Everyday Christianity was never intended to be a book. To tell you the truth, I really didn’t think I had the ability to write a book, and based on the slow progress of my next project, I think I may be right. You see EC was originally a series of lessons, or maybe it would be better to call them talks that I had with the Wednesday evening worship attendees at the church of Christ on McDermott Road in Plano, Texas. At the time, I had this overwhelming need to share some things that were on my heart, and thankfully I was able too.

It turns out that the things I said over the course of three months or so, were things that other people identified with. I had told the congregation from the beginning that I would be laying my soul bare, and that I hoped God would be able to use me to help others who might have the same things going on in their lives. As it turns out God did use me in a very effective way. I could not have imagined the impact that my simple, open heart, ramblings would have on a group of people.

Fast forward two years to a time when I began asking God for direction in my life.  I was, and still am, making a living as a Realtor with Coldwell Banker in Frisco, TX. The thing is I was barely getting by. So, I ask God to show me what He wanted me to do. You know, it’s at times like this that I think it sure would be nice if  I could be mowing the grass and all of a sudden look up to see my patio furniture on fire…but not burning. Know what I mean? I mean wouldn’t it be grand if God would just get our attention and then tell us, (in a really deep commanding voice that had us shaking in our shoes) you need to go build an amazingly big boat? I’m sorry there I go chasing a dumb rabbit again.

Here’s the thing. I believe God did start talking to me. He didn’t use my patio furniture; instead He used you, my brothers and sisters, his children. I don’t remember the exact order of things, but the order is not important. I do remember reading two books that kinda helped me get started. One was The Cure for the Common Life by Max Lucado, the other, The Climb of Your Life by Mark Atteberry. Each of these books suggested that I open my eyes to, and start living, the life God had created me to live. The questions that had to be answered? What did God give me the talent to do? What do I do, best? What brings me fulfillment when I do it?

The answer to all three questions? Teaching, preaching, and speaking. I knew I enjoyed speaking, that answer was inside me. The other two questions needed to be answered by other people, not me. I have thought I was good at other things only to find out I wasn’t as good as I thought I was. So I had to find out what others thought I did best. Now this is where God gave me the strength to do something I don’t like doing. I mean, asking people what they think your God given talent is, is opening yourself up to realization. It may be opening yourself up to rejection. What if you find out what you thought was talent was just you living in a dream world?   The answers however were consistent. Folks told me time and time again that I had missed my calling in life, that I should be a preacher, or speaker. I even ask the shepherds at McDermott Road, and all agreed that I was talented at teaching, preaching and speaking.

God then used Steve Strippling, a friend of mine, to open my eyes to the possibility of writing the book Everyday Christianity: Life Learned Lessons and Observations from an Ordinary Man. I remember the conversation. He had listened to the EC series on tape, and came to me and said. “Kent you have to put that in a book.” To which I said. “Steve, are you crazy, I can’t write a book. Each of those forty-five minute talks came from three or four bullet points on a piece of paper.” His reply. “Kent the book is already written, all you have to do is take what’s on the tapes, and put it in a book.” Wow, I was blinded by the light! That’s when I told God that I was ready to commence, to begin, to start, doing what He had created me for.

Fast forward two more years, and we are now in the present. I will admit that God may have to open my eyes again, and I really wish He would use burn’n furniture so I’d know it was Him talk’n instead of a bad case of indigestion, because if He wants me to be a “pulpit” minister, He will have to hit me over the head with something, or someone. (Maybe I’ll go into that another time.) In my mind, and I pray with God’s blessing, the Everyday Christianity ministry, will be a road show if you will. I want to go wherever God leads me, through you, to preach, teach, and speak. I just returned from Tulsa, OK where I spoke at the Carbondale CoC at the invitation of Judge Morris, the minister there. I have been invited by Joe Almanza to come and share my story at his congregation in Abilene. I have already been to the Sunset congregation in Lubbock, the churches in Loop, TX, Denver City, TX, and the Prestoncrest congregation in Dallas.  Now I am asking you to consider inviting me to speak at your place. You don’t have to give me the pulpit. You don’t even have to give me the prized auditorium class. I am reaching out to you for however you want to use me. Retreats, seminars, banquets, life groups, preaching, teaching, keynote addresses, you name it. Businesses, associations, convention planners, please consider inviting me to share with your group. I promise a clean, enjoyable experience, designed to inspire folks to better service, no matter their chosen profession.

In wrapping this thing up I want to let you know one last thing. I have a simple message. I am not about tackling the “worship” issues of the day. I’m not into the Greek. I won’t be going into deep theological discussions; I ain’t smart enough for that.  I am just an ordinary man trying to live Christianity every day, and I pray that you allow me to share my walk with you.  

Till next time.

Grump