As the Broken White Lines Become One

“Any pastor who has spent some time with a Rolling Stone cover of Bob Dylan, a photo of Ernest Hemingway, a James Baldwin lecture flyer, and the Arkansas flag hanging on his office wall has to be a fascinating, eclectic, and unpredictable voice in the church. And that is surely true of Michael Gehring. In this compelling memoir, he traces his journey from his southern and Catholic roots through the fire of Pentecostalism, by way of Presbyterian corridors, and on to the vibrant piety of Methodism. The twists and turns seem at times random, even haphazard, but Gehring is able to help us see the hand of grace guiding him along the way. He could have been a housepainter, he flirted with being a philosopher, but now he is a creative and courageous pastor. As one of his heroes, Bob Dylan, sings, ‘There’s a slow, slow train coming,’ and we can all be grateful that Gehring has taken us along to savor the ride.”


—Thomas G. Long, Bandy Professor Emeritus of Preaching, Candler School of Theology, Emory University





“In the gospels, Jesus is not only on a perpetual road trip but also calls ordinary people to journey with him. One of the most interesting traveling companions that Jesus has called is Michael Gehring. In this loving, honest memoir, Mike portrays a life in movement, an intelligent, inquisitive man drawn by Christ through an assortment of experiences, good and bad, and of churches struggling to be faithful. Mike’s is a circuitous, interesting journey, a life made more adventurous by the summons of Jesus Christ. This book is sure to be received as one of finest of ministerial memoirs.”


—Will Willimon, United Methodist Bishop, retired, and Professor of the Practice of Christian Ministry, Duke Divinity School





“Michael Gehring recounts his courageous journey of faith with humor and insight. He tells it like it is and is never dull. We get the sense of a man who is confident enough of God's love and presence in his life to take a risk in deciding what to do and which way to go. Gehring is a very gifted writer and has a story worth telling.”


—Jerome Kodell, Abbot of Subiaco Abbey 1989–2015





“It is rare to find a pastor-scholar who can craft a candid and self-disclosing life journal which conveys clarity and true grounding for faith and authentic conviction. Michael Gehring takes the novice lay reader and the trained theologian on a rich exploration in pursuit of living answers to challenging questions of religious integrity, the roots of loyalty, and the meaning of cultural heritage. Gehring’s journey is intriguing and inviting. He respectfully invites the reader to join a development journey, filled with rich intellectual curiosity and a search in matters of the soul. He examines sensitive issues pertaining to the institutional structures of the church and their connection to personhood, relationships, and practice. This autobiographical-like story is instructive, creatively thematic, and superbly personalized. It speaks in the tone of an ordinary seeker of truth who is sharing a wealth of time-honored testimonials. Finally, it helps the reader to imagine how his or her faith choices have shaped their life destiny.”


—Vergel L. Lattimore, III, Ph.D., President, Professor of Pastoral Psychology & Counseling, Hood Theological Seminary





“As we travel through this life, people of the 21st century have neither the stomach nor the time for a tale of airbrushed sentimentality. With humor and humility, depth and deprecation, Michael Gehring writes his story. Rock legends and 4th century theologians are just some of his guides along the way, but it is his own voice, which speaks a truth that the world and the church need to hear. There is no pretense, no fear as he reflects on the past and speaks boldly into the future; there are only the words of one who has journeyed hard and well. Listen well.”


—Robin Crews Wilson, Senior Pastor, First United Methodist Church, Opelika, Alabama