The Truth Shall Make You Odd

Speaking with Pastoral Integrity in Awkward Situations

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About

In the life of a pastor, it can be tempting to offer half-truths that make everyone happy and the pastor popular. Speaking difficult truths may anger or alienate church members, but authentic pastoral care sometimes requires it. How can those in ministry speak honestly in the inevitable awkward situations they face?

Here a wise and witty pastor-storyteller draws on his church life experiences over the past twenty-five years--including sermons, funerals, and board meetings--to offer nitty-gritty guidance on handling the uncomfortable situations that all pastors face. Utilizing humor and encouragement and speaking across denominational lines, Frank Honeycutt examines a variety of biblical contexts where the truth of Jesus is difficult to hear, but direly needed--especially in settings where half-truths are the norm. He shows pastors how to courageously speak the truth no matter the risk or cost.
 
Contents
 
Introduction: Quivering Masses of Availability
Part 1
1. Reflections on the Father of Lies: The Devil and All His Empty Promises
2. The Lie of Express Conversion: How the Savior Saves Us
Part 2
3. Honesty in Preaching: The Pulpit as Witness Stand
4. Truth and Consequences in Pastoral Care: Daring to Speak the Hard Word
5. Truthful Teaching: The Importance of Creative Catechesis for Daily Discipleship
6. Death and Deceit: The Funeral Service and Holy Truth Telling
7. Remaining in Ephesus: Speaking the Truth with Councils and Vestries
Conclusion: Why Church Members Need More than a Chaplain Who Cares

Endorsements

"Frank Honeycutt is one of our most able pastoral theologians and a master communicator of the faith. This fast-paced, engaging book tackles subjects that we mainline Protestant Christians have recently bypassed or neglected--subjects like sin, Satan, lying, and truth telling--and discusses them against the backdrop of Frank's generous theology of God's active, amazing grace."--Will Willimon, author and bishop of the United Methodist Church, Birmingham (Alabama) Area

"The Truth Shall Make You Odd is a book for clergy but also for any Christian who wishes to delve into the complexities of belief. Frank Honeycutt is a gifted writer and a man of immense wisdom."--Ron Rash, novelist; Parris Distinguished Professor in Appalachian Cultural Studies, Western Carolina University

"Books that call for the rejection of half-truths and outright lies are prone to be judgmental, insufficiently self-critical, and in any case, deadly serious. Frank Honeycutt's wonderful book is none of these. He reads the Bible with a novelist's attentiveness, theological acumen, and a well-tuned sense of humor, directed first of all at himself. Any book about 'speaking the truth in love' (Ephesians 4:15) needs to make sure that it practices what it commends; Honeycutt succeeds by preferring the winsome word to the cudgel of correction."--John Hoffmeyer, associate professor of systematic theology, The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia

"Finally, a book that addresses the dirty little secret of the half-truths and untruths told by ministers to their members from baptismal font to graveside. From a seasoned pastor willing to expose his own struggles with integrity comes a book that provides both scriptural backbone and practical instruction in pastoral truth telling. This book has convicted me, taught me, and encouraged me. And that's the truth."--Ron Luckey, pastor, Faith Lutheran Church, Lexington, Kentucky

"Frank Honeycutt is unflinchingly honest and willing to be as odd as the title of his book. He dares to begin with serious talk about the devil and is equally serious about conversion--how long it takes versus how easy we try to make it. He's passionate about the church's calling 'to assist the Holy Spirit in forming disciples,' which is not the same as becoming a member of a particular congregation. This book could only be written by a pastor who has been willing to speak truthfully and be honest about when he has failed. Honeycutt's insights are shaped by many years in different parishes and by his deep engagement with the world beyond the church. His writing is a gift honed by years of conversing with poets and novelists who not only love words but are unabashedly honest about life. He moves from the hospital room to the church council meeting and into a surprising biblical story without calling attention to the movement. If you're willing to 'let go of counting and focus on real disciple-making,' Frank Honeycutt is the conversation partner you've been waiting for."--Barbara K. Lundblad, Joe R. Engle Professor of Preaching, Union Theological Seminary, New York

The Author

  1. Frank G. Honeycutt

    Frank G. Honeycutt

    Frank G. Honeycutt (DMin, Lutheran School of Theology, Chicago), a Lutheran (ELCA) pastor for twenty-five years, is senior pastor of Ebenezer Lutheran Church in Columbia, South Carolina. He is the author of many magazine articles and six books, including...

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Reviews

"Pastors often face difficult situations in which they may be tempted to offer half-truths in order to placate their congregants. Frank G. Honeycutt . . . helps pastors overcome this temptation and learn to speak the truth courageously no matter the cost. . . . [He] help[s] pastors realize that they must speak the truth of Jesus always, regardless of how difficult it might be to hear."--CBA Retailers + Resources

"Focusing both on congregational life and pastoral vocation, the author pulls no punches describing the havoc Satan wreaks on Christians through dishonesty. The book contains many practical ways to speak and live truthfully in a culture of deception. The section on adult catechesis and conversion is a good example."--David Swanson, Leadership Journal