No more part-time Christian!

WELCOME!!!
If you've arrived at this page, hopefully it means you're already reading the book, "The Unmaking of a Part-Time Christian." If not, then let me invite you to join the conversation.

It's too easy in today's world to relegate faith to an add-on, after-market, or part-time status. If a little faith is good, we reason, then we'll just enjoy it at arm's length. We wouldn't want to go overboard. Unfortunately, thinking like that lets what is good keep us away from what is best. The good can be the enemy of the best.

So I'm here to be an encourager. Try following Jesus as a disciple rather than simply one more priority that we fit in where we can. At the very least let's talk about it. Leave your comment, I'd like to know what you think.

Love and blessings - DEREK

NOW YOU'RE AT THIS SITE, THERE ARE SEVERAL THINGS YOU CAN DO:

First, leave a comment (click on "comments" below). We want to know how you are responding to the book and how God is challenging you to re-evaluate your life of faith. Scroll through the comments and see what others are saying, too. Periodically, I plan to sample the comments and use them in a new blog entry.

Next, you can link to my daily blog, "A Life Examined."New entries are posted six days a week. It's a great way to crawl in to the author's mind. Click this photo if you want to take a look at what's new.

Then, you can purchase additional copies of "THE UNMAKING OF A PART-TIME CHRISTIAN" or any other Derek Maul title by clicking on the link above right.

There's also a link to my website, DerekMaul.net. Click on the blue-toned photo at right. You can read a more complete bio, check my schedule, and even begin a conversation about bringing me in for a conference, or to visit your church or other organization.

It's a privilege to be in this ongoing conversation with other pilgrims in progress. God's rich blessings be with you all - DEREK

My new word - "META-NATURAL""

There is a lot that I love about the community of faith where I worship (click on the image at left for the church web-site). One of the most outstanding characteristics is the caring, permission-giving atmosphere, where intellectual honestly is valued and discussion is not closed off by the fear that our faith may not be robust enough or big enough to handle tough questions.

Consequently conversation in small groups, Bible-studies, and Sunday-school classes often leaves me mulling important ideas over, in my mind and heart, for days. This past weekend, for example, we discussed chapter ten from "The Unmaking of a Part-Time Christian". The chapter title is "A Collision of Worlds."

We talked at length about experiences that have served to blur the distinct lines we like to draw between concepts such as time and eternity, natural and supernatural, spiritual and mundane, heaven and earth, natural and miraculous...

It was this last couplet that commanded most of our attention. Traditionally, religion has ascribed the moniker "miracle" to anything not readily explainable in human terms. It's a definition that is necessarily fluid; things drop off the miracle list the moment they can be categorized scientifically. The problem with this way of thinking is the - understandable - logical conclusion that all we have to do is look long enough and we can explain away God with regard to absolutely everything.

That is not even close to being a satisfactory way of thinking, because the fundamental assumption is exclusionary to the point of being preemptive.

Instead, we talked about the miraculous way in which God works in and through God's people to make possible things that have been always been intended for this amazing and wonderful world, from the dawn of creation. Rather than supernatural, then, what we call miracles are more accurately metanatural.

By "metanatural" I mean more comprehensive; beyond what we can easily see as natural; transcending natural; at a higher state of development....

META-WORLDLY:
God created this world, and God labeled the work "good." This world was designed as the place where relationship between the created and the Creator would take place. Experiencing God, then, is a crucial element of that it means to live in the natural world. God is not otherworldly, God is metaworldly....

What I mean is that we do the work of creation a disservice when we relegate God to "outsider" status. And we do disservice to the intention of God's creative work when we conduct our lives in a manner that excludes the divine. A life lived in communion with God is the most natural thing in the world, when we consider that we are created both in the image of God and for relationship with God.

Good fodder for thought. Here - below my salutation - is a relevant passage from the book.
Grace and peace - DEREK

Non-sequitur:
What we’re talking about here is a kind of dissonance. It’s the conflict between realities. We live in this temporal world, yet we are eternal in our nature. We inhabit bodies that are fragile and seriously flawed, yet we are also children of the Great King, and we are invited to live kingdom lives of victory and great purpose.

