High-speed internet. Rapid rewards. Quick thinking. Fast food. Fast . . . church?Slow Church by Chris Smith and John Pattison has been eagerly received by a people who are ready to be invited out of franchise faith and back into the kingdom of God. This eleven-session study guide provides an opportunity to reflect on the message of this groundbreaking book both individually and in community. Each session features



- A guide to lectio divina

- Suggested videos that can be watched online

- A series of in-depth questions expanded from what is currently in the book

- A quote for reflection

Here is an opportunity to begin to develop a deeper and richer community where people know each other well and love one another as Christ loved the church.



C. Christopher Smith is editor of The Englewood Review of Books and a member of the Englewood Christian Church community on the urban Near Eastside of Indianapolis. He is the coauthor of Slow Church. Chris's writing has appearedin Books and Culture, Sojourners, The Christian Century and Indiana Green Living.



John Pattison's essays, articles and reviews have appeared in Relevant, Books Culture and other magazines around the country. A member of the National Book Critics Circle, he is the coauthor of Besides the Bible.



Contents



How to Use this Study Guide



1 A Theological Vision for Slow Church



2 Terroir



3 Stability



4 Patience



5 Wholeness



6 Work



7 Sabbath



8 Abundance



9 Gratitude



10 Hospitality



11 DinnerTable Conversation as a Way of Being Church



Praise for Slow Church: "Slow Church is a manifesto and handbook rolled into one. . . . It reads like what it is: the long, patient fruit of two men deeply rooted in a particular place, among neighbors they know, love, and serve. . . . Make haste, then. Run, do not walk, to your favorite bookstore, buy a copy, and set your church table for a feast."



Praise for Slow Church: "Inspired by the 'slow food' movement and disheartened by the 'fast' church trends, Smith and Pattison are advocating for 'reimagining what it means to be communities of believers gathered and rooted in particular places at a particular time.' Slow Church promises something richer and more substantive than quick fixes."



Praise for Slow Church: "The authors write clearly and persuasively; each section of the book offers a theoretical and scriptural basis . . . and practical suggestions for their implementation."