- Tell us a little about yourself and your background?
I was born in 1957 and born again in 1975. Shortly after coming to faith in Jesus I attended San Jose Bible College (William Jessup University) where I met my amazing wife and some very dear lifelong friends. I graduated with a B.S. in Bible & Theology. I entered the ministry working as an Assistant Pastor at a couple churches and then planted a church in 1984 in Riverside CA where I pastored for 16 years. During this time I also obtained a M.A. in Church Leadership.
I ended up as an Assistant Pastor of a large church for a couple of years and then entered into a seven year period that I call the “dark night (years) of the soul”. This was a very difficult season in my life but God showed up in a miraculous way. In 2010 I returned to the pastorate serving as a Lead Pastor in a college town along the beautiful redwood coast of Northern CA. I also serve as a Professor at a Bible Institute and have a weekly radio/internet teaching ministry called “Fresh Oil”.
- When did you realize you wanted to write?
While I was in Bible College a seed was planted and I knew that I wanted to write a book(s). When I was a Senior Pastor in Riverside CA I attended a few Christian Writer’s Conferences and actually wrote a book about hearing God’s voice that I intend to polish up a bit and publish sometime in the future.
- Tell us about this book.
Seasons of the Cave: Lessons We Learn From The Dark Places Of Life is a book that in large part was given birth during the seven dark years I went through as well as the years proceeding that time. The book focuses on the numerous cave stories found throughout the Bible and the various themes we discover as these biblical characters find themselves in very dark, difficult and despairing times. The reader will be truly surprised at the amount of cave stories found throughout the scriptures and how they relate to our lives in very practical, yet profound ways.
Along with the Biblical stories I intertwine my own personal stories of life and ministry that highlight and complement the biblical narratives that are discussed in the book. The book also includes insight on areas of leadership as well as transformation in the life of the believer.
- Why this subject?
We all go through dark times throughout our lives. They are really unavoidable. These “cave seasons” and “cave monsters” (fear, loneliness, confusion, etc.) that we face can be challenging to navigate through. This book is not only relatable, but designed to bring both help and hope to the reader as they find themselves in these dark, hard and rocky places of life. The book brings understanding regarding what we are going through so that we can actually partner with God in what He is doing in us rather than resisting the change that needs to occur in our lives.
- What did you learn from writing this book?
One of the things I learned was patience. This book was many years in the making and both myself and the book needed to mature before it went to print. One of the things that happened was that I took about a six month break when the book was about halfway finished. I would encourage everyone to embrace the wait rather than rushing ahead with your writing project.
I also learned the importance of research. This was especially important for the Introduction and first chapter of the book as it set a foundation for what was to follow. I would encourage your audience not to cut corners but do the work necessary to reflect a spirit of excellence.
- How did writing this affect your relationship with God?
I was able to reflect on my own seasons of the cave and it gave birth to a spirit of thankfulness for what God has done both in and through me. It was also a reminder of the faithfulness of God and that He will complete what He has started in me. Philippians 1:6
- How does writing a book affect your relationship with God as opposed to just reading one?
You gain a new and larger audience in which brings a greater accountability. It also serves as a faith catalyst for future endeavors. There were times when I wondered if this dream / vision would ever come to fulfillment. I now have greater faith for future doors God leads me to walk through. Writing a book also reminds me that I have a voice in the Kingdom of God and that I have to be a good steward of that voice.
- What do you find to be the most challenging part of writing?
Preparation. Research. The maturing process. Trusting God that it will reach the people He intended the book for.
- Where do we find your book(s)
You can find the book on Amazon. It is in both Kindle and Paperback. For those who would like a signed copy they can contact me at: dnlmcg457@aol.com
Dennis McGuire has been involved in ministry for over 30 years and has a heart to see people equipped for ministry in the church and mission to the world. He currently lives along the beautiful Redwood Coast in Northern California where he serves as Lead Pastor of Arcata First Baptist Church. He also has a radio and internet teaching ministry called Fresh Oil and is the Founder and Director of Redwood Coast School Of Missions.
Dennis has a Bachelor’s degree in Bible and Theology from William Jessup University and a Mater’s degree in Church Leadership from Hope International University. He has spoken at many different churches, retreats, and conferences and has had the privilege of going to a number of different nations mainly equipping and training leaders in the things of God. Dennis also serves as an instructor at North Coast Bible Institute.
Follow Dennis on Facebook at:
https://www.facebook.com/dennis.mcguire.9
SEASONS OF THE CAVE: Lessons We Learn From The Dark Places Of Life
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