to this camp where my parents gleefully signed me up, packed me up and sent me off with $10 spending money - and a new sleeping bag. Looking back, that weekend could have turned out in vastly different ways. It could have strengthened my faith, or hastened its demise.
Fortunately, it was the former.
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by Bishop Bill GohlYou would be surprised by the reading material people share with new bishops. Well-wishers of many stripes, especially those who have exercised this ministry of oversight, each have some special book or article that they believe is a “must read” for “baby bishops.” There is some consensus: I have received no fewer than six copies of Bishop: The Art of Questioning Authority by an Authority in Question, an accessible theological and practical reflection by Will Willimon. Beyond that, I’ve received books of many different varieties and degrees of helpfulness, including a major tome that I am working through right now: Augustine: Bishop of Hippo replete with marginal notes from the library of our domestic companion synod bishop, Tom Skrenes of Northern Great Lakes, and a fascinating read: The Emotional Intelligence of Jesus, authored by one of our synod’s own pastors, Roy Oswald.
by Bishop Bill GohlAnd the Lord will guide you continually, and satisfy your desire with good things, and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters fail not. And your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations; you shall be called a repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to dwell in. – Isaiah 58:11-12, RSV My confirmation verse was Isaiah 58:12. It’s highlighted in my RSV confirmation gift Bible that has nearly disintegrated from age and use; that particular page somewhat grimy from visiting it often. My "North Star" verse, my childhood pastor suggested: You shall be called a repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to dwell in.
by Bishop Bill GohlA voice says, “Cry out!” And I said, “What shall I cry?” – Isaiah 40:6
The last few weeks, my blog posts have taken on a life of their own. Starting with "I want to be clear," that particular post has been shared literally hundreds of times, and it has been viewed more than 10,000 times. Unbeknownst to me, ReconcilingWorks took notice and made a video promotion for it. Last week, "What can we do?" didn’t get as much attention, but the “mail” – phone calls, emails, texts, Facebook messages, and letters – from these weekly blog posts have been surprising. |
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