January 29, 2016

Risking It In 2016 - The Velveteen Pastor by Bob Jones

We are blessed to have guest blogger and new Inscribe member Bob Jones writing for the blog today. 


A few months ago I posted a Facebook comment at the height of the same-sex marriage issue in the USA. I wrote about Franklin Graham and Tony Campolo, leaders I’ve worked with and hold in high respect. These brothers in the faith lined up on opposite sides of the same-sex marriage legislation. Here were two evangelical leaders holding polar opposite views and defending them from Scripture.

It was a Saturday morning in June 2015 when I naively posted on Facebook how I loved the kingdom of God because it was big enough to include both Campolo and Graham and their perspectives. After posting, my wife and I went for our usual 6km run. Usually, very few people pay attention to my posts. We returned home an hour later to find my Facebook page had blown up. People were approving my comment and others were attacking those who approved it. The engagement between people got heated to the extent that I hid the post from view from my Timeline.

Hide no more, I will.

I‘ve been playing it safe with my writing. Controversy and conflict are not my friends so I don’t go looking to stir up contention. That approach no longer serves me well.

My writing goals for 2016 are:

1. To risk cracking open the window of my soul to become more vulnerable in my writing. My wife says I need to get in touch with my feelings to help my writing touch people.

2. To write about important issues, controversial or not - at the risk of being misunderstood - for the sake of helping people live by Biblical Christian values and attitudes.

I’m writing a book for ministers by the title “The Velveteen Pastor: The Journey of Becoming Real in Ministry.”  

The inspiration for the title comes from The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams, a children's story about a toy rabbit whose fur becomes worn from use, but who longs to become real. Here is a short excerpt:

“Real isn’t how you are made,” said the Skin Horse. “It’s a thing that happens to you. When a child loves you for a long, long time, not just to play with, but REALLY loves you, then you become Real.”

“Does it hurt?” asked the Rabbit.

“Sometimes,” said the Skin Horse, for he was always truthful. “When you are Real you don’t mind being hurt.” 

“Does it happen all at once, like being wound up,” he asked, “or bit by bit?” 

“It doesn’t happen all at once,” said the Skin Horse. “You become. It takes a long time. That’s why it doesn’t happen often to people who break easily, or have sharp edges, or who have to be carefully kept. Generally, by the time you are Real, most of your hair has been loved off, and your eyes drop out and you get loose in your joints and very shabby. But these things don’t matter at all, because once you are Real you can’t be ugly, except to people who don’t understand.”

I’ve got a lot in common with the Velveteen Rabbit – little hair, loose in the joints, failing vision and after four decades of ministry, becoming real.

I expect the ramifications of achieving my goals in 2016 will fill some of the pages in my book.

I hope my writing will be great.

It may grate on some readers.


It will be real.

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Robert (Bob) W. Jones is a recovering perfectionist, who collects Coca-Cola memorabilia and drinks Iced Tea. His office walls are adorned with his sons’ framed football jerseys, and his library shelves, with soul food. He writes to inspire people to be real, grow an authentic faith in Jesus, enjoy healthy relationships and discover their life purpose.

15 comments:

  1. Bob. I have prayed for your endeavour, and your decision to speak out. May the Lord direct you to His word as the basis for any stand you take, and give you great clarity of thought and word. Go forth and stir up the nation!

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    1. Hello Bobbi. I'm kinda partial to that first name. I appreciate you taking time to post and to pray.

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  2. Thank you for this post, Bob. I look forward to many more!

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    1. Thank you Tracy for the opportunity.

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  3. I'm not as well known as you but I too endeavour to be real in my writing and to not shy away from the difficult topics on social media. I have experienced the attacks a multitude of times and have been praying as to just how God wants me to interact on social media over 'hot' issues and also in my writing. As an ex-reporter I have a keen interest in all world events and especially as a Christian in events that either denigrate our society or help it. I feel we are not called to be quiet about these issues however I also realize we need to be 'as wise as serpents and as gentle as doves,' in how we handle things. It is seriously a time for wisdom like no other since we have the opportunity of having the ears of the world with just a few key strokes. Thank you for your timely article.

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    1. Thank you Gloria. I really appreciate your feedback and to know we are sharing in the same endeavor. I will check in on your writings as well. God bless.

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  4. I wish you well in your goal for 2016--to be real. That takes courage, but is oh, so worth pursuing. I don't know where the journey will take you, but God bless you and be with you!

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    1. Thank you, Belinda. I receive that blessing!

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  5. I like your 2 writing goals for the year. Yes, being vulnerable is difficult but necessary. Jesus was misunderstood all the time and He should be the example we follow. May God give you strength as you take the risk and show Jesus' love to people. Thanks for the challenge.

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    1. Thank you, Connie for your comment and encouragement!

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  6. Welcome to our InScribe force, Pastor Bob. I'm sure I am not the only one who feels blessed to have you in our ranks. I also feel humbled. I read your book, The Ornament, given to me as a Christmas gift by my niece, Billie-Jo. I appreciate the way you told Kristen's story. Although I didn't know her personally before reading the book, I came to admire her as a child of God, a fellow mother, sister, wife, and friend.

    (I am Joan O'Reilly's sister if your are wondering why I look familiar.)

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    1. Joan was an amazing woman and so is Billie-Jo. I'm very glad you received a copy of Ornament. Your response to the content of the book was exactly how I hoped readers would feel. I'm looking forward to connecting with you in the future.

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  7. PS. I loved your blog, and I will now think of you as The Velveteen Pastor who is real.

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  8. What happened on your Facebook sounds quite frightening and shocking--at first. Then it sounds wonderful, because that's what we're here for, to be ourselves and let the world experience US! Congratulations, Bob, and thanks for the encouragement!

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    1. Thank you, Ramona. FB can be an interesting environment, just like writing. Going public with your heart is always a risk, but one worth taking when you have something worth reading. Looking forward to connecting with you through Inscribe.

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