Eugene H. Peterson has been a mentor to me throughout my pastoring life. I never had the opportunity to meet the man in person, but from the time I picked up his Contemplative Pastor while still a green Bible College student, I knew his was a voice worth listening to.

I am deeply grateful to Winn Collier for writing a beautiful biography of a man who tried to be a saint. This is one of the rare books that brought me to tears—literally. I’ve delayed writing a post about it because I’m unsure of what to say.

I’ll be brief. If you are a Christian leader of any capacity but especially a pastor, you really should read this biography. Peterson was no saint according to the ‘morally flawless’ definition, although no great scandals marred his reputation. He was simply a person who worked hard, with all the energy God inspired within him, to fulfill his calling.

May those of us who pastor embody that same commitment.

Collier, Winn. A Burning In My Bones: The Authorized Biography of Eugene H. Peterson, Translator of The Message. WaterBrook, 2021.