An Interview with Jan Cartledge
1. How would you describe your calling and mission as a writer and as a Christian?
My calling has taken me to various places in my journey as a Christ follower. My professional ministry has centered mainly in the areas of youth ministry and Christian education. I’ve written Bible study curriculum and devotionals for youth attending summer camps, which provided opportunities to encourage the spiritual growth of teenagers. My calling and mission in these writing experiences has been to share God’s truth and love through the written word in hopes that those reading would respond to God’s word in creative and meaningful ways.
2. Which books have had the greatest impact on your ministry?
Frederick Buechner's works were introduced to me during my college years and had a great influence on my life direction as I considered seminary and vocational ministry. In describing vocation, Buechner states that "the place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world's deep hunger meet." (Wishful Thinking: A Theological ABC) I remember that quote frequently and hope that my life and professional ministry always reflect my deep gladness as I seek to be aware of and try to meet some of the needs around me everyday.
I enjoy reading anything by Ann Weems. She is a gifted writer and storyteller. I have most appreciated her book Psalms of Lament, written following the death of her son.
More recently, I’m reading books related to postmodernism and the emerging church. Brian McLaren’s A New Kind of Christian has had the most impact on my present ministry situation. I’m also reading The Present Future by Reggie McNeal, an honest and insightful look at the state of the Church in North America.
3. How important do you feel writing is in the world of religion?
Writing serves as a means to share God’s love and grace with others. I’m especially drawn to writers who share their personal experiences and how their faith informs their decisions, choices, goals and dreams. It is through the sharing of stories that we learn about one another, learn from one another, and experience communion and community.
4. When did you first become interested in writing?
I first became interested in writing songs and music during my college years. I played piano and guitar and started writing songs about personal life experiences, such as the death of a grandmother or the beauty of the mountains. Writing songs and singing was a way to share stories from my personal Christian journey.
I also started doing more writing while serving on the Youth Conference Planning Team with the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina. This team was responsible for writing all the Bible study materials, quiet time devotionals and church group devotional materials for youth conferences held during the summer. I looked forward to these writing assignments as they challenged me to think outside the box to find new and creative ways to share the gospel story with teenagers.
5. What are the great joys in writing for you?
I must be honest and say that writing is not one of my strengths. I’m grateful to be married to an editor who gives me good advice and feedback! I do find great satisfaction in knowing that the curriculum and articles I have written (and this book) can be used to make a difference in someone’s life.
6. Where did the inspiration come from to write A Whole New World: Life After Bethany?
The inspiration came from my daughter Bethany, the main character in the book. Writing the book was one way to honor her memory, to seek to bring something good out of a horrible tragedy. The book was also a way to record the story for our son Samuel who never knew his sister.
7. How do you feel A Whole New World: Life After Bethany can impact the reader?
I hope that those who read this book will find encouragement and hope. It is a story of great loss and darkness, but it is also a story of survival, growth and healing.
I also hope that readers will learn something from the lessons we have learned and shared in the book. Following Bethany’s death, I had people ask me, “How do you get over it?” I’ve learned that you don’t get over, you get through it. I had a teenager ask me, “Have you forgiven the man who killed your daughter?” My response at the time was, “I don’t know how to do that right now,” but I later learned a great lesson about the freedom that comes in forgiving. These were hard lessons that came at a great price. I’ve survived the greatest tragedy that can come to a parent. I hope my shared experiences and the lessons learned will be a source of hope to those traveling a similar path of grief.
The added study guide will serve as a good resource for grief groups in various settings. There are also helps for those helping children and youth deal with death and grief. These additions to the book can be practical resources for ministers, counselors and friends who are helpers to those who are grieving.
8. Briefly describe your current ministry.
I am currently serving as pastor of administration and leadership for HomeStar Fellowship in Raleigh, NC. HomeStar is an innovative community of Christ followers, seeking to love God and our neighbors. .
9. Outside of your ministry, how do you enjoy spending time?
I love playing golf although I don't get to play as much as I would like to these days.
I enjoy traveling with Tony and Samuel.
The spring and fall months find me planting flowers in the yard.
My favorite place to spend time is walking on the beach in search of seashells.
10. What would readers be surprised to know about you?
I was chosen as an All-Conference player in basketball and softball and named Most Valuable Player in both sports my senior year of high school…a long time ago!
