Seven Radical Elders

“Wisdom is never abstract but always embodied in particular and often peculiar human lives. In pursuit of God’s kingdom of justice and peace, these seven idealistic young people persevered through disillusionment, personal failure, and fatigue to become exemplars of spiritual wisdom. David Janzen, himself a radical elder and beneficiary of their wisdom, artfully renders the contours of their cruciform lives for a new generation. May the Spirit work through these stories to empower and equip them!”


—Alden Bass, Assistant Professor of Theology, Oklahoma Christian University





“A man discovers a hidden treasure and joyfully sells all he has to get it—Jesus says that is what finding God’s kingdom is like. Where is that kind of joyful discovery actually happening? This book profiles seven ordinary people whose discovery of that treasure forges lives of extraordinary beauty and eternal impact. Read this book. Here is unmistakable good news, hope, and wisdom for all of us looking for the real treasure Jesus offers.”


—Kent Smith, Chair, Eden Center for Regenerative Culture; co-author of Joy-Fueled: Catalyzing a Revolution of Joyful Communities