Do you think Stanley Jones would've ever preach a sermon about you?

Has anyone ever preached a sermon or giving a speech about you? What do you think you would have to be or do to receive such an honor?

Well that's going to lead to some fun stories and some interesting questions that just might challenge you to make this a very special summer.

So here we go!

 

And once again STOSH has a commentary on the program for you

Would Stanley Jones Preach a Sermon About You?

By Stanley “Stan” Hustad

Let me begin with a question that might shake you up a little bit—in the best kind of way.

Do you think E. Stanley Jones would have ever preached a sermon about you?

Now before you roll your eyes or chuckle, stay with me. I’m serious. Because that’s the theme of today’s visit from the Stanley Jones Radio School for Fully Alive Living. Yes, we’re still at it—keeping alive the stories, the wisdom, and the revolutionary teaching of the man I like to call The Stanley Jones. He’s one of my heroes. He was a great man. Not just good—great. And today, I’m inviting you to consider your own greatness.

And I don’t mean fame. I don’t mean fortune. I mean the kind of greatness that lives in purpose, humility, and full surrender to God’s calling in your life.

A Sermon About One Woman

You may not know this, but Stanley Jones once preached an entire sermon—yes, an actual sermon—about one woman. Not a queen or a celebrity. A follower. A disciple. A woman whose story stood out because she lived with faithfulness and grace.

It makes you wonder, doesn’t it? What would it take for someone to preach a sermon about your life?

It’s not a guilt trip—I promise. It’s an invitation. An invitation to wonder, to reflect, and maybe even to recalibrate.

What Does It Mean to Be Great?

Back in my business coaching days, I’d ask clients: “Would you like to be successful?” Of course, they’d nod and smile. Then I’d ask, “What does that mean to you?” And that’s when the conversation got interesting.

Next came the bigger question: Would you like to be great?

Now, that question made people pause. Because it sounds lofty. Unreachable. But it isn’t. Not if we understand greatness like Stanley Jones did.

Greatness is faithfulness. Obedience. Generosity. Courage. It’s living with clarity, and loving people more than systems or status.

Take Stanley Personally This Summer

As we step into summer—a season of sun, sabbaticals, and maybe even some soul-searching—I’d like to suggest something simple: pick up one of Stanley Jones’s books and read it again. But this time, read it as if he wrote it just for you. Seriously.

Imagine him saying, “This is just for you, my friend.”

Let it speak to you anew. Take it personally.

Because Jones doesn’t bury you in big theological tomes. He gives us stories. Stories that transform. That stretch us. That call us out of fear and into freedom.

A Summer Suggestion

Some of you might be heading off to a retreat this summer. Me? I retreat solo. I find a quiet place, usually in the desert ranch country of Arizona, and I go silent. (Hard to believe, I know.) But I need that stillness. That solitude. That sacred space to listen.

And maybe you need that too.

Even just one day.

One day to sit quietly and ask: God, what do you want me to see this summer? What are you calling me to do, to become?

How I Celebrate a New Year in September

While most people treat January 1 as the beginning of the year, I mark mine with Rosh Hashanah in the fall. I find it’s a wiser, more intentional time to reflect on life and vision.

So here’s an idea: why not use this summer to prepare? Start reflecting now. Reading now. Listening now. And by the time September rolls around, maybe you’ll be ready to enter a new “new year” with more focus, more passion, and yes, maybe even a bit more greatness.

Memorable Takeaways for Your Notes and Conversations

1. Greatness is not about applause—it’s about alignment. Stanley Jones lived aligned with God's kingdom. So can we.
2. Take books personally. Especially the ones written by the greats. Read Stanley as if he’s mentoring you directly.
3. Silent retreats aren't retreats from life—they're returns to purpose. Don’t fear solitude. Embrace it.
4. Summer isn’t just for rest—it’s for revelation. Ask God to meet you in a new way this summer.
5. Would someone preach a sermon about your life? Let that question stay with you—not as pressure, but as possibility.

Final Words for the Journey Ahead

Now, before you start thinking this is just another motivational message or radio ramble, hear me clearly: Don’t be discouraged. We all mess up. We all fall short. Even the great Stanley Jones had his struggles. But he never gave up. And neither should you.

This summer, I challenge you—and I encourage you—to go looking for something deeper. Maybe it’s rediscovering your call. Maybe it’s forgiving someone. Maybe it’s just resting your weary soul. But don’t let this summer pass you by.

Let it be one of your best summers ever.

And if you need a little guidance, well—you know where to find us. We’ll be right here, bringing you another edition of the Stanley Jones Radio School for Fully Alive Living. You’re not alone on this road.

So wherever your summer takes you—may it take you closer to the Spirit of the living God.

Let’s live fully. Let’s live well. And maybe—just maybe—let’s live in such a way that someone, someday, might preach a sermon about us.

All the best and blessings to you,
Stan Hustad
[e-mail]
The What It Takes Radio Company