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With Feet of Clay--Pastoral Confession discloses the challenges faced, as well as the joys known, by a missionary kid led by his heavenly Abba into pastoral ministry. In a diverse tapestry of memories from his early childhood well into his retirement years, Pastor Bob Luidens reveals in honest measure numerous instances along the way when confession was reborn--confession that is always good for the soul.
In this, the author's second memoir, the reader is introduced to instances of heartfelt awakening, as well as of emotional confoundment--all to the end of recognizing the feet of clay with which each and every one of God's beloved children is blessed.
Whether one sits in a pew, studies on a campus, expounds from a pulpit, or resides in any manner of home, each reader will find spiritual encounter and soulful encouragement.
Robert J. Luidens is a retired minister of Word and Sacrament in the Reformed Church in America. After serving for three years as pastor of the First United Presbyterian Church in Lincoln, Kansas, he served for more than thirty-one years as pastor of the Altamont Reformed Church in Altamont, New York. With Feet of Clay—Pastoral Confession is his second book.
“For any student contemplating ministry, or any seminarian preparing for ministry, or any pastor wishing for inspiration, or any person with a heart, With Feet of Clay is a gem. Much as All Creatures Great and Small tells stories of a veterinarian’s life, ‘Pastor Bob’ tells captivating stories of a pastor’s life. As he shepherds his flock through life’s peaks and valleys, he personifies and models the joys and angsts of caregiving.”
—David Myers, professor of psychology, Hope College
“With Feet of Clay is a treasure trove of first-person narratives about a missionary kid-turned-pastor and his journey of faith. Written with candor and compassion, it calls to mind the Dietrich Bonhoeffer classic, The Cost of Discipleship. Each story is a gem, with a pearl of wisdom added for good measure. A must-read for anyone called to ministry.”
—Milton Nieuwsma, creator of acclaimed PBS series Inventing America
“A wonderful read in brief, self-contained vignettes. Laity will see what a pastor should be, seminarians will learn much about what being a pastor could be, and ministers will find both comfort and guidance for their ministry.”
—Donald Bruggink, professor emeritus of historical theology, Western Theological Seminary
“These brief reflections on life experiences—a child’s awakening to wonder, a young man discerning a sense of call, pastoral encounters both poignant and trying—will prompt the reader’s own self-reflection.”
—John Paarlberg, pastor
“In his first memoir, The Kingdom Will Come Anyway, Robert Luidens opens the door to intriguing vignettes of ‘a life in the day of a pastor.’ In this sequel he draws back the curtain, sometimes tenderly, sometimes painfully, on the most poignant and formative events in his life. With Feet of Clay not only invites a deeper look into one person’s soul formation, but models for us the transparency, honesty, and courage it takes to heal from our own brokenness. A riveting, soul restoring read!”
—Peter Everts, clinical psychologist