Books to inspire and help you shine in a dark world!
SERIOUS FOLLOWERS OF JESUS should feel a tug at their hearts to know him better and to know other believers better, to experience that beautiful description of the early church in Acts 2:
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. … They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people.
How do we get there? How do we find such intensity of life today in our churches and living rooms?
Our cultures are different, our way of worship may be different, yet it only makes sense that to get to the same place as the church in Acts 2, we should follow the same path. We tried that at my fellowship in a small town in Virginia and were delighted at the outcome.
Let’s dig in and see what we can learn …
Available on amazon.com. Reviews appreciated!
What readers are saying
Great book, quick read
A quick read with very thoughtful insights on how to be intentional about building a biblical fellowship that brings people closer together and closer to God in your church. It will change how you think about church activities and organization. The ideas are based on scripture but are not just theoretical; the author gives advice from his practical experience applying the concepts.
—Diana
Worthwhile and inspiring
Rich with examples drawn both from Scripture and personal experience, this book models what it extols. It paints a picture of robust Christian fellowship based on the four pursuits of the early church in Acts 2:42 (the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer).
With humility and a shepherd’s heart, the author describes the practices of his own small town church in Virginia, spurring readers to probe the scriptures and make practical application in their own communities. A helpful, inspiring read!
—Elizabeth
A must read for the Christian who is looking for more from their church experience…
If you have ever wondered what the practices of the early church would look like today, then this book is worth the read. It outlines the successful, even if imperfect, attempts of a small church in rural Virginia to replicate the format of the early church. This is a quick read that will inspire you to connect with those around you in a deeper and more meaningful way.
—KA
About the Author
Jonathan Marken earned a BA in English from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia, in 1980 and an MA from the University of Delaware in 1982. He won a fellowship for PhD study and did an additional year of classes, then returned to VCU to teach for a year.
At that point he made a career change and took a job in the publications office at Hampden-Sydney College, doing writing, editing, and graphic design. Design had been only a side venture, but he grew more and more interested in it under the tutelage of the publications director, an award-winning designer.
After four years at that post, Jonathan left to launch his own freelance business, Lamp-Post Publicity, which he pursues to this day (https://lamppostpublicity.com). Over the years, Jonathan has helped more and more self-published authors bring their dreams to reality, doing editing, design, and in a few instances ghost writing. At last count, he has helped over 80 clients publish more than 130 books.
Looking forward, Jonathan wants to pursue his own writing career he has only dabbled in up to this point. He established Shining Light Publications as the publishing arm of Lamp-Post Publicity.
Jonathan’s wife, Sherri, is the quality control for the business and played an important role in this book. They have four daughters—one taught English in Romania for five years and is now back teaching in Lynchburg, another teaches history in Lynchburg, the third is an RN-health coach in Appomattox, and the fourth is a BCBA working with adults with disabilities in Illinois.
Both Jonathan and Sherri play important roles at the church featured in this book.
