Pastor’s eNote: Weekly Update

I am teaching during this fall quarter at Seattle Pacific University. My class on the Christian Faith is mostly comprised of freshmen whose experience at SPU and college is just starting. As we near the half-way mark in the course, the 41 students in the course are discovering new truth about Christianity while still holding some deep questions about faith. Their questions are deep, complex, and challenging. Very few have discarded their faith, but most are suspicious of religion in general.

Students come forward after class to discuss their questions and wonderings with me. I greatly respect this. Many have not had a one-on-one interaction with a pastor, which means they are overcoming a significant amount of anxiety just to come forward. I am discovering one of the most important ways I can “Love People,” as our way of life states, is simply to create safety. For me, safety is an unspoken expectation, but I find that it must be spoken for students to feel free enough to ask probing questions.

Given the right environment and timing, questions of faith come forward. Going through the disorienting experience of college for the first time, students seek some grounding and connection. It is a joy to see confidence build and the comfort which comes with it. Questions are good. Questions signal openness and a posture of learning.

I am reminded that our “space” with God is always safe. The Apostle tells us that there is now “no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1) We often read this in judicial terms. Perhaps we need to see it as safety as well. There is no question we might ask which surprises God. Ask away. (Doing so is some of the purest form of prayer.)

May we do the same with others in our lives. Let us create generous safety for others. Let them ask questions. Engage with grace and patience for all.

Grace to You All,

Pastor Craig Brown

P.S. Pray for my students each Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 2:30 p.m.!
(October 29, 2024)