I launched my blog, “Pastor John Keller,” in 2010 at the onset of my pastoral journey at Resurrection Lutheran Church in Woodbury, MN. My goal was to find a creative way to engage the Resurrection community as their pastor. My inaugural post, titled “Beginnings,” featured a photo from a backpacking trip I took in 2009.

In that first post, I shared my vision for the blog:
My writing will be somewhat eclectic and random, but my aim is to publish at least three posts each week: one focusing on physical themes, one on mental aspects, and one on spiritual matters. Naturally, there will be overlaps at times. As a Lutheran, I’m committed to approaching this plan with grace.

While I seldom met my ambitious goal of three posts per week, I did manage to write over 500 entries, each intended to illuminate God’s love and light in meaningful ways. After my departure from Resurrection, my posting frequency dwindled, and I only wrote sporadically. However, last week I shared a post titled “Silent Night Holy Light,” which reignited my desire to resume regular writing. Thus, I am excited to announce the revival of my website, pastorjohnkeller.org, with a commitment to post weekly throughout 2025.

(Re)New Blog’s Focus

I contemplated creating a new website and choosing a different name, but the reflections captured in my prior posts are an integral part of my life journey. Each previous post serves as a marker along the path that has led me to this moment—a guide that might assist others in their own spiritual journeys. I plan to refresh and repost some of my older entries, offering new insights. The process of writing and rewriting fosters growth and transformation.

Since I no longer serve a specific congregation as pastor, I hope I can be a pastor/writer for all God’s people. My choice of topics will remain eclectic. While I anticipate revisiting familiar themes such as grace, love, prayer, Bible stories, backpacking, and grandkids, I also intend to explore new subjects like aging, meditation, and contemplation. I welcome your suggestions as well; if there’s a specific topic you believe I should explore, please feel free to reach out and share your thoughts in the comments below. Also consider subscribing for future posts.

As we look ahead to 2025, what new or renewed path do you envision for yourself?