Episode 20

Os Guinness

The Pastor and Writer as Subversive

Os Guinness is one of the world's foremost Christian thinkers. His books such as The Call, have already become modern Christian classics. Os joins me to talk about the lost art of persuasion and how pastors and writers must learn to be subversive.
Os Guinness is one of the world's foremost Christian thinkers. His books such as The Call, have already become modern Christian classics. Os joins me to talk about the lost art of persuasion and how pastors and writers must learn to be subversive.
00:00 38:15

Show Notes:20. Os Guinness — The Pastor and Writer as Subversive

Os Guinness is one of the world’s foremost Christian thinkers. His books such as The Call, have already become modern Christian classics. Os joins me to talk about the lost art of persuasion and how pastors and writers must learn to be subversive.


“In short, many of us today lack a vital part of a way of communicating that is prominent in the Gospels and throughout the Scriptures, but largely absent in the church today—persuasion, the art of speaking to people who, for whatever reason, are indifferent or resistant to what we have to say. They simply do not agree with us and are not open to what we have to say.” — Os Guinness, Fool’s Talk

“Our modern lust for technique comes from the fact that we live in the great how-to age. The age of technology and technique is the age of endless methods, formulas, recipes, seminars, how-to manuals, twelve step programs and the constant lure of efficiency. Our temptation then is to pursue the admirable goal of becoming more persuasive and to fall into a common trap: becoming preoccupied with technique, as if persuasion could be learned by observing the process carefully, reducing it to reason, reversing it and then repeating it ourselves.” — Os Guinness, Fool’s Talk

  • I have a stained glass artist in my congregation who does incredible work. This past week, as a graduation gift, the congregation gave me this stained glass piece. It is of a bent oak tree like the one we named the church after. I listened as they explained how the church had been for them a bent oak, a tree designed to point towards safety and water. They are common in the Ozarks. Native Americans would tie down young trees and force them to grow in odd shapes as markers. I have always been impressed by their willingness to do that work, knowing that it might be only be later generations that would benefit from them. Still, it’s a weird name for a church. I know. But to hear people personally resonate with what moved me those many years ago was an incredible gift. And this stained glass piece is now one of my favorite possessions.
  • Last 3 years have been working on a doctorate of ministry in writing. Grateful for the time to study, write and for the great friendships.
  • Domes, pastries, paintings and our last day in Paris.
  • Germany was great. And I do love Paris.
I have a stained glass artist in my congregation who does incredible work. This past week, as a graduation gift, the congregation gave me this stained glass piece. It is of a bent oak tree like the one we named the church after. I listened as they explained how the church had been for them a bent oak, a tree designed to point towards safety and water. They are common in the Ozarks. Native Americans would tie down young trees and force them to grow in odd shapes as markers. I have always been impressed by their willingness to do that work, knowing that it might be only be later generations that would benefit from them. Still, it’s a weird name for a church. I know. But to hear people personally resonate with what moved me those many years ago was an incredible gift. And this stained glass piece is now one of my favorite possessions.
I have a stained glass artist in my congregation who does incredible work. This past week, as a graduation gift, the congregation gave me this stained glass piece. It is of a bent oak tree like the one we named the church after. I listened as they explained how the church had been for them a bent oak, a tree designed to point towards safety and water. They are common in the Ozarks. Native Americans would tie down young trees and force them to grow in odd shapes as markers. I have always been impressed by their willingness to do that work, knowing that it might be only be later generations that would benefit from them. Still, it’s a weird name for a church. I know. But to hear people personally resonate with what moved me those many years ago was an incredible gift. And this stained glass piece is now one of my favorite possessions.
2 days ago
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1/8
Last 3 years have been working on a doctorate of ministry in writing. Grateful for the time to study, write and for the great friendships.
Last 3 years have been working on a doctorate of ministry in writing. Grateful for the time to study, write and for the great friendships.
Last 3 years have been working on a doctorate of ministry in writing. Grateful for the time to study, write and for the great friendships.
Last 3 years have been working on a doctorate of ministry in writing. Grateful for the time to study, write and for the great friendships.
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
3/8
Domes, pastries, paintings and our last day in Paris.
Domes, pastries, paintings and our last day in Paris.
Domes, pastries, paintings and our last day in Paris.
Domes, pastries, paintings and our last day in Paris.
Domes, pastries, paintings and our last day in Paris.
Domes, pastries, paintings and our last day in Paris.
Domes, pastries, paintings and our last day in Paris.
Domes, pastries, paintings and our last day in Paris.
2 months ago
View on Instagram |
6/8
Germany was great. And I do love Paris.
Germany was great. And I do love Paris.
Germany was great. And I do love Paris.
Germany was great. And I do love Paris.
Germany was great. And I do love Paris.
Germany was great. And I do love Paris.
2 months ago
View on Instagram |
8/8

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