Shirley Hershey Showalter describes the essence of Peter Wiebe (“A Dash of Holy Impertinence,” July). He was a mentor and friend throughout my 45-year pastoral career. His most indelible mark on my life was forged during a yearlong Supervised Congregational Pastoral Education program at Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary. I was testing my call to pastoral ministry. Peter did not just supervise; he created an environment for experience-centered education at its best. Sometimes he “threw me into the water to teach me how to swim.” Church administration smelled like busy work. My assignment? “Write your philosophy of church administration.” Self-reflection, an important leadership discipline, was launched that year. His first assignment was unconventional: “Visit the local coffee shop twice a week to meet community folks.” He lived by a principle that defined my pastoral identity and role: “I am not just a congregational pastor; I am also a community pastor,” Peter said.

I had a front-row seat to Peter’s leadership during a time of division. Fifty-five years ago, divorce and remarriage were divisive. Peter cared for both the couple requesting membership and the congre­ga­tion. He guided the elders and members to create space for the Spirit to lead us through polarized opinions. I witnessed a pastor shepherding with grace and truth. I have spent my career passing on the steady, reflective and deeply human ministry that Peter Wiebe first planted in me.

Duane Beck, Harrisonburg, Va.

I think anyone who has met Peter Wiebe has encountered what’s sometimes called a force of nature. How lovely to hear he’s still basking in the sunrises. Thank you for this lovely piece.

Doreen Martens, Oakville, Ont.