“Blessed are the poor in spirit,” Jesus said, “for theirs is the
kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5: 3).

In the book of Ecclesiastes, The Teacher put it this way: “I have seen the burden God has laid on men. He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end” (Ecclesiastes 3: 10-11).

Eternity set deep in hearts that live out physical lives in the here and now. But eternity in a sense is the here and now; at least that’s where time without end begins. The pilgrim must learn to tell time in both realities. God’s time is at once both beautiful and challenging. But it is not a distinction designed to grate; rather, it is a perspective to be honed. “I have said this to you, so that in me you may have peace. In the world you face persecution (trouble… dissonance). But take courage; I have conquered (overcome) the world” (John 16:33).

- The Unmaking of a Part-time Christian, p115

Welcome to No More Part-Time Christian!

Okay, how you're at this site, there are several things you can do...

First, leave a comment (click on "comments" below). We want to know how you are responding to the book and how God is challenging you to re-evaluate your life of faith.

Next, you can link to my daily blog, "A Life Examined." Click this photo if you want to take a look at what's new.

Then, you can purchase additional copies of "THE UNMAKING OF A PART-TIME CHRISTIAN" or any other Derek Maul title by clicking on the link above right.

There's also a link to my website, DerekMaul.net. Click on the blue-toned photo at right. You can read a more complete bio, check my schedule, and even begin a conversation about bringing me in for a conference, or to visit your church or other organization.

It's a privilege to be in this ongoing conversation with other pilgrims in progress. God's rich blessings be with you all - DEREK

Eternity begins right now...

This morning my Bible reading reminded me that I am God's child, and that I have eternity stretched out before me to discover and to engage with a fresh and renewed spirit every day.

What does the way we live say about our spiritual age?

Grace and Peace - DEREK

The Philippians passage:
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Do I remind people of Jesus?

Wednesday evening I started a new 8-week study with my men's group, affectionately known as "The Men's Room" - or "The Gathering of Most Excellent Dudes."

I'm teaching my new book, "The Unmaking of a Part-Time Christian," and so we kicked off by talking about exactly what we mean when we say something like, "I'm a Christian."

I asked for sound-bite definitions. "Imagine you're at a party," I said, "or sitting next to someone on an airplane, or maybe in casual conversation during the intermission at some kind of event... How, given only a few sentences, would you answer the question 'How would you define Christian?' or 'What do you mean when you say you're a Christian?'"

The answers - and I gave everyone a few moments to think first - were a hodgepodge of loosely related phrases. I wrote them on the chart. They didn't look all that compelling!

"Where did you get the information?" I asked. "How did you know what to say?"

It's a question I've asked upwards of 500 people as I've been traveling around and talking about the project. Here are some of the responses - from Florida, North Carolina, and Tennessee.

• Well, everyone knows what a Christian is...
• It's what my preacher said...
• I got it from the people I hang out with...
• I got my definition from the Internet...
• I've been reading the Bible...

Okay, kudos to the person who's been reading the Bible! In Acts, folk like Peter, James, John and friends were first called "Christians" (they didn't make it up themselves) because they reminded people of Jesus. As in, "Hey, that James guy makes me think of Jesus." or, "Every time I'm around that Nathanial dude it reminds me of Jesus."

Then Jesus - who didn't spend much time talking about church politics, denominational preference, or who's got the best church - said this. "Look, everyone in the world is going to know you're my disciples because of the way you love one another." Then he said this: "People will know you're my followers if you keep my teaching."

It's one reason I tend to say "I'm a Jesus follower." Because everyone already thinks they know what a "Christian" is. They don't want anything to do with that. So I say I'm a Jesus-follower; people ask "what's that?" Then I can explain.

It's a good idea to understand what we believe. Not so we can prove other people wrong, but so we actually have something of substance to share.

Think about it. Not enough of us do.
- DEREK

Family Devotions are key

Having the four fabulous nieces and nephews for the long weekend has been a flashback experience for us confirmed empty-nesters! Yes, I said four; that's two boys plus two girls. I'd forgotten (we raised two children) how many more four is than two. No, it's not simple math!

It was when we stayed around the dinner table after supper for family devotions together that we missed our own children the most.

