Under One Steeple

"Under One Steeple is a subtle book . . . Anderson beguiles with humor, real-life anecdotes, and look-over-my-shoulder stories of congregational life. A message of welcoming the stranger, incarnating loving and honest relationships, sharing one's possessions, relinquishing control, and seeing Christ in 'the least of these, my siblings'! The spiritual lessons identified in this volume may just be the key to faithful behavior in Western society in the twenty-first century!"



-Anthony G. Pappas

Executive Minister

The American Baptist Churches of Massachusetts



"The stories are so real, and the nuggets of wisdom here and there by the author are so down-to-earth--and, above all, biblical. In a time when the stranger needs to be welcome in our nation, this excellent and 'different' book challenges us all to radical hospitality. Its paradigm par excellence is the 'hospiradical incarnation of Jesus.' Read this book, ponder its teaching wisdom, and then open your church doors to be blessed."



-Eldin Villafane

Professor of Christian Social Ethics

Founding Director of the Center for Urban Ministerial Education

Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary





"Under One Steeple is must-reading for any church sharing or planning to share space with another church or churches . . . Anderson, drawing on twenty years of experience in what she calls 'hospiradicality' (Christ's radical hospitality), helps readers adopt a positive attitude toward sharing, while giving much practical advice. Under One Steeple is written in a conversational and devotional style that stretches our tolerance of others for the sake of Christ's love."



-Aida Besancon Spencer

Professor of New Testament

Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary





"Lorraine Anderson brings the same openness and welcoming spirit to her book as she does to the groups that come inquiring about space at International Community Church. She brings an honest 'counting the cost' thoroughness to the challenge of shared space, with carefully thought-out forms and covenants at the back of the book, and yet a new vocabulary for working together . . . I heartily recommend [this book]!"



-Judy Hall

Assistant to the President

Emmanuel Gospel Center

Boston, Massachusetts





"Lorraine Anderson as much as any pastor I know in Boston has demonstrated not only unending generosity in sharing church space with other congregations and Christian ministries over many years, but she has also constantly demonstrated the skills and attentiveness required for ongoing, everybody-benefits kind of ways. Read this book--it's a must-read for all who believe God wants us to share the facilities he gives us."



-Ralph Kee

Founder

Greater Boston Church Planting Collaborative