Jump directly to the Content

A Faith Worth Emulating

Inspiration from the life of Samuel Logan Brengle

Many years ago, I became acquainted with the writings of Samuel Logan Brengle, a commissioner in the Salvation Army. I found his pattern of faith in Jesus Christ attractive because of its joyfulness, toughness, and genuineness.

Brengle was born in the Midwest and, in his growing-up years, dedicated himself to Christian ministry as a Methodist preacher. In his youth, he dreamed of occupying a prestigious pulpit and becoming an influential voice in American religion.

An unlikely path

Because of his natural gift as a speaker, Brengle might have realized his ambition. But when a big church opportunity came, a Methodist bishop scotched the appointment. Years later—with greater insight—Brengle reflected on that moment.

Losing that city church was the best thing that could have happened to me. If I had gone to that appointment to work among those cultured and refined people, I should have swelled with pride, tried to show off my spread-eagled oratory and doubtless would have accomplished ...
March
Support Our Work

Subscribe to CT for less than $4.25/month

Homepage Subscription Panel

Read These Next

Related
Leader's Insight: Ministry Gone Stale
Leader's Insight: Ministry Gone Stale
Do leaders have a shelf life?
From the Magazine
The Evil Ideas Behind October 7
The Evil Ideas Behind October 7
The Hamas attacks in Israel have a grotesque ideological history and deserve unflinching moral judgment.
Editor's Pick
What Christians Miss When They Dismiss Imagination
What Christians Miss When They Dismiss Imagination
Understanding God and our world needs more than bare reason and experience.
close