Now that Rebekah and I are in our 50's, with children raised, productive, happy and solvent, people tend to ask us questions about raising a family.

There's pretty-much only one core principle we urge all the families we know to follow. Here it is: keep your relationship to the Creator central to family life. Worship together, pray together, talk together, learn together, serve together.

For us, family dinnertime was the foundation of family cohesiveness and where we practiced family devotions. We ate at the dining table, no television, no phone answering. It involved good conversation, questions from the parents, more talking after the meal was complete, and sharing about our lives as a cornerstone of the family covenant.

We shared our concerns, enjoyed a short Bible-reading, and prayed around the table. Visiting kids participated too. And, guess what, ours was still a popular house for dinner.

"Thank you, Lord, for Aunt Bekah and Uncle Derek," Seth prayed, yesterday. "And thank you for a good Southern dinner."

That's what I'm talking about.
Love and blessings - DEREK

Okay, how you're at this site, there are several things you can do...

First, leave a comment (click on "comments" below). We want to know how you are responding to the book and how God is challenging you to re-evaluate your life of faith.

Next, you can link to my daily blog, "A Life Examined." Click this photo if you want to take a look at what's new.

Then, you can purchase additional copies of "THE UNMAKING OF A PART-TIME CHRISTIAN" or any other Derek Maul title by clicking on the link above right.

There's also a link to my website, DerekMaul.net. Click on the blue-toned photo at right. You can read a more complete bio, check my schedule, and even begin a conversation about bringing me in for a conference, or to visit your church or other organization.

It's a privilege to be in this ongoing conversation with other pilgrims in progress. God's rich blessings be with you all - DEREK

"Heads uP" following Jesus

(Stock image from the Internet)

Friday evening my wife, Rebekah, and I stayed up late (Nowadays, 11:59 meets every definition of "late" for us!) so we could watch the latest Space Shuttle night launch. We were not disappointed.

It was a clear night for Florida. Meaning there were absolutely no clouds and the humidity was a paltry 82%.

Consequently we were able to watch ignition and the initial launch sequence on television, and then walk outside to witness 490,850 pounds of thrust emerge over the horizon from our vantage point on the 7th green. Spectacular. Awesome. A few minutes later - at around 12:10 - the low extended rumble of the sonic boom reached our side of the state.

We watched the various stages drop off as the space-craft made it's way "up" and east as it accelerated to a speed of around 28,000 miles per hour. "Up", of course, is a relative term.

I looked into the night sky for several minutes, overwhelmed with the beauty and the depth and the sheer vastness of it all, and I couldn't help but think about a great conversation I enjoyed with a scientist at a recent wedding.

He was a young man in his late twenties, with a PhD in some multi-disciplinary field related to brain science. His work involved, he told me, exploring how an organism such as the human brain could develop self-awareness - "Given the fact that God does not exist".

We enjoyed a broad-ranging conversation. At one point I asked him why he had categorically ruled out the idea of a creator.

"We know so much now," he said. "And the more we can explain rationally, the less we need supernatural of mythological explanations."

He paused, and shook his head knowingly. "The god idea is rooted in ignorance, fear, and superstition. We don't need that outmoded construct any more."

It was one of those wedding receptions where everything is delayed by at least an hour, so we had a good amount of time to chat. He was brilliant, involved in fascinating research, engaging, and a lot of fun to talk with. So I delved a little deeper.

"I'm interested in the 'We know enough now to rule out God' postulate," I said. "Do you remember what the Russian cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin said when he came back from space? He said 'I didn't see God...' Well today we have the Hubble Telescope and it's revealing huge new slices of the universe."

"It's answering a lot of questions," he said. "A lot of stuff religion likes to attribute to God."

"Here's the thing," I said. "The cosmos is like a three-dimensional pie. The further out you go the more there is - it's more than an exponential progression. For every ten questions the Hubble helps us to answer it opens up about a thousand new questions we hadn't even considered. So here's my question: Do we know more, or do we know less?"

"What's your point?" he asked.

"My point is that maybe God isn't sitting on a star waiting for some astronaut to take a picture so someone can say 'I'm right and you're wrong.' Maybe God isn't even in the answers. Maybe God is in the questions we haven't even thought to ask yet, the experiences we don't yet have the capacity to imagine, or the yearnings of a soul we have only partially begun to understand? I know my experience of God is often surprising and seldom easy to explain."

