"Come let us reason together" Isaiah 1:18
Engaging the mind
There is a tremendous difference between telling people what to think or equipping people to do their own thinking, especially when it comes to hearing God. APR (Ask Pastor Rick) is committed to the process of equipping people for the kind of thinking that helps us grow in our ability to discern God’s voice. We may challenge your thinking, but not your right to think for yourself.
How the idea started
Ask the Pastor Site
In the mid 1990's, I became involved in an online ministry that originated in a Christian chat room. As interest grew, a group of us formed our own network, expanding on the initial curiosity sparked in our chat room. We introduced a daily online prayer time, a real-time weekly Bible study session, and a themed chat room called the Pastor's Study. The site featured its own webpage, and as interest continued to rise, we created a page titled 'Ask the Pastor.'
This page provided individuals with the chance to ask any question, allowing them to receive pastoral responses from multiple ministers. Our aim was to reflect the diversity of perspective that can emerge within the Christian community, especially on topics like hearing God.
The response was phenomenal, and that ministry flourished for a couple of years. However, as frequently occurs, changes in the personal lives of our ministry team and shifts in how people interact online led to the dissolution of that particular ministry. Yet, the concept has always remained with me.
Now, more than 20 years later, with the powerful outreach offered through social media, the time is ripe for a rebooted 'Ask the Pastor' feature.
Rick Sewell currently serves as pastor at the New Hope Baptist Church in Appomattox, Virginia. The Ask Pastor Rick site provides an opportunity to engage in meaningful conversation with people from any background on the topic of your choosing, including the important theme of hearing God.
Diversity of Professional Viewpoints
Added Resources
Here at Ask Pastor Rick, we hold a fundamental belief that "all truth belongs to God." This perspective includes understanding how to be hearing God in our lives. Therefore, when addressing certain topics, it may be best to consult individuals trained in different disciplines. We are collaborating with professionals in various fields, including Mental Health Professionals, Medical Professionals, and others who can provide valuable insights while helping us discern the ways of hearing God.
