Regrettably, I’m at the end of Jim and Casper Go to Church. The journey, however, is just beginning. I am in that evangelist mode right now: “Every person who works in or near a church has GOT TO READ THIS BOOK!” So much of my life is invested in the church, a place I love, and which is apparently largely incomprehensible to most of those who don’t walk through its doors. I also love life “out there,” in the wide, wide world beyond the church parking lot. I love the goodness and diversity you can find there. I sense God smiling out there sometimes. My continual frustration is how to bring those worlds together! Jim Henderson and Matt Casper, in holding that mirror up to us, may have also given us an action plan to accomplish some of that goal. To continue my metaphor, a mirror can often inspire me to make different lifestyle choices: move more, eat less. It can tell me what makeup is not working, what clothes do me favors, what hairstyle I need to reconsider. This book can do that, too, if we have the courage to really listen. And make no mistake, it will take courage. But at the end of the road, we may be able to build a bridge to authentic, true “for real” friendships.
I guess I’d like some straight shooting: ‘Hi. Life is challenging But we’ve found that being followers of Jesus has helped us. Maybe it could help you, too.’ That’d be refreshing. And I’d be interested in hearing more and asking questions. In short, I’d be interested in having a conversation.
-Matt Casper
Some of the resources available for further exploration
Off the Map – Jim Henderson’s site for ideas on putting faith into practice in concrete ways, connecting with the community and links to everything related.
Conversations at the Edge – a site devoted to respectful conversations with people of all viewpoints. This is designed to bring you to the edge of your comfort zone.
Ebay Atheist – the original “atheist for hire” that started the conversation.
Doable Evangelism – putting the concepts into actual practice in the actual world. Shocking!
Justice and Compassion – putting feet to our faith.
Just to warn you: no matter who you are, you will certainly not agree with everything you read on these sites and blogs. In fact, that’s the point! But to me, it was mind-boggling to peek into the conversations swirling around us. Go check them out, then come back and share what you have found!
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
thanks for the prayers for Riley Marla. I asked a friend about Oregon coffee shops for you..and she said, ummm, pretty much all of them. i guess you’ve discovered that. be sure to give us some insight when you get a chance. sounds like a great book, will have to pick it up when I finish The Last Lecture.
I’m glad you liked Jim and Caspar Go Etc. Wanted to say thank you for the link to Justice and Compassion. The banner on your blog makes me want to go make myself a cup of (fair trade organic) coffee =)
Marla, very interesting insights on the coffee shop. First: thanks for your comments at the Catalyst blog. I appreciate your thoughts!
Second: I’m dreaming of opening a coffee shop some day, so I loved this post.
Third: where do you live? I mean, what city?
Jesse, thanks for your comments both here and in email. I’ve toyed with the coffee shop idea, since I obviously have a passion in that area, but realize that I’m too adhd for a brick and mortar enterprise. At least without a killer manager!
We live in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida – a city without a claim to a single independent coffee shop of note. Starbucks it is! Where are you? Open the shop and I will be there!
Marla, thanks for the mention. I’m glad the book was a helpful mirror for you.
As well as the sites you listed, you can check out the ChurchRater blog. You can post feedback on the book there and Jim and Casper’s upcoming appearances are listed, amongst other things.
Marla
Besides being supportive and insightful(IMHO), your thoughts were articulate, incisive and succint – no small task for a writer.
Thanks for the props
Marla…
So glad you liked the book. I did, too. Great bathroom reading (the chapters are very short), but it’s pretty hard to put down. Having worked in a mega church as a pastor, it was very helpful to see our family through the eyes of one of our “customers” (aka: Matt Casper). I agree…every pastor should read this, and maybe in particular those who are hoping to plant a church in the future.
Thanks, too, for the plug for the Doable Evangelism site. Hope you and your clan find encouragement there to be “ordinary” and normal as you connect with your community in Palm Beach Gardens!
Well said, finally a good report on this stuff