Messy truth : how to foster community without sacrificing conviction / Caleb Kaltenbach, author of Messy grace.
Edition:
First edition.
Publisher:
WaterBrook,
Copyright Date:
2021
Description:
xiv, 235 pages ; 21 cm
Notes:
Includes bibliographical references (pages 219-235).
Contents:
How far are you willing to go? -- What is messy truth? -- What's the value of anyone? -- Will you trust what Jesus says even when you disagree with Him? -- When does belonging happen? -- Acknowledging other people's experience -- Distinguishing people from ideas -- Helping others to think empathetically -- Do you have the credibility to walk with others? -- Prioritizing and preparing for dialogue -- Difficult conversations that don't destroy -- Are you a guide or a gatekeeper?
Summary:
"From the author of Messy Grace, a former pastor raised by gay parents, comes a compassionate playbook to help Christians, church staff, and ministry leaders create a culture of belonging without sacrificing theological convictions"-- Provided by publisher. What should we do? This is a question many Christians are asking as they face shifting societal norms, conflicting opinions, and often inaccurate scriptural interpretations regarding those who identify as LGBTQ+. Caleb Kaltenbach believes there's a more helpful question: What am I willing to do to keep and build influence with ________? Caleb knows our love for others is best measured by the lengths we'll go to help them. He also recognizes that people find and follow Jesus better in community than in isolation. As a child raised by three activist gay parents, Caleb experienced firsthand the outrage of some Christians. That's why he is committed to creating a sense of belonging for all people. True community can happen only when Christians are intentional in infusing their attitudes, systems, and values with grace and truth. This hopeful, practical book offers tools for encouraging church involvement, strengthening personal relationships, increasing empathy, and engaging in pivotal conversations about grace and truth with our whole community. Fostering a culture of belonging is a messy process, but it holds a massive possibility for everyone involved: a growing relationship with Jesus.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.