John Avant is not just a friend of mine (which is almost enough of an introduction), but he is also the Senior Pastor at First West, and author of Authentic Power and The Passion Promise. His new book, If God Were Real: A Journey Into A Faith That Matters, asks what it might look like if we lived as if our God was actually, you know – real! In pointing out some of the ways we disconnect for the God who is truly there he encourages believers to live life on mission with God. I had the chance to ask John a few questions relating to the book. He's hanging around on the blog today to interact with all of us here. So be sure to jump into the comments and hit John up with your questions.

via blogs.lifeway.com

Good interview.

I look forward to the book.

I am especially intrigued by Avant's suggestion that adding "ity" to "Christian" moves the movement begun by Jesus out of its context and strips it of its power and meaning.

Institutionalizing the Jesus Kingdom has been the source of all manner of abuse.

Where do we go from here?