Pastors’ Panel We asked pastors to reflect on theological education and abundant life in their congregational contexts. Here is what they told us.
What is your vision of abundant life? Reverend Stella Burkhalter (MDiv’10) Pastor of Kyle United Methodist Church, Kyle, Texas Biblical language is such a gift. Abundant life captures the essence of a life that is whole and at peace, but more than that. It is a life that is so full of joy that it bubbles up, bursts out, and spills over. When scripture promises abundant life to us, we, like the woman at the well, immediately want to know where we can get it. Also, like the woman at the well, we have trouble grasping the definition, but we know it when we see it. She saw it in Jesus, and so do we. Since 1 Peter admonishes us to be always prepared to give a defense for the hope that is in us, I will try this: Abundant life is what it looks like when perfect love casts out all fear. Reverend Matthew Miller (MDiv’03) Pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Albuquerque, New Mexico A life that is abundant is more than simple survival and reproduction. Rather, abundance suggests thriving, or to use the Psalmist’s image, a cup overflowing. This requires that a person have access to an unending source of that which allows one to thrive. Ultimately, for me, that means a connection to God as that source. In a sense, connecting to God is a little like connecting to the internet—to do so opens up a whole universe (one might say an abundance) of other connections: to one’s neighbors, to the wonder of creation, and to the truest form of one’s self. Reverend Hannah Hooks (MDiv’05) Pastor of Shorter Chapel AME Church, Giddings, Texas When I envision an abundant life, I see a balance between the personal, emotional, home, work, spiritual, and social areas. An abundant life is full engagement in each aspect—not easy to achieve. One’s personal life requires prioritizing, time management, self-awareness, and communication. When these areas are intentionally addressed it leads us to a more satisfying and productive life. The ability to design and follow a well-balanced life allows us to better follow the commandment “love your neighbor as yourself.” We are commanded to go into all the world to create disciples, which means having a healthy and balanced life guiding our discipling. This is an abundant life, living God’s commandments and showing God’s love, grace, and mercy—living a life of worship.
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