It’s 2013. Following an extensive article in Christianity Today about our missional church planting project in Fairhill, one of the poorest neighborhoods in North Philadelphia, John has invited me to come and speak at the Joy church. This week everything is happening at once. With our missional church planting project, we’re on the cover of the Christianity Today magazine. Our ministry has never received so much publicity before. We get a lot of responses from all over the country. One... Read more

It’s 2010. I am away for the weekend with my daughter Anne. During a walk, I tell her about John. I am away for the weekend with my daughter Anne who turned twelve this year. During a walk on a beach near Barnegat Bay, I tell her about John. ‘Why do you follow him?’ she asks me. A good question. ‘Because I’m intrigued by his success. Somewhere, I would also like to seem that successful,’ I tell her, while thinking:... Read more

Over the past ten years, “The Joy Congregation” has grown to more than five thousand members. John is successful! I notice that John and Abigail have a certain magnetism about them. Part of me wants to be just like them. After not seeing John for five years, I unexpectedly bump into him again. In October 2001, I attend a national meeting day about church unity in the city. Suddenly, I hear my name being called out. As I turn around,... Read more