Caleb  Harper 

My parents were missionaries to Australia living there for 40 years and starting 3 churches in Southeast Queensland. My years in Oz were defined by my love of basketball and having a good time with friends. My parents continually taught me the seriousness of God's call and faithfulness in the little things. I loved growing up in Australia. The people, the beaches, and the easy-going vibe have always felt like home. 

When I was 18, my dad strongly suggested that I go back to America for college. After my university experience, I stayed State-side and completed my seminary training earning an M.A. in Theological Studies and an M.Div. Throughout seminary, I served as a pastor, and an adjunct professor for Southwestern Christian University. Most importantly, I met my wife and loving partner, Anna. I continue to feel called to pastoral ministry. My desire to pastor was nurtured through the church and its people, mentors, family, seminary professors, interests, and great quotes from Ted Lasso! 

Anna and I now reside in Willard Ohio where I pastor Willard Christian Reformed Church. We have been married for over 9 wonderful years. And we welcomed our first baby boy on November 24, 2020. He's a busy and energetic little guy who has given us so much joy (and sleeplessness)! We are expecting to add to this energy with another baby boy due in May. For fun, I read biographies, watch Netflix or Rugby, eat out, play basketball, and spend time with my wife and son. If I could emulate someone, it'd be Fred Rogers. 

Part of my story includes loss. 10 years ago, I lost my father to Pulmonary Fibrosis and in 2020 my brother passed away from ALS or Lou Gehrig's Disease. Death has shaped me and caused me to think about grief and its effect on myself and others. 

I have also had the privilege of working for two churches, one firmly established and the other, a church plant. I then worked as a Hospice Chaplain for Oklahoma Palliative and Hospice Care. I found a lot of meaning in the pastoral calling to care for the dying. Denominationally, I have a reformed 'accent' and was ordained in the Christian Reformed Church in October of 2024. 

For me, only in my relational experience to God and others is theology and faith meaningful and vibrant. Mostly, I am captured by the thought that God is not something that can be contained in our creeds and confessions (as important as I think those are) but is someone who is experienced through Jesus Christ. Theological thinking, reflecting, and writing are simply attempts to put words to the profound reality and experience of grace.

I created this website as a way to keep my thoughts in one place and hopefully encourage continued theological reflection and conversations among my friends. My favorite theologians/philosophers right now are Augustine, N.T. Wright, Hans Urs Von Balthasar, and James K.A. Smith. Currently, I've been exploring the intersection of reformed theology and aesthetics. In all of this, I enjoy thinking critically about pastoral vocation and how these subjects intersect with what I'm called to do.

Many of my thoughts have been borne out of my love of reading. Anything I write or preach is usually something I've enjoyed, learned, and then appropriated from someone else. The most important shaper of my thoughts is conversations, especially with my wife. Her insight has helped me think clearly and remain open to all the possibilities in theological dialogue. I'd love to continue the conversation with you and if I don't know you, you can email me with any thoughts or questions at calebwharper@gmail.com.