Gifts of an Uncommon Life: The Practice of Contemplative Activism
Howard E. Friend, Jr.
This book of ten essays is a breath of fresh air, a source of inspiration, a wake-up call, and a bold challenge for pastors, congregational leaders, and church members—both active and lapsed—who long for a new perspective, even a touch of creative irreverence. With an invitation to quietness and stillness, inner strength and resilience, audacious hope and insistent confidence, it welcomes those among the people of God who do not belong to a church or name themselves as Christian. Yet it does not shy away from raising difficult questions. Howard Friend offers forthright, at times disarming, candor as he shares his personal pilgrimage of activism rooted in contemplation.
Convinced that God still seeks to work in and through the church, Friend shows us where God is present—at times despite the church itself. In his opinion, the church needs to stir the pot, upset the applecart, and dare to welcome the new and refreshing. Yet Friend remains hopeful for and committed to the church, calling and equipping it to become its highest and best. Drawing on a range of stories from the Bible and his own lived experiences, Friend invites us to meet real people—pastors, leaders, everyday folks—who dare to dream a new dream, journey toward a far horizon, walk with tireless determination, and press on with awesome hope.
Praise for the Book
“Christianity at its best has been able to say, ‘If you want to know what I believe, then watch how I live.’ In this delightful book, Howard Friend reminds us that we must learn to disagree well—it may be a more important witness to the world than even the best apologetic.” —Shane Claiborne, author, activist, recovering sinner, www.thesimpleway.org
“Howard Friend writes from the soul of his own deep journey. Each essay will ignite your own sense of insight and clarity. This timely and extraordinary book will wake you up to the privilege of being alive at this time in history and the vital role you have the opportunity to play.” —Lynne Twist, co-founder of the Pachamama Alliance and author of The Soul of Money
“This book offers passion, perspective and wisdom to leaders in our seminaries, sanctuaries and streets. Friend's insights come across in equal parts as spiritual direction, organizational consulting and social justice advocacy—a holistic mix of storytelling, social analysis and theological reflection.” —Ched Myers, author and activist theologian, Bartimaeus Cooperative Ministries (www.bcm-net.org)
“We have entered a time prophesied by many cultures as one of transformation. Gifts of an Uncommon Life takes us on journeys into the remarkable stories of people who are confronting the crises and opportunities of this time; their work to create a better world for us and future generations around the planet is an inspiration, a clarion call to all of us.” —John Perkins, author of Confession of an Economic Hit Man and The Secret History of the American Empire (www.JohnPerkins.org; www.dreamchange.org)
About the Author
Howard E. Friend, Jr. is an ordained Presbyterian minister, longtime parish pastor, and founder and lead consultant of the Parish Empowerment Network. He has led workshops, seminars, judicatory training, and retreat events around the country and worked with more than 150 congregations over the last twenty years. He is the author of Recovering the Sacred Center: Church Renewal from the Inside Out (Judson Press, 1998).
ISBN# 978-1-56699-374-6
Alban No. AL374
paper, 225 pages
2008
In stock
$18.00
($14.40 for members)
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