My Epic Journey

The Life of a Relevant Follower
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Book Review

September 22, 2008 By: Ryan Category: Culture, God, Media

This weekend, I finished the book, The Almost True Story of Ryan Fisher by Rob Stennett.

ryan fisher

The book was amazing.  Here is a quip from Publishers Weekly:

“Screenwriter Stennett offers a satirical look at a non-Christian’s ascent to pastor of a megachurch in this engaging, highly readable novel. Ryan Fisher is a 28-year-old real estate agent who doesn’t believe in God, but lists himself in the Christian Business Directory (along with a Jesus fish symbol) to beef up sales. He and his wife, Katherine, attend church to validate his new religious image, where he sees the possibilities of utilizing business principles to create his own megachurch. They move to Bartlesville, Okla., and create “The People’s Church” where Ryan preaches a feel-good, do-good gospel (“I’m not encumbered by things like the Bible and Jesus”). As church numbers swell, Oprah calls, local pastors are on the warpath, a religious fanatic plots Ryan’s assassination, and Katherine is smitten with Cowboy Jack, a karaoke singer-turned-worship leader who pens Christian lyrics to popular radio tunes. Is Ryan in over his head? Interesting narration and Dave Barryesque footnotes make this humorous entertainment with a faith-based message.” — Publishers Weekly

I would highly recommend this book. I would give it a grade of A!

Summer Reading

June 29, 2008 By: Ryan Category: Life, Media

Here are two books that I am currently reading.  After I get done with them I will share my thoughts.

Non-Fiction:  Wide Awake by Erwin McManus

wide awake

Synopsis

Renowned speaker and church visionary Erwin McManus unfolds the eight essential attributes needed to achieve the life of your dreams.

Shuffling and half asleep, so many people coast through the day. From class to class, home to work, and stuck in traffic in between, many have yet to tap into a passionate reason for living. It’s not that this life is bad, but it’s not the life of their dreams.

In Wide Awake, Erwin McManus opens readers’ eyes to see the eight crucial attributes of those who achieve the life of their dreams. It is every person’s responsibility to discover and develop the gifts given to them by God. McManus writes, "The future is not waiting for us, it is waiting within us." The world is desperate for the best each person can offer-if they would only relentlessly pursue and achieve it.

The eight characteristics are: Dream, Explore, Adapt, Create, Invest, Enjoy, Focus, and Expect.

Fiction:  The Almost True Story of Ryan Fisher

ryan fisher

Synopsis (Publishers Weekly)

Screenwriter Stennett offers a satirical look at a non-Christian’s ascent to pastor of a megachurch in this engaging, highly readable novel. Ryan Fisher is a 28-year-old real estate agent who doesn’t believe in God, but lists himself in the Christian Business Directory (along with a Jesus fish symbol) to beef up sales. He and his wife, Katherine, attend church to validate his new religious image, where he sees the possibilities of utilizing business principles to create his own megachurch. They move to Bartlesville, Okla., and create "The People’s Church" where Ryan preaches a feel-good, do-good gospel ("I’m not encumbered by things like the Bible and Jesus"). As church numbers swell, Oprah calls, local pastors are on the warpath, a religious fanatic plots Ryan’s assassination, and Katherine is smitten with Cowboy Jack, a karaoke singer-turned-worship leader who pens Christian lyrics to popular radio tunes. Is Ryan in over his head? Interesting narration and Dave Barryesque footnotes make this humorous entertainment with a faith-based message.

  • Meet the Journeyman

    My name is Ryan Smith and this is a journal of my thoughts and questions as I continue down the road of life. May my journey ever draw me closer to the One who saves me. If our paths cross I hope to be a blessing to you on your path as well.
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