Who is Pastor John Wheaton, the main character in the Torn Robes book series?
In the prologue of the first book, "Torn Robes: Choices," we are introduced to Pastor John Wheaton. He is going through an incredibly challenging time. John is struggling with doubts about how to guide his congregation, fulfill his responsibilities as a father, and cope with feelings of anger toward God, to whom he has devoted his life to serve.
I won't go into detail about the specifics— you'll have to read the book to find out. However, it's clear that his faith is being challenged in profound ways.
At 43 years old, John stands six feet tall. He has brown wavy hair, with some gray starting to appear at his temples. His hazel eyes and two prominent dimples add to his charm. John was born and raised in the fictional town of Homestead, Nebraska. I wanted John's character to showcase a mix of humor and fear, particularly his intense fear of flying! In addition, he needed to possess a deep sense of loyalty to his friends, family, and students. Above all, he had to embody the qualities of a man after God's own heart, much like David.
I drew inspiration for John’s character from a young parish priest who, for a time, had a profound influence in our town. This priest had a special gift for connecting with everyone, from teenagers to the entire community. His personality was charismatic, compassionate, and engaging, and for a season, he shaped and impacted countless lives.
The same can be said of Pastor John Wheaton. When he travels to Gilford with his daughter Sarah to speak at a School Board meeting, he does so not only as a pastor but also as the best-selling author of "Children of The King." This book draws on his interactions with the Homestead youth group and reflects the insights he gained as a father of a teenage girl. Below is a small excerpt from John's meeting with the Gilford School Board.
“Children crave attention, and they’ll get it by being good or bad.” Shocked faces told John all he needed to know. “Look, you didn’t bring me all the way out here to sugar-coat your predicament. Did you?”
“No, we did not.” Came the lone voice from the other end of the table. John smiled at Louise. Nodding his head toward her in a manner of thanks for the support.
“Someone must tell them NO, but you also have to give them alternatives. Will it be easy? No. But will it be worth it? Yes!” John felt sympathy for their predicament. “Stop talking at them and start listening to them. Show them that their life is worth living. As adults, we need to listen more.”
Like a deflated balloon, John felt spent but before he left, he wanted the board members to know it wasn’t easy for him either. “Before our youth group was formed, I was oblivious to any problems, questions or feelings teenagers might have. And I’m the father of one of those teenagers. Haven’t we all been there? We forget how much they look to us to answer their questions, no matter how silly they may sound or how hard the questions can be. If we aren’t there for these kids one way or another those questions will get answered. But they shouldn’t get answered from other teenagers guessing at the very same questions.”
John's wife, Abby, believed God had something special planned for his life. Initially, he thought his purpose was tied to the work he was doing in Homestead, but he soon realized that it was just the beginning. She had told him, "Never give up or back away from your path. Embrace it, and God will direct you." These words rang especially true considering what John was about to encounter in Gilford.
I’ll leave you with this short yet insightful scene between Tags, one of the students at Gilford High School, and Pastor John. This moment offers a profound insight into the character of the man, revealing his willingness to admit that he doesn't have all the answers…and that's okay.
Looking off into the emptiness of the room John stared into the pain still lurking within the walls of his heart. “No Tags, I don’t have everything. Believe it or not, I’m really just like you. Behind this infectious smile you see,” John joked, “I have questions and doubts, too.”