Friday, August 21, 2026

Questions and Points to Ponder?

Each summer, it is a privilege and a pleasure to help with staff training at Christikon and at Flathead Lutheran Bible Camp. One of my favorite things is to put out slips of paper and invite questions of all kinds. I still take (and get) verbal questions, but I receive a raft of folded slips of paper with burning questions of all types. 

Here is a sample: 

How can we reconcile the truth in other religions with Jesus saying He is the way, truth, and life?  

What should we do with what we’ve learned here? 

Why don’t we know who is going to hell? 

What if one person’s definition of the Bible as a tool might act/feel like a weapon to someone else? 

How should I relate to Jesus as a brother? 

How can God be good, but allowed my abuse to happen? 

What do you believe is the purpose of religion? 

Should I fit to the church or the church fit to me? 

What is your perspective and/or the Biblical perspective on utilizing violence to overcome oppressive systems? 

Thoughts on resistance vs. resilience? Who is allowed to resist? 

Are there parts of other religions you subscribe to or preach? 

How do I deal with nervousness about leading a group in Bible study/answering questions? [I] fear discouraging them/saying something incorrect. 

Have you experienced any difficulties being a woman in this field? How do you deal with it? 

What are your thoughts on the parable of the sower? 

 

How does one deal with feeling like an imposter or load? How do I know if I’m being honestly me? How does this relate to faith? 

What is your favorite story to preach on and your biggest lesson from it? 

What inspired you (or called you) to ministry? What were your personal reasons? 

What is your favorite Scripture or verse? 

What trait do you most value in yourself? 

When did you know you wanted to be a pastor? 

What is something that surprised you about writing a book? 

Pacifism vs. Inaction: can/should we take direct action against things like persecution and genocide for the sake of others? 

What brought you to Big Timber?

How has your family shaped your relationship with God? 

How do you approach situations where people use Christianity to justify injustice? When do you know to stand up for what you know to be true? 

Thoughts on diversity creating tension in a church community? 

What parts of the Bible point us toward hope? 

Have you doubted God? 

What keeps you in Montana? 

If communion represents God’s grace and love for all people, why do some churches not let everyone participate? 

How do we read and interpret the creation story in relation to scientific evidence? 

How has describing God as king contributed to a patriarchal history in the church and how women have been treated in some eras of Christianity?

What are your thoughts on surrounding yourself solely with people who believe the same things you do, especially in college or university? 

How can I combat someone who tells me that women cannot be a pastor? 

What makes Paul credible in his teachings? 

To whom should we address our prayers? Is praying to Jesus different than praying to God? 

Is disease the result of sin? 

How do we define the Kingdom of God to young kids? 

Do you think people need God? 

To what point does AI signify the end times? 

What do you believe happens to people who never get the opportunity to learn about Jesus in their lifetime? 

Thoughts on Christian nationalism? 



What would you ask? 

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Questions and Points to Ponder?

Each summer, it is a privilege and a pleasure to help with staff training at Christikon and at Flathead Lutheran Bible Camp. One of my favor...