Question: What Kind Of Book?
After a far too long break from my serious writing pursuits (though I did lose two partial manuscripts to a computer crash), I have finally begin work on my second book. For lack of a working title, I will refer to it (for now) as:
Emergent Voyageurs:
Reflections from the Missional Frontier
My hope for this book is to explore the emerging missional movement through reflections from my own life experiences. From my early years in small town Canada to various nations worldwide to the inner city community I now call home, I want to explore, from own journey, the greater journey of the church in an ever changing and emerging world. I hesitate to think my life is interesting or worthy enough a source for such a book, but one must write what one knows.
As I am still at the beginning stages of the project, I would very much like some input from all of you. While the book will deal with some difficult and deep topics, it is not being written as an “academic” theology book. That being said, I want the book to engage issues that are close to the hearts of other people, like yourself. So, in a book like this, what topics would you like to see address in it? What questions do you think need to be addressed, if not fully answered?
Let me know. Thanks!
Look forward to more on this
Shalom
Gordon
Thanks Gordon,
So, what would like to see it engage?
Peace,
Jamie
I like that the book isn’t going to be academic. I like reading and academic tends to be too dry. Real stories are always good and carry a lot of meaning, sometimes many meanings. People can take away many different things from a story. Guess that’s probably why Jesus used stories.
I would like to see some failures (but hoping that your failures always lead to learning) and not necessarily a pat answers.
As to what type of topics regarding missional frontier, I honestly have no idea since I’m just exploring those issues myself.
Although hearing about your “church planting” would be cool, perhaps even a book in and of itself.
DAWN
I would love to hear the story of how your understanding of what is “church” has changed over the years. At least for me this is something that comes up over and over as I engage in my own missional life. I think this could help challenge, stimulate and encourage both yourself and those who read it. Plus I think you have some unique perspectives on Church that are valuable for others to hear/read/see.
DAWN,
Actually, exploring failure is a great idea, something I have already worked into my notes. Lord knows I have enough inspiration in my life to drawn from. (wink)
Thanks!
Peace,
Jamie
Frank,
Thanks for the input. Church is a big one, but I think it will figure centrally in this project.
Peace,
Jamie
I really like the idea of talking about the elements of your journey and then expanding them into the “walk” of the church. In fact, you might find out that you have to write more than one book!
Dana
Dana,
Yeah, that has occurred to me. Actually, I have thought of redoing the subtitle as:
Paddling in Circles in the Missional Frontier
That seems a better descriptive of my life (wink).
Peace,
Jamie
Jamie, I know you said this book would be a theological endeavor. But I’m wondering about discussions I’ve had in some emerging conversations around atonement, salavation, redemption…to something much more panoramic, than saving individual souls. Something that embraces, the whole of a wounded world…all of creation. If we think of redemption and salvation in these terms, the implications for the church in missional engagement are far greater. Redemption then becomes about social justice, economics, comsumerism, the environment, global equality…the scope of this type of salvation is huge.
Anyways, I’m looking forward to the book Jamie, always enjoy your perspective on missional engagement. Peace…Ron+
Ron,
Sure, pick the EASY topics (wink). Actually I have been thinking about this issue. Not sure how I will reply to it, but feel as though it need to be engaged. Good call. I like how you articulate it, as current dialogues on atonement have been unnecessarily polarizing from both sides.
Peace,
Jamie
Jamie,
There is always a place for ministers to tell their story and their struggles in ministry. So, an honest memoir with theological reflection is a good idea. I like it.
Scot,
Thanks for the encouragement. I can only hope that my experiences will be valuable to others. Thankfully, I also have some amazing people around me in my little missional community to draw inspiration from.
Peace,
Jamie