At the encouragement of his friend and pastor, Ted Harro wrote and delivered a letter that imagined what Quaker philosopher Thomas Kelly might say to his home congregation, The Practice Church. 

The message felt timely and true for a broader audience, so we convinced Ted to share it — and an accompanying exercise — with you here in written form.

Just as Paul’s letters mention real names and situations, you will see firsthand references and personalized humor sprinkled throughout the text. Ted was writing to lifelong friends and fellow disciples. We left those details in because they serve as a good reminder that pastoral letters worth their salt always come from a real context. They address real people the messenger knows by heart, not some abstract audience.

And now this letter is for you.

Find your story in it. Share it. Expand on it as you open your heart to whatever the Lord might say specifically to you and your group. Read it as the playful, prayerful, humble exhortation it was meant to be. And be encouraged.

2024 Renovaré