We talked some more, and when I went home I realized that he could have talked circles round me with his intellect. But he wasn't interested in proving an argument... he was actually much more interested in discovering truth.

There is a lot of freedom resident in the honest interest in truth. God, I believe, talks to each one of us in the language we understand. But the question remains, are we interested in listening? Or is our primary concern simply in being right?

Love and blessings - DEREK
Okay, how you're at this site, there are several things you can do...

First, leave a comment (click on "comments" below). We want to know how you are responding to the book and how God is challenging you to re-evaluate your life of faith.

Next, you can link to my daily blog, "A Life Examined." Click this photo if you want to take a look at what's new.

Then, you can purchase additional copies of "THE UNMAKING OF A PART-TIME CHRISTIAN" or any other Derek Maul title by clicking on the link above right.

There's also a link to my website, DerekMaul.net. Click on the blue-toned photo at right. You can read a more complete bio, check my schedule, and even begin a conversation about bringing me in for a conference, or to visit your church or other organization.

It's a privilege to be in this ongoing conversation with other pilgrims in progress. God's rich blessings be with you all - DEREK

Reader "Comments" Pouring In... :-)

"Reader Comments Pouring In" Is that ever a misleading title! But I am happy to say that "Wayne in Greensboro, Georgia" has managed to get the ball rolling. So, in honor of his trend-setting response, I'm pasting his entire post as today's introduction.

I pray that this serves as an encouragement, and I'll hear from more of you!

Blessings - DEREK

• If I am reading this correctly I am NUMERO UNO in the comments section about the "Unmaking" Well that is very fitting since I identify so closely with my Brother in Christ - Derek. I had the privilege of co-leading a Men's class on "Get Real" and when this book came my way I was compelled to pick it up. I feel such a kindred spirit with Derek, his experiences, his writing style and his ability to tell a story. Yet while doing all this he is weaving the story of redemption, the essence of the Christian life deeply into the fabric of the book and at the same time deeply into my soul. I have finished reading it and it certainly lived up to all my expectations. I will begin teaching it to a group of men at Greensboro United Methodist Church, Greensboro, Ga. on Sept. 20th, 2009. We are excited to have this opportunity and are equally as excited to see what God will do with us in this study!!

Thanks, Wayne!

Okay, how you're at this site, there are several things you can do...

First, leave a comment (click on "comments" below). We want to know how you are responding to the book and how God is challenging you to re-evaluate your life of faith.

Next, you can link to my daily blog, "A Life Examined." Click this photo if you want to take a look at what's new.

Then, you can purchase additional copies of "THE UNMAKING OF A PART-TIME CHRISTIAN" or any other Derek Maul title by clicking on the link above right.

There's also a link to my website, DerekMaul.net. Click on the blue-toned photo at right. You can read a more complete bio, check my schedule, and even begin a conversation about bringing me in for a conference, or to visit your church or other organization.

It's a privilege to be in this ongoing conversation with other pilgrims in progress. God's rich blessings be with you all - DEREK

Welcome to "No More Part-Time Christian"

WELCOME!!!
If you've arrived at this page, hopefully it means you're already reading the book, "The Unmaking of a Part-Time Christian." If not, then let me invite you to join the conversation.

It's too easy in today's world to relegate faith to an add-on, after-market, or part-time status. If a little faith is good, we reason, then we'll just enjoy it at arm's length. We wouldn't want to go overboard. Unfortunately, thinking like that lets what is good keep us away from what is best. The good can be the enemy of the best.

So I'm here to be an encourager. Try following Jesus as a disciple rather than simply one more priority that we fit in where we can. At the very least let's talk about it. Leave your comment, I'd like to know what you think.

Love and blessings - DEREK

NOW YOU'RE AT THIS SITE, THERE ARE SEVERAL THINGS YOU CAN DO:

First, leave a comment (click on "comments" below). We want to know how you are responding to the book and how God is challenging you to re-evaluate your life of faith. Scroll through the comments and see what others are saying, too. Periodically, I plan to sample the comments and use them in a new blog entry.

