What books are you reading now?

Four books on terrorism. Strangely enough, they’re actually comforting me rather than spooking me because I’m seeing how human the enterprise of terrorism really is. I’m always being reminded that it is nothing new. It’s evil and horrible, but not ferocious enough to rip the world out of Jesus’ hands.

What author would you like to have over for dinner and talk about his/her work? What would you ask?

Perhaps Chuck Colson. It strikes me that Colson is very concerned believers understand Christianity as a "total life system" as expressed in his book How Now Shall We Live? co-authored with Nancy Pearcey. Since I share that same concern, I’d like to visit with him about his views on women in ministry. I would shape my questions to fit the context of our conversation. But in general, I’d be asking things such as: Have you noticed that conservatives talk more about the husband "leading" his wife (which is not quoted anywhere in Scripture) than about the husband "cleaving" to his wife (which is quoted in both Testaments)? Do you think the divorce rate would subside at all if men at church were taught to cleave to their wives? Is Anne Graham Lotz sinning when she preaches to men? What is your interpretation of the biblical teachings on women?

What do you listen to while working in your office?

Most of the time, I prefer to enjoy the silence. But occasionally I will play the soundtrack of the movie The Mission over and over again.

What magazines are on your coffee table?

Christianity Today and World magazine. I think World editorializes the news rather than telling it plainly, but I read it for two main reasons: 1) because the articles differ from anything I see in the NY Times or on CNN; and 2) because I like to keep myself apprised of the right-wing conservative mindset. As for Christianity Today, I read it because it keeps me in touch with the broader evangelical world.

What is your favorite class to teach? Why?

I most enjoy teaching "Theology I: God, Creation, and Humanity" to the youth cohorts started by my colleague, Gordon Coulter. It is such a privilege to teach youth pastors theology because they are perhaps the most influential theologians in the church. Many of our students at APU, for instance, learned the bulk of their theology from their youth pastor. Whenever I teach this course, I almost feel as though I’m giving people worship lessons insofar as it’s my job to help introduce them more deeply to God. The more anyone beholds Him for Who He really is on His terms, the more spontaneous worship actually becomes.

How do you pause?

Well, it’s mostly an inward kind of re-posturing, not so much an outward activity. For me, to pause is to listen, to hear God’s Word, to rest in the certainty of His promises, to get beyond myself and pay attention to the nudges that I sense from the Holy Spirit. There is one place in my home where I spend time collecting my thoughts and praying. I call it my sanctuary; others call it a bathtub. I also pause by going out alone in my car, parking somewhere facing the mountains, reading my Bible, and journaling. When I pour out to God my anxieties and disappointments and confess my selfish motives, He gives me new thoughts, usually right from Scripture. I feel best about myself when I listen intently to God and other people throughout the day. Pausing helps me to do that.

What Bible verse has the ability to help you pause during a busy day?

Colossians 3:15: "Let the peace of Christ rule in your heart . . ." For me, pausing is a matter of surrendering. I surrender to Christ’s peace. I agree to be calmed by His peace. I make myself willing not to be afraid or irritable, but rather to welcome His peace.