In 21^st Century America, we’re struggling to unify around things that have, historically, brought us together. Here’s a challenge that won’t resolve anytime soon: words are often a source of confusion instead of clarity. When both sides aren’t thinking the same thing when hearing the same word, the advantage of language has been compromised. What does it take to be on the same page?

Jim and Debbie Hogan have been friends for nearly 40 years. In the early stages, our connection was easily made through the overlap of trusted relationships we shared. Their friends vouched for us; our friends vouched for them. That’s how we experience modern life, full of surface-level acquaintances that are warm and affable but avoid the unpleasantries that might expose the lack of substantial and sacrificial connection. Lots of friends; few deep comrades.

For years, we enjoyed seeing them – in the company of common friends – as we experienced modern “friendship.” Sincere smiles, but not much was happening beyond the comfortable catch-ups.

In a radical and historic moment, friendship with the Hogans took on a brand-new layer of meaning. Our prior pleasantries were just the set-up for what God had been orchestrating in our receptive stories. His disruptive interruption of our lives – for us as couples and for Jim and me as Kingdom leaders – set in motion an active-duty experience in spiritual warfare that would affect the Hogans, the Shanks, a mega-church congregation in Southern California and – over the ensuing decades – tens of thousands of Jesus Followers across America and beyond.

At this juncture, you’re either thinking that you’re reading the rants of a classically over-inflated evangelical leader who rounds reality “up” to the next impossible metric, or there may be a story that will carry some intrigue and mystery. Does the promise of God’s invisible hand working in the lives of people who would have never imagined playing in those lofty leagues even possible? 

A story that reflects those of the heroes of Hebrews 11 – who never gave autographs in their own eras but will be forever exalted in Eternity – is in the concise but credible retelling of Jim’s journey in discovering and pursuing his Kingdom Calling.

Hogan and I became foxhole-roomies in a church war that claimed too many casualties around us but gave us battlefield experience that would propel each of us – with our wives – into future assignments that were clearly orchestrated by the Commander in Chief.

Jim and Debbie were among the first cohort of participants in The Master’s Program. From that experience, God took a great couple – with a background from entrepreneurial marketplace service and a sacrificial active-duty call-up into church leadership – into the formation of a Kingdom assignment that has emerged as a powerful service to church and ministry leaders around the world.

Jim has written a great book that you ought to read. I can attest to the veracity of the tales he shares; I was part of that story as an active collaborator. His Title – What Do You Want to BE When You Grow Up? – doesn’t do justice to the first-hand account of a leader who found and continues to pursue his Kingdom Calling. Click here to order a copy.

I’ve known Jim at the deepest level for decades, but I’ve learned important things about him from reading this account that makes me respect and love him all the more.

Tear yourself away from the mind-rotting updates of cultural connectivity and learn about God’s continuing promotion of the unlikeliest of candidates to become the most accomplished leaders in His Kingdom. Jim’s story will challenge you to look for God’s continuing revelation of His plans for you through circumstances and situations that are part of His plan.

So… what’s your story?

Bob Shank

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