Next, you can link to my daily blog, "A Life Examined." New entries are posted six days a week. It's a great way to crawl in to the author's mind. Click this photo if you want to take a look at what's new.

Then, you can purchase additional copies of "THE UNMAKING OF A PART-TIME CHRISTIAN" or any other Derek Maul title by clicking on the link above right.

There's also a link to my website, DerekMaul.net. Click on the blue-toned photo at right. You can read a more complete bio, check my schedule, and even begin a conversation about bringing me in for a conference, or to visit your church or other organization.

It's a privilege to be in this ongoing conversation with other pilgrims in progress. God's rich blessings be with you all - DEREK

Full-Time disciples think differently...

God said - "This is my servant Caleb; he thinks differently...." (Numbers 14)

The photographs that go with today's post are not taken from the typical perspective. Early yesterday evening my wife and I had just finished getting ready for a dinner party and I wanted to take another picture of the new kitchen. But I was tired of snapping the same old view. Consequently, I played around with perspective and orientation. I kind of like the result.

It made me think about one of my favorite Bible references: "This is my servant Caleb;" God said, "he thinks differently...." (Numbers 14)

Tip for the day! If you want to earn a few compliments from God - now might be the time to take a look at Caleb. "Check out my man Caleb," God says; "This dude is a bona fide individual; he doesn't follow along with the crowd. Caleb actually gets it!"

NOW YOU'RE AT THIS SITE, THERE ARE SEVERAL THINGS YOU CAN DO:

First, leave a comment (click on "comments" below). We want to know how you are responding to the book and how God is challenging you to re-evaluate your life of faith. Scroll through the comments and see what others are saying, too. Periodically, I plan to sample the comments and use them in a new blog entry.

Next, you can link to my daily blog, "A Life Examined." New entries are posted six days a week. It's a great way to crawl in to the author's mind. Click this photo if you want to take a look at what's new.

Then, you can purchase additional copies of "THE UNMAKING OF A PART-TIME CHRISTIAN" or any other Derek Maul title by clicking on the link above right.

There's also a link to my website, DerekMaul.net. Click on the blue-toned photo at right. You can read a more complete bio, check my schedule, and even begin a conversation about bringing me in for a conference, or to visit your church or other organization.

It's a privilege to be in this ongoing conversation with other pilgrims in progress. God's rich blessings be with you all - DEREK

Conversations about following Jesus

I had an interesting conversation at a neighborhood party yesterday afternoon. A man asked me about my latest book:

"It's called The Unmaking of a Part-Time Christian," I said.

He understood the concept right off. Then he surprised me with his next question.

"So are you advocating giving up Christianity altogether?" he asked.

It had never occurred to me that anyone would consider dislodging from the "part-time" designation in any direction other than a move into discipleship.

"The title will interest people both pro and con your idea of following Jesus," he said.

So we talked about it, and I was awed once again by the power of the Spirit to reach out to everyone, and most especially those who we feel have no interest in faith at all. This God is so much bigger than my tentative belief.

Let's continue the conversation - DEREK

NOW YOU'RE AT THIS SITE, THERE ARE SEVERAL THINGS YOU CAN DO:

First, leave a comment (click on "comments" below). We want to know how you are responding to the book and how God is challenging you to re-evaluate your life of faith. Scroll through the comments and see what others are saying, too. Periodically, I plan to sample the comments and use them in a new blog entry.

Next, you can link to my daily blog, "A Life Examined." New entries are posted six days a week. It's a great way to crawl in to the author's mind. Click this photo if you want to take a look at what's new.

Then, you can purchase additional copies of "THE UNMAKING OF A PART-TIME CHRISTIAN" or any other Derek Maul title by clicking on the link above right.

There's also a link to my website, DerekMaul.net. Click on the blue-toned photo at right. You can read a more complete bio, check my schedule, and even begin a conversation about bringing me in for a conference, or to visit your church or other organization.

It's a privilege to be in this ongoing conversation with other pilgrims in progress. God's rich blessings be with you all - DEREK

What's your "Real Age"? God can help here

This picture was taken in Rome just a few weeks ago. That's me, standing on the "Spanish Steps".

