Called to Follow: Journeys in John's Gospel

In Johns Gospel Jesus enters as an adult and issues an invitation: Follow me. Those who accept the call find themselves on the journey of a lifetime. Disciples complain about not knowing the destination; they fret about finding the way. But place and path come together in a person who identifies himself in a series of sayings distinctive to this gospel. Over time and in community disciples take on the identity of the one whom they follow. I AM becomes YOU ARE. Called to Follow examines the gospels argument for discipleship by exploring how an attention to time vivid encounters probing questions matters of identity and practices sustain the journey and keep fellow travelers on track. Many religious texts and teachers focus on providing one-size-fits-all answers. Called to Follow demonstrates instead the value of fruitful questions--questions that bring new and deepened perspective to lifes dilemmas. Jesuss probing questions recorded in the Gospel of John brought new insights to his listeners. Drawing on her own richly experienced and thoughtful life Stortz demonstrates that the right question can give contemporary recipients fresh approaches to the issues and situations confronting them. --Margaret R. Miles professor emerita The Graduate Theological Union Berkeley Accessible and applicable Called to Follow reanimates the Gospel of John for contemporary audiences. Stortz an insightful scholar and compassionate guide shows us how to read Scripture for encounter not just information. Through luminous prose she brings Johns Jesus into conversation with everyday experience other Gospels and Christian theology. A must-read for all those concerned with exploring the questions most pertinent to discipleship in our age. --Diane M. Millis author of Deepening Engagement and Conversation--The Sacred Art Ever attentive to the everyday implications of our faith Stortz explores the Gospel of John to see what traction it has for the present. Called to Follow reflects her commitment to identifying key practices that provide the relational glue for followers of Jesus in the journey of faith. I am eager to use this book in a Bible study in our congregation. --Mark S. Brocker Lead Pastor St. Andrew Lutheran Church Beaverton Oregon Whether you self-identify as a follower of Jesus or a curious observer or you are deeply conflicted about the whole idea of being a follower of anyone Called to Follow is a must-read. Professor Stortz opens us to the Jesus in Johns Gospel in a way that addresses our hearts deepest desires and lifes most provocative questions. --Mark S. Hanson Executive Director Christensen Center for Vocation Augsburg College; Presiding Bishop Emeritus Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Who will you follow? In this superb book Stortz invites us to follow along with Johns Jesus as he encounters people asks them provocative questions and reveals himself fully as the divine I AM. Are you ready to be encountered questioned and invited to follow Him? --Kathleen A. Cahalan Professor of Practical Theology Saint Johns School of Theology and Seminary Martha Ellen Stortz is the Bernhard M. Christensen Professor of Religion and Vocation at Augsburg College in Minneapolis Minnesota. She is the author of Blessed to Follow (2008) and A World According to God (2004).