God, Golf, and Grace with Dr. Doug Rehberg

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Do you need grace? Tired of feeling judged by Christians? Stay
tuned as we look at God, Golf, and Grace with Dr. Doug Rehberg.


I have seen huge cultural shifts in my time, a comment worthy of
one who admits to being an old curmudgeon. One of those shifts
was in the role and status of the clergyman. When growing up, the
clergy was among the most respected professions in America. A
local minister was revered in a way, often asked to open public
meetings in prayer, provide benedictions at political functions,
sought after for wisdom in times of crisis, and appreciated for
his willingness to visit shut-ins, perform funerals, and preside
over weddings. Often his counsel was even desired the way
professional therapists are today.


While historically clergy have been among the most educated
people in society for over two thousand years, they have also
been notoriously underpaid, treated at times as “the help,”
tipped a little extra at Christmas, or recipients of extra
vegetables from the garden. There were other benefits as well,
sometimes including a home while they served the church, along
with a coveted free membership at the local country club, or at
least the opportunity to play on Mondays when courses were
traditionally closed.


Early in my ministry, I discovered those days were fading, which
isn’t saying I didn’t pine away wishing for them to return.
Ministry, as a “profession” was being stained daily by abuses as
educational qualifications for ordination, were watered down by
many independent and congregational churches. 


Today we have a guest a man who straddled that generational gap
as well as any I know. Highly respected in his community, he
honored his country club for their generosity to him. He used
their fairways to minister to many, and find refreshment for his
own soul.


Let’s welcome the Reverend Dr. Doug Rehberg, author of the new
book, “God, Golf and Grace.


 


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