DO YOU LOVE A GOOD STORY
Consider Using Fiction to Discuss racism in a small group.
One of the pleasures in my life at this point is the fun of writing novels that center on themes that involve the faith and clergy in the attempt to address these issues in their ministry. My first full novel, A Star and a Tear, involves the temptations of sexuality in the church and how pastors must be honest with themselves in recognizing the relationship between faith and sexuality. The second novel, Blessed are the Peacemakers, struggles with how the church responds to the violence that is so prevalent in our society. My current project centers on the theme of racism and particularly how a Caucasian church can both recognize its presence in their church and open themselves to God’s grace as they engage in healthy ministry
A COMPANY OF PASTORS
In my book, A Company of Pastors, I designed at program that can use these fictional stories and a series of short stories I have published, Clergy Tails—Tales, to explore how clergy can provide spiritual leadership and nurture healthy congregations as they engage in a society fraught with such volatile issues.
My experience is that when people make use of a good fictional story centered on such themes, they can feel less vulnerable as they explore the dimensions raised by the story. The novel, SHOCK AND AWE: A CHURCH RECOGNIZES ITS RACISM AND IS AWED BY GOD’S INVITATION, should be completed by January. I am looking for some people for my launch team, which would involve reading a beta copy, writing an honest review, and being willing to use their social media links to spread the word about the novel and its non-fiction guides for how to engage a congregation in a creative and healthy manner. If interested in exploring that possibility, let me know at steve@smccutchan.com
