Love Big, Be Well

Letters to a Small-Town Church

By: Winn Collier

Narrated by: Trevor Thompson

Jonas McAnn is a weary pastor without a congregation, trapped in a dead-end insurance job. Granby Presbyterian is a weary congregation without a pastor, overwhelmed by the prospect of finding someone who actually wants to be a pastor - not a manager, coach, or CEO.

When Granby's pastoral search committee and Jonas connect through handwritten letters passed back and forth, something sparks between them - something so real and refreshing that even after Jonas and his family move to Granby, he continues the regular practice of writing letters to his congregation.

Spanning seven years of his ministry at Granby Presbyterian, Jonas' letters ruminate on everything from fly-fishing to the Nicene Creed. They reveal the earthy spirituality woven into the joys and sorrows of the people of Granby, the community of the church, and Jonas' own unfolding story.

Listeners will discover what it means for a pastor and a church to do the slow work of ministry in community - anchored by a common place and buoyed by a life of faith that is meaningful, rooted, and true.

©2017 Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing (P)2017 Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing

Great

Absorbing and healing read. I am listening to it again now. Love Big Be Well!

Enjoyed the "Letter writing" format

The book being written in the form of letters made it easy to listen in short bursts, as I had time. I appreciated the authenticity of Jonas, sharing his struggles even as a pastor. It is a great book, I highly recommend!

An Experience to Savor

From the first moments, I was hooked. I heard myself in the tired "pastor without a church." The relationship between this pastor and the community is beautiful. This is a picture of pastoral care and life I would aspire to. My soul longs to love people and live life with them in this way.

great book

This book open my eyes and actually said what I think and believe. I listened to it, bought the hard copy, and will listen again while highlighting the hard copy. 10 out of 10 book

I wish I could get back my $10.00.

The narrator did a great job. I would listen to him read cereal boxes. The content of the book is lukewarm prose, overly familiar. It is like the marginal uncle who gets too besotted at a family gathering and wants to hold hands with everyone. Not a fun read.