Well, books have already started to ship and the great experiment begins! So here's the question: Will people visit this site and leave a comment? Or will they take a peek and then go away? I'm going with the gut feeling that several of you have already taken a look, so I'll do my best to update this page at least a couple of times a week and encourage you to come back on a regular basis.

Have you ever completed one of those "Real Age" tests on the Internet? One of the key questions has to do with friendships. A solid circle of social relationships correlates highly with physical health, mental health, more complete recovery when we are sick, and actual life expectancy.

Health, and I'm widening this net to include spiritual health, requires more than mere acquaintances, but a network of people who know us intimately and love us regardless. If you think I'm going to say "This is why it's important to be involved in church", then that's only scratching the surface. Many people "go to church" without entering into the kind of authentic, nurturing, healing, encouraging relationships that are a prerequisite - in my understanding - of experiencing "Life to the full" in the way that Jesus imagined when he coined the phrase.

There's more on this subject in chapter three: "Christianity Is Team Sport." Let us know what you're thinking.

- DEREK

NOW YOU'RE HERE THERE ARE SEVERAL THINGS YOU CAN DO:

First, leave a comment (click on "comments" below). We want to know how you are responding to the book and how God is challenging you to re-evaluate your life of faith. Scroll through the comments and see what others are saying, too. Periodically, I plan to sample the comments and use them in a new blog entry.

Next, you can link to my daily blog, "A Life Examined." New entries are posted six days a week. It's a great way to crawl in to the author's mind. Click this photo if you want to take a look at what's new.

Then, you can purchase additional copies of "THE UNMAKING OF A PART-TIME CHRISTIAN" or any other Derek Maul title by clicking on the link above right.

There's also a link to my website, DerekMaul.net. Click on the blue-toned photo at right. You can read a more complete bio, check my schedule, and even begin a conversation about bringing me in for a conference, or to visit your church or other organization.

It's a privilege to be in this ongoing conversation with other pilgrims in progress. God's rich blessings be with you all - DEREK

Let's talk about faith; this is an invitation.

Today's brief update is designed to serve two purposes:
1) To let you know I'm not ignoring this site! And...
2) to insert a very cool slide that might capture your attention long enough to encourage you stay around and read! See, I'm not entirely without guile! The photograph of St. Peter's in Rome was taken during my recent trip to Italy. Fabulous architecture and an amazing testimony to Renaissance. But that was 500 years ago! I'm interested in some faith renaissance today. I'd love to hear what you're thinking and I'm sure that we can learn from each other. DEREK

If you're at this site it probably means you're reading "THE UNMAKING OF A PART-TIME CHRISTIAN." Welcome! Now you're here there are several things you can do:

First, leave a comment (click on "comments" below). We want to know how you are responding to the book and how God is challenging you to re-evaluate your life of faith. Scroll through the comments and see what others are saying, too. Periodically, I plan to sample the comments and use them in a new blog entry.

Next, you can link to my daily blog, "A Life Examined." New entries are posted six days a week. It's a great way to crawl in to the author's mind. Click this photo if you want to take a look at what's new.

Then, you can purchase additional copies of "THE UNMAKING OF A PART-TIME CHRISTIAN" or any other Derek Maul title by clicking on the link above right.

There's also a link to my website, DerekMaul.net. Click on the blue-toned photo at right. You can read a more complete bio, check my schedule, and even begin a conversation about bringing me in for a conference, or to visit your church or other organization.

It's a privilege to be in this ongoing conversation with other pilgrims in progress. God's rich blessings be with you all - DEREK

Welcome to your blog!

If you're at this site it probably means you're reading "THE UNMAKING OF A PART-TIME CHRISTIAN." Welcome! Now you're here there are several things you can do:

First, leave a comment (click on "comments" below). We want to know how you are responding to the book and how God is challenging you to re-evaluate your life of faith. Scroll through the comments and see what others are saying, too. Periodically, I plan to sample the comments and use them in a new blog entry.

Next, you can link to my daily blog, "A Life Examined." New entries are posted six days a week. It's a great way to crawl in to the author's mind. Click this photo if you want to take a look at what's new.

