Staying Is the New Going : Choosing to Love Where God Places You

Do you get tired sitting in a pew? Have you ever fantasized about traveling to the other side of the world, telling people about the good news of Jesus Christ? Wake up and look around: The world is right here, waiting for the Good News to make itself known. For too long we've outsourced God's work in the world to missionaries "out there" at the ends of the earth. In reality, God wants us to love our neighbor right next door. He wants us to pray for the welfare of our zip code, to witness to the world outside our window. He wants us to be the church, the people of God, in conversation and meaningful engagement with the people God loves outside the walls of the church. The stories in this book will change the way you look at your city and provide insights into how you can be an authentic Christian. "Staying is the new Going" is a call back to the places we already live. From city planning gurus to soccer moms to church leaders everyone seems to desire a return back to the ordinary places where we already live. In a world looking for the extraordinary, how do we live faithfully present in the ordinary moments and places? This is a call to reconsider the old paradigm of "Go Forth!" and instead trade it for staying forth. Part confessional, part narrative, part challenge this book is both encouraging and challenging. A far cry from the "do more and God will love you" message we often tell ourselves, this book simplifies mission and tells stories of others who are living faithfully present in small and unique ways. Join other fellow strugglers in a journey that might just take you nowhere. The resurrection of place Bikes, gardens and forgotten places The story behind your place A rooted gospel The glory of the mundane The risk of wings The risk of roots Salt, light, and shovels Stay forth!