Own The Moment: How to Live a Spiritual Life in a Secular World

This engaging and inspirational book by Carl Lentz, the rock star pastor of Hillsong NYC, shows us the way toward a more connected, spiritually-grounded, and fulfilled life. When you think of a Christian pastor, you probably don't envision a tattooed thirty-something who wears a motorcycle jacket, listens to hip-hop music, references The Walking Dead and Black Lives Matter in his sermons, and every Sunday draws a standing-room only crowd to a venue normally used for rock concerts—in godless New York City, no less. But then you clearly have never met Carl Lentz. As lead pastor of the first United States branch of global megachurch Hillsong, the former college basketball player is on a mission to make Christianity accessible in the 21st century. In Own The Moment , he shares the unlikely and inspiring story of how he went from being an average teenager who couldn't care less about church to leading one of the country's fastest-growing congregations—how one day he is trying to convince a Virginia Beach 7-Eleven clerk to attend his service, and just a few years later he is baptizing a global music icon in an NBA player's Manhattan bathtub. Amid such candid personal tales, Lentz also offers illuminating readings of Bible passages and practical tips on how to live as a person of faith in an increasingly materialistic world. How do you maintain your values—and pass them onto your children—in a society that worships money and sex and fame? How do you embrace your flaws in this Instagram era that exalts the appearance of perfection? How do you forget about "living the dream" and learn to embrace the beauty of your reality? These are just a few of the many important questions Lentz answers in Own The Moment —a powerful book that redefines not just Christianity but spirituality as a whole. Surprise! What you see is not what you get That's just the way it is Rearview mirror Fear Gold in the garbage To all the ladies in the place with style and grace The deserted island challenge Occupy all streets Your security is your serenity Living the dream If Jesus had instagram I have no idea where I'm going The walking dead It's not as bad as you think it is That girl is poison Being uncool has never been cooler You don't have to be good at everything I demand something different I'm listening but I don't hear you The problem called people I am in the people business Maybe we are not so different after all It ain't the dealer's fault If you're racist and you know it, clap your hands Culture, in three acts In a hurry to nowhere The lies we love You don't need to save the world. Shares the story of how the author went from an average adolescent to being the stylish leader of a thriving congregation and ministering to celebrities, along with advice for Christians to maintain their faith in an often ungodly world.