It is the pastoral part of my belief system that has become so very relevant to me and I find it resonates with the persons in my ministry and counseling as well. The broad pastoral themes of hope, purpose, passion, loyalty, humility, thankfulness, service, discipline, acceptance, grace, affirmation, identity, and so on appear to me to be free from the rigid frameworks that many have developed or imposed upon Christianity and, in my opinion, often have distorted its value. These great pastoral themes give us room to move and flex our beings and personalities on our journeys of life and faith, as well as to live honestly and authentically with our faith. Many can come back to faith by focusing on these themes, find practical help, and hope for living life in them.

May this be true for you.

The author was previously an ordained minister in the Seventh-day Adventist Church but resigned years ago. The book is for all on the Christian journey, but especially for those transitioning from Adventism and other groups to mainline Christianity.  The approach is not antagonistic but rather positive and encouraging.