Down We Go

No, this isn’t a reference to the stock market. I’m talking about the new book by Kathy Escobar, co-pastor of The Refuge in Broomfield, Colorado — Down We Go: Living Into the Wild Ways of Jesus.

Here’s what I wrote in my endorsement for the book:

“Through her bold beautiful blog and now this book, Kathy Escobar shares her story and shows us how to live into the way of Jesus in the midst of our swirling, confusing communities that tell us everyday that ‘bigger is better’ and more is better than less. From her nearly two decades of life ministry experience, Kathy redefines success in an accessible way. I may not be able to sew my own clothes like Shane Claiborne, but I can follow Kathy Escobar where she is going — down into the mess of our real lives where it’s dark and smelly but beautiful things grow. I don’t have to go there alone, either. I can go in community and with Kathy Escobar’s wisdom along the way. And there’s no better guide to have on this journey of discovering that the last will be first and the weak will ultimately punk the strong.”

(Yes, I used the verb “to punk.” @AplusK would be proud.)

Down We Go really is a fantastic book and a tremendous resource, especially to those of us who are seeking to form missional (or to use Kathy’s preferred term, incarnational) communities of practice. I’m honored to call Kathy a friend and to be a co-conspirator with her in TransFORM Network.

Other books I’d recommend for your summer reading pleasure:
Open Source Church: Making Room for the Wisdom of All by Landon Whitsitt (2011, Alban)
Jesus, My Father, The CIA, and Me: A Memoir by Ian Morgan Cron (2011, Thomas Nelson)
Practicing the Way of Jesus: Life Together in the Kingdom of Love by Mark Scandrette (2011, Likewise/IVP)
Misfits: Who Are You Including? by John O’Keefe (2011, CreateSpace)
The Sword of the Lord: The Roots of Fundamentalism in an American Family by Andrew Himes (2011, Chiara Press)
Devil’s Ink: Blog from the Basement Office by Jeffrey C. Pugh (2011, Fortress)

This blog post is part of the August 2011 Synchroblog – here are the other posts:

• K.W. Leslie at The Evening of Kent – My Summer Reading List, Thus Far
• Liz Dyer at Grace Rules – 12 Movies and a Novel
• Maria Kettleson Anderson at The Real Journey – Fiction, Movies and TV
• Jeremy Myers at Till He Comes - A Book That Invades Your Dreams
• Andrea at Andrea’s Balancing Act – What Do My Favorite Books Say About Me?
• Tammy Carter at Blessing the Beloved – Loyalty and Valor
• Steve Hayes at Khanya – Summer Reading
• Kathy Escobar at The Carnival in My Head – movies + books = summer fun
• Peter Walker at Emerging Christian – This is for All the Lonely People
• Carie at Carie’s Garden – Thar Be Dragons