Zondervan, 2007, 224 pp., $12.99, www.zondervan.com
Friendship. Neighborliness. Community. Revolution. Peppermint-Filled Piñatas explores these themes and others to challenge contemporary Christians to move beyond their comfort zone and enter into the outward-focused work of reclaiming the diverse, loving church that Jesus intended. Author Eric Michael Bryant, who oversees the leadership team at the Los Angeles area multicultural church Mosaic, explains, “We all need help. We all need love, and we all need friendship. We can help others change through meaningful conversations in the context of meaningful relationships.”
With concrete personal and biblical examples, as well as interactive questions, this book is meant to move readers beyond theoretical discussions and into action in the context of their current community. As a result, this resource is effective for leading individuals or groups of adults in the process of discovering and being obedient to the call to promote love as the primary apologetic in ministry and everyday life.
Review by Joe Cilek