Okay, the book comes out in 25 days or so, and now that it's getting closer, I'm not sure I want it to. I get to control perceptions here on the blog. I write only so much. I'm only so honest. But in the book, I risked a lot. I risked telling my story. I risked pushing back on how church planting is done. I took on Calvinism a little bit. I tried to demystify faith a bit. I made some audacious statements... and crap... here it comes.
Good. You took a risk and didn't take the pansy route so many other Christian leaders are taking. You have a lot of people who are cheering for you and looking forward to what you have to say. I hope to read it before I go to Franklin, TN for the conference Steve Fry is putting on.
Posted by: Ben Lemery | March 04, 2010 at 01:43 PM
well... if you took on Calvinism...
yeah, you're in trouble.
(although any Calvinist worth his salt knows where you stand if they've been reading the blurbs from your book hered) :)
Posted by: david | March 04, 2010 at 02:05 PM
Ben, As a reformed person I do not feel threatened that you took us on. We are use to it. :) Look forward to reading your book. Put fear aside and sleep well.
Posted by: Ken | March 04, 2010 at 02:26 PM
No wonder you can't sleep...
You mess with Calvinism, Calvinism is going to mess with you!
I'm really looking forward to reading the book!
Posted by: Mike McKinley | March 04, 2010 at 08:02 PM
So pumped. Coming out of the past year knee-deep in church planting, I am excited to see your observations and the application to the churches you profile.
Posted by: Sam Mahlstadt | March 04, 2010 at 08:04 PM
you were just predestined to talk about it Ben...I can't wait to read it. And I just want to stare at the cover because it is so deep
Posted by: Ryan Shaughnessy | March 04, 2010 at 11:58 PM
I'm sure it's going to be unbelievably great, Ben. I, for one, can't wait to read it.
Posted by: Tony McCollum | March 05, 2010 at 02:03 AM
thanks for all the encouragement and threats! =)
Posted by: Ben Arment | March 05, 2010 at 07:55 AM
I'm super glad that we have equated Calvinism to Chuck Norris. There is no better comparison haha.
But for real, I'm excited for this book. Probably not as excited as you are though haha.
Posted by: Stephen Bateman | March 05, 2010 at 11:07 AM
Looking forward to the book. Few things are less interesting than pulled punches.
Based on some of the above comments, Calvinism sounds a lot more... muscular than I previously thought! =)
Posted by: Allan W. | March 05, 2010 at 12:09 PM
Don't worry too much about some of us Calvinists. I can't remember who I heard this from but they said theology is a man-made construct that ATTEMPTS to explain how God works.
That means even the most confident calvinist or armenian or whatever needs to have a good dose of humility every once in awhile, just to remind them that man made explanations of God's work are probably going to fall short & be imperfect somewhere. Yes, that includes calvinism too.
I'm excited to get my hands on a copy of the book. The stories here have really got me interested in it.
Posted by: Matt Bowman | March 05, 2010 at 12:32 PM
Rolling up on our 1 year birthday as a church plant and totally looking forward to it Ben!
Posted by: Adam D | March 07, 2010 at 02:45 PM
I understand your concern. Your gut instinct and your passion created the book. Have faith in your creation and what will be will be.
On those sleepless nights, take the time to review my new book!
Posted by: Kelley | March 22, 2010 at 03:45 PM