Rev. Doug Abel

"For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord." ~Romans 8:38-39, NRSV

I am a husband, father (of adult children!), and pastor. I enjoy the many and varied things a pastor gets to do: preaching, teaching, strategizing, leading, serving the community, visitation, counseling, and walking with people on their journeys. I enjoy study, word games, and other "cerebral pursuits." I am also rather "techie," and loves me my Apple products.

But before I sound too nerdy, I am also known for having a sometimes goofy, often dry sense of humor, and am always looking for ways to inject fun and laughter. I am thoughtful and educated, yes... but that doesn't mean I take myself too seriously.

I do, however, take the gospel of Jesus Christ seriously. This means, among other things, that I have a heart for the marginalized, abused, and neglected, and a passion for the restoration and growth of people and communities into greater love, grace, maturity, freedom, joy, and mission. Central to my sense of call is a desire to see captives set free, and to lead Christian communities into a place where that will happen.

Boiled down, I am concerned about communicating and living the gospel of Jesus Christ, and helping others do the same, because I believe that, rightly understood, it is still revolutionary news, and that people still yearn for reconciliation with God and each other.

I pray that, in whatever you read or hear or see of me, I will be found faithfully representing Jesus Christ (not religion), despite my human limitations, flaws and blind spots, so that those I serve and serve with will know Jesus a little more as he truly is, wherever they may find themselves on the journey.