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Scott Sauls
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In March 2012, Scott began serving as the Senior Minister of Christ Presbyterian Church in Nashville, Tennessee, where he lives with his wife Patti and two daughters, Abby and Ellie. Previously, Scott was a lead and preaching pastor for Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York City, where he worked alongside Dr. Timothy Keller. He has also planted churches in Kansas City and St. Louis, and is a frequent speaker at conferences, leadership retreats, and to university students.
Scott’s first book, Jesus Outside the Lines: A Way Forward for Those Who Are Tired of Taking Sides released March 1, 2015. Scott also writes weekly on his blog at scottsauls.com and can also be found on Twitter at @scottsauls.
1.
How did a New York City Pastor end up in Nashville, Tn.?
It started with a phone call from Christ Presbyterian Church when they were looking for a new pastor. Over time, the NYC to Nashville move made a lot of sense because of where Nashville is headed. One NYC pastor, Tim Keller, told me that if I move to Nashville, I would be moving to Nashville from Nashville’s future. He was right. Even the New York Times has recognized our city as the “Third Coast” because of its progressive, creative, industrious, international and in many ways secularizing trajectory. We have always done best in this sort of environment, and there was a need. So we said yes. And we’re really glad we did.
2.
You suffered from anxiety and depression at one time in your life, how did you overcome it, what message would you like to give to others who suffer from the same maladies?
My depression story can be read in detail at scottsauls.com – “Anxiety and Depression: My Strange Friends.” How did I get through it? By living in community with people who had walked the same path before I had. And I have an incredible, supportive wife. Counseling and lots of time in the Psalms were also very helpful. What would I say to others who struggle with it? You are not alone, and there is no shame in this struggle. Damaged does not mean “done.” People who have been down this road often end up becoming the most compassionate people and the best kinds of friends. Anne Lamott said it well when she said it’s okay to realize you are damaged, because all the best people are. Hang in there…and don’t walk it alone.
3
Father of two, musician (we understand you enjoy time with your Gibson J-45) and baseball fan. What’s your fave thing about being a dad? Who’s your favorite guitarist? Favorite Team?
Watching my daughters grow up and make good choices. They both enjoy serving others. One has developed a real interest in kids with special needs. The other is just an all around kind-hearted, compassionate kid, and a great friend to all. It’s very rewarding to see this. Favorite Guitarist? David Wilcox. He’s amazing.Team? UNC Tar Heels.
4
Let’s talk about the book you just published ” Jesus Outside the Lines: A Way Forward for Those Who Are Tired of Taking Sides.What is the book about? What do you hope people get from reading it?
Bridging relational divides where there are polarizing conversations. Encouraging people to love across differences versus getting enmeshed in what seems to be a culture of increasing outrage. It’s especially about Jesus, and how he embodied these things. What do I hope people take away from reading it? It is not only possible, but right and good, to a) be true to your beliefs and convictions and b) love, listen to, and serve all people, including those who don’t share your beliefs and convictions, c) both at the same time.
5
You will be speaking at Kinekt July 7-8 at The Factory. How challenging is it for you to reach out to your congregation and to spread the word in a constantly changing digital society?
I actually think that things like social media, blogs and such create some great opportunities to reach out and represent Jesus in the world. I look forward to unpacking this a bit more at Kinekt.
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