Then, you can purchase additional copies of "THE UNMAKING OF A PART-TIME CHRISTIAN" or any other Derek Maul title by clicking on the link above right.

There's also a link to my website, DerekMaul.net. Click on the blue-toned photo at right. You can read a more complete bio, check my schedule, and even begin a conversation about bringing me in for a conference, or to visit your church or other organization.

It's a privilege to be in this ongoing conversation with other pilgrims in progress. God's rich blessings be with you all - DEREK

Great moments in publishing... The book is here!

LAKE JUNALUSKA, NC - Today (Sunday, July 12) I am holding the first copy of "The Unmaking of a Part-Time Christian" in my hand and - I've got to tell you - it feels very very good!

One of my editors, Janice Neely, carried it with her to Soulfeast2009, the Upper Room's annual spiritual renewal conference. We were talking at a reception and she said, "Don't go anywhere - I have a copy of your new book in my room."

This is my third book. But the thrill hasn't diminished one bit. Tomorrow I teach the first 75 minutes of a three-day class on the idea. The class is titled, "The Unmaking of a Part-Time Christian: A Conversation about Following Jesus."

I'm also excited about the potential for feedback. If you've stumbled on this site, let me know what you think. Use the comments section below. Then buy the book too, and enter into this ongoing conversation (an honest conversation, from the heart) about what it means to be a 21st Century Disciple.

Many blessings - DEREK

Available for pre-order at Upper Room and Amazon

"The Unmaking of a Part Time Christian" may not be released until September, but the book is now available for pre-order at Amazon.com.

In fact, Amazon have tidied up their "Author Page" settings to make browsing much simpler. Check out this link to see how they have books, blogs, and author profiles all on the same page. AMAZON.COM AUTHOR PAGE

In the meantime, I'm looking forward to some teaching opportunities at Nashville with the United Methodist Men, and in Lake Junaluska, North Carolina, with the Upper Room conference - Soulfeast.

Love and blessings - DEREK

First Editorial Review

I was excited this weekend to discover a well-crafted endorsement for "The Unmaking of a Part Time Christian" at Amazon.com. The words come from Eva Stimson, Editor of Presbyterians Today. Stimson's publication is a perennial award-winner, and positive words from her desk always ring true. Here it is:

• Editorial Reviews: With the skill of a gifted storyteller, Derek Maul weaves his own life experiences into a practical and engaging guidebook for Christians seeking a deeper level of commitment. Scripture, prayers and questions for reflection in each chapter reinforce the author s challenge to live as if you mean it. --Eva Stimson Editor, Presbyterians Today
  

Final Edit Underway

This week I'm completing the final edit of the galley for "The Unmaking of a Part Time Christian". We've also picked up (potentially) a couple of key endorsements - but I can't divulge any details until something comes through in writing.

Then I've been invited to teach a class on the book at Soulfeast, the annual spiritual formation conference sponsored by The Upper Room. The setting is Lake Junaluska in Maggie Valley, North Carolina. I'm looking forward to talking about what it means to be a Jesus-follower and making the critical distinction between part-time and full-time when it comes to being a disciple.

I've had a busy speaking schedule so far this year, and a lot of the content has influenced the direction of this new project. My prayer is that this book will serve as a catalyst for those who are looking to take some serious steps forward in terms of their faith.

Love and blessings - DEREK

Schedule coming together - and COVER revealed!

Well I have the cover design, and the presentation is very inviting. Book title, too, is firm. It's official, now: THE UNMAKING OF A PART TIME CHRISTIAN will be released for publication in September, just a few months away.

Next step is nit-pick detail editing, both in Nashville and the here at my desk. To be honest I really enjoy the editing process; it's one more chance to fine-tune before giving birth.

• "For of his fullness have we all received grace upon grace." (John 1:16)

As always, stay tuned and watch this space.
Love and blessings - DEREK

Happy New Year

Just checking in!

January is under way with news that my new book (the reason for this blog) is in the "design phase" and close to a fabulous cover. We're still looking at a fall release.

I re-read a few chapters over Christmas and - consequently - am more excited about this project than ever before!

Watch this space... keep your eyes on the Pilgrim path... turn your heart toward home.

Love and blessings - DEREK