Modern Epistles
The New Testament is full of pastoral letters to the church (aka Epistles) as early Christians wrestled with living into God's grace and call upon their lives. The Old Testament is packed with the writing of prophets and psalmists of old. Letter writing, while antiquated in our digital era, is a part of our history and becoming. This project is an invitation to write so we can learn something together and reclaim a piece of our humanity.
Write me a letter--anything on your heart. Dear Abby-style for those who remember the era of advice columns. It is not just limited to questions of faith! Perhaps there is a struggle in your life you feel like you are carrying alone or something you'd like some outside perspective on. So many people are leaning on AI as a conversation partner where really they need a judgement-free and safe place to land with a real person.
Think of me a modern pen-pal. I may be a pastor but trust me--I am not like most. I am radically inclusive and extravagantly welcoming because that is the way of Jesus. I'm not here to tell you where you are wrong or to cast judgement. I too am an imperfect person navigating life for the first time.I am here to listen, support, and guide as I am able in the way of God's UNCONDITIONAL love.
So write freely to me and I will respond in writing to you with some reflection and care.
How to Write
Send your letter - typed, handwritten, scribbled on a napkin, whatever works to: Pastor TJ @ P.O. Box 13 Vandergrift, PA 15690. Please include a return address if you want me to write back. If you do not, then you will have to follow me on TikTok for my response.
All identifying details used in the Modern Epistles series on TikTok to teach others through shared stories will be anonymized or adapted to maintain your privacy. If you'd prefer your story to remain untold even with these protective measures, please let me know.
I will always honor that.
If you don't want to use snail-mail as whimsical as it may be to enjoy but you still want to write, reach out to me using this form: