Ever Wonder: Q&A on Grace #3

We asked Joe Duke more questions about grace and GraceWorks.

GraceWorks: GraceWorks International is a fairly young ministry but clearly growing. What are you hoping to accomplish?

Joe Duke: Yes, we’re just under two years old now! That’s hard to believe. When I stepped away from my Senior Pastor role at LifePoint Church, I knew I wasn’t done with ministry and that a fire still burned in my bones to see people grow and change. I started GraceWorks primarily to provide clarity in all things grace and see people grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus.

GW: Why is grace such a passion for you?

JD: Grace is not optional. It’s everywhere throughout the Bible. But it’s easy to miss because we are not wired to look for grace. Instead, we seem instinctively drawn toward law. By that I mean we’re prone to earn, keep, or prove our salvation by working hard. But through Jesus, God has done for us what we could not do for ourselves.

GW: How did this passion for grace begin to grow in you?

JD: I became a Christian when I was 13 years old. But the first few decades of my spiritual pilgrimage were colored by legalism. I thought if I could keep all the rules and embrace strategies of success then God would be impressed with me. Maybe then, I would become the person God wanted me to be. But life with God doesn’t work that way. I was fortunate enough to attend a seminary that taught grace. And I gradually saw legalism loosen its grip on my life. Then God’s love and grace could find a home.

GW: Can you recall any events that helped move you toward this understanding of grace?

JD: Sometimes we learn about grace gradually. And sometimes we learn about grace in catalytic moments of insight. My life has been revolutionized by understanding the distinction between salvation and discipleship which is a profoundly grace-oriented distinction. I remember sitting in a diner on the east side of Dallas with a professor of New Testament Greek. He was gracious and generous with his time. My view of life and grace changed forever when he said to me that day, “Salvation imparts new life; discipleship develops that life.” I believe that distinction is indispensable for growing in Christ and understanding that salvation is free and discipleship is costly.

GW: What kinds of things are you doing to help people get grace?

JD: I’m fascinated by how people learn and grow and how they come to embrace a grace perspective of life. That usually takes a long time. My contribution is simple: I want to provide clarity around all things grace so that people grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus. In that sense, I’m helping people understand why they’ve been born! So, I’m speaking in churches, at conferences, and in small group settings. And I’m writing about grace in magazines and grace outlets and through regular blog posts on the GraceWorks International website. I’m also meeting with pastors and Christian leaders to help them navigate church challenges and help them get perspective on what God might be saying to them as they lead their respective ministries.

GW: What final thoughts would you have for people who want to grow in their understanding of biblical grace?

JD: First, be discerning about what you read and who you listen to. I remember often telling our church family that they may not be able to articulate every theological nuance, but I always wanted to equip them to be discerning. When they heard things or read things, hopefully they would at least be able to say, “I don’t understand this completely, but something about that statement is not quite right.” In addition, become a lifelong learner. I’m grateful for my friendship with many authors who are influencing the world toward grace. If you want to understand a grace perspective of life, read books by authors like: Charlie Bing, Grant Hawley, Earl Radmacher, Zane Hodges, Jody Dillow, and Dave Anderson. And of course, read the Bible. It’s all right there in black and white!

Got a question? Email us at info@graceworks.international. Maybe we can address it in a future Q&A.