Dr. Erwin Lutzer has spoken at The Cove’s Pastor Renewal Retreat, where ministry leaders gather to rest, refocus, and experience spiritual renewal.
Dr. Erwin Lutzer, pastor emeritus of The Moody Church and frequent guest speaker at The Cove, has spent decades helping believers navigate faith in an ever-changing world. In this Q&A, he offers practical wisdom for standing firm in Biblical truth with grace, finding spiritual renewal, and staying close to God through life’s busyness. Drawing from Scripture and personal experience, Dr. Lutzer reminds us that faithfulness begins with intimacy with Christ and a heart rooted in the Bible.
Q: Dr. Lutzer, you’ve spoken a lot about challenges Christians face in today’s culture. What advice do you have for believers trying to stand for Biblical truth without becoming combative and fearful?
A: We have to think through our responses so that we don’t become timid or silent on the one hand and belligerent on the other. This is my suggestion: Think through where you want to draw the line in terms of what you say or do, keeping in mind that we must lead redemptively; by that I mean we must always represent Christ, knowing that first and foremost people need the Gospel.
The answer as to what we do or say will vary from person to person. The businessman will have to make different decisions than a repair man—the schoolteacher or mother who homeschools her children will each have different answers. I always tell people to pray, seek wisdom, and ask God this question: What does faithfulness look like for me?
Q: You have been a speaker at The Cove’s Pastor Renewal Retreat. Whether in ministry or not, how and why do we need to intentionally seek spiritual renewal in our Christian walk?
A: We all need renewal; even Jesus said to His disciples, “Come apart and rest a while.” (Mark 6:31, paraphrased) Yes, we need rest, but I’ve noticed at The Cove there is much more that happens. I see new connections between people; and through teaching, we learn new approaches to ministry. As we pray together and for one another, there is this assurance, “I’m not in this alone.” Rest, meditation, learning and new connections—that’s what I’ve seen happening at The Cove.
Q: How do you stay close to God in the midst of busy periods in ministry?
A: I begin each day spending time adoring God, quoting Scripture and thanking God. Then I read the Bible and pray. During the day I do try to “pray without ceasing.”
Even as I answer these questions, I am looking to God for wisdom and strength. My need for God is almost always on my mind.
Q: What has been a transformational Bible verse for you this year, and why?
A: Well, I could choose many verses, but the one that is transforming for me right now is one that helps me narrow the scope of my interests and responsibilities: “One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple” (Psalm 27:4, ESV). When I do that ‘one thing,’ I can get more things done!
Are you interested in attending a Pastor Renewal Retreat at The Cove—where you can rest, refocus, and find encouragement among fellow believers? Find out more about upcoming events at TheCove.org/events.