Halverson Benediction

Dick Halverson, who encouraged me to begin the “Building One Another” letter, was a spiritual mentor who had a profound impact on my life and ministry.

When Dick was Chaplain of the U.S. Senate, he graciously preached to the congregation I am serving.  On the way back to the airport, I asked him, “Dick, what was the most significant thing you did at Fourth Presbyterian Church that brought vitality and spiritual strength to that congregation?”   The question seemed to embarrass him a bit and finally he spoke.  I was expecting him to say his preaching or his church staff or some church program but I didn’t anticipate his answer.  Quietly he said, “I think it was my benediction.”

His benediction!  I thought, “Of course!”  I had heard it countless times.  After all that happened in any given church service with music and singing and sharing and preaching, the last thing you heard were his words:

Wherever you go, God is sending you, wherever you are, God has put you there; He has a purpose in your being there.  Christ who indwells you has something He wants to do through you where you are.  Believe this and go in His grace and love and power.
Richard C. Halverson

I often use this benediction.  It has a wonderful way of helping people see themselves as sent - as God’s missional people into our world.

The term “missional” refers to the identity and activity of the people of God who are sent by God to engage their world on behalf of the mission of our loving God. Our Lord does indeed have a purpose and a place for you.  There is something he wants to do through you.  Believe it and go in his grace and love and power.

With joy - E. Stanley Ott