Reconciling Places
How to Bridge the Chasms in our Communities
Foreword by J. R. Woodward
Imprint: Cascade Books
Jesus said, "Blessed are the peacemakers"--but in our increasingly polarized communities and nation, where can a person of faith begin? In Reconciling Places, pastor and scholar Paul Hoffman introduces laypeople and ministry leaders to a "theology of reconciliation" that equips Christians to act as reconcilers and bridge builders, wherever they are and whatever issues divide their communities.
Paul A. Hoffman (PhD, University of Manchester) has served as the Senior Pastor of Evangelical Friends Church of Newport since 2007. He has authored chapters in two books, has ministered in over thirty countries, and is a member of the Oversight Board for the Evangelical Friends Church – Eastern Region. Paul has been married to his lovely wife, Autumn, for over twenty years and has two wonderful sons, Landon and Kelan.
“By the time you finish Reconciling Places, many pages will be dog-eared for future reference. Hoffman is not an armchair theologian pontificating ideas that work in theory alone; he’s a tested, bridge-building disciple who has embodied reconciliation with his life and ministry.”
—Matthew D. Kim, author of Preaching with Cultural Intelligence
“Reconciling Places is a well-written and engaging discussion about building bridges across differences. Paul Hoffman guides his readers through ideas and stories and examples of what it means to do just that—to span the divide in our thinking and ultimately in our communities, to act biblically, theologically, Christianly through prayer, by the words we use with each other, and by forming connections with other reconcilers.”
—Scott M. Gibson, David E. Garland Professor of Preaching, George W. Truett Theological Seminary, Baylor University
“Paul challenges you to go deeper and look within yourself in his book Reconciling Places. These are not merely written words on a piece of paper but a man of faith who has prayed many years not only to embrace reconciliation but lived it out as a personal testimony in Jesus Christ. My highest recommendation.”
—Stephen A. Robinson, author of Mega-Small Church
“In a time of great confusion, disorientation, and division, how can we find our place in this world and in God’s plan for Earth? This book is a foundational starting point, especially for those drawn to justice, reconciliation, and peacemaking efforts. . . . The message of this book is more relevant today than any other time in history. We need a generation of reconcilers and peacemakers to arise as never before.”
—Tom and Kate Hess, Jerusalem House of Prayer for All Nations, Mount of Olives
“In this book Paul Hoffman takes readers on a theological journey, offering examples of speaking into urban spaces as a reconciled reconciler. Fleshing out theology into deeper understandings of the story of God-at-work in the lives of real people, it is earthed in lived examples of his experiences of reconciliation as a pastor and leader. Widening theological ideas, engaging with research, giving voice to the breadth of this field, this book is readable but deep, encouraging us to see the world (and church) newly, change our practice, be challenged in our thinking, and reflect more of the very nature of God.”
—Deirdre Brower Latz, Principal and Senior Lecturer in Pastoral and Social Theology, Nazarene Theological College
“If you care about peace, reconciliation, healing, and community building, Reconciling Places is for you. . . . Hoffman demonstrates God’s great desire to build a peaceful, unified community that is delivered from hostility, suspicion, and hatred that separates. Reconciling Places is not just another academic work. The words you read in this book have been lived. First by Jesus our Savior, but secondly by the author whose words are matched by his character. . . . Paul is the real deal and this book is the real thing. I highly recommend it!”
—Thomas L. Crawford, Executive Director of Evangelical Friends Church-Eastern Region
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