An Invitation to Slow

“Each of us would be wise to receive, consider thoughtfully, and yes, to ponder slowly the invitations put forth in the pages of An Invitation to Slow. The invitations to quiet, courage, gratitude, community, and more are rooted in the lives, work, words, and hearts of two people whose wisdom blends together to create not a loud, rushing river but rather a quiet, steady, stream of insight that, when applied, will lead to greater human flourishing in the all-too-often cacophonous world we live in. Read. Reflect. Respond. Renew.”


—Jeff Crosby, author of The Language of the Soul: Meeting God in the Longings of Our Hearts





“Mark and Lisa McMinn are veteran writers who connect with the reader through sharing their personal experiences and communicating their research in a way that is inviting and easily understood. They have also adapted the adage ‘show, don’t tell.’ This means they invite instead of instruct. You will not be admonished to be slow to speak, fear, anger, judge, envy, consume, grasp, isolate. What you will receive are examples and evidence that will draw you toward enriched living.”


—Dan McCracken, former publisher, Barclay Press





“In these crazy-fast times measured in nanoseconds by gadgets on our wrists that overload us with information, the McMinns have gifted us with an important call to a pace that more fits the speed of our souls. I especially appreciated the ‘Interludes’ interspersed throughout the text and the ‘Slow Ponderings’ at the end of each chapter. I think you will too.”


—J. Brent Bill, author of Holy Silence: The Gift of Quaker Spirituality





“The speed of now and the invitation to slow are daily contradictions that frustrate our souls and wear out our bodies. In this gentle, practical book the McMinns use compelling facts and spiritual truths as invitations into a different pace with different values. Like quiet waters the book invites you into a more spacious life with yourself and God. Enjoy.”


—MaryKate Morse, professor of leadership and spiritual formation, Portland Seminary





“With clear eyes centered on God and seasoned by thoughtful reflection, Lisa and Mark McMinn have gathered a path of wisdom. An Invitation to Slow brings together the painful realities of our twenty-first century lives and the ancient gifts of quiet, courage, empathy, humility, gratitude, generosity, contentment, and community. This book will meet you where you are and welcome you to transformation. For anyone who is longing for the slow and sacred way to Christ centered wholeness, this is your book.”


—Lacy Finn Borgo, author of Faith Like a Child: Embracing Our Lives as Children of God





“Mark and Lisa McMinn offer an invitation to slow down and pause amid the fast pace of life. Their writing is inviting—full of humor, relatable stories, and an authenticity that allows the reader to engage deeply in their own introspection. We get a sense of their own journey of allowing a slower and contemplative pace in their lives while recognizing the influences that swirl around us all that say it isn’t possible. Along the way, they invite us to pause and reflect on what we are reading and how we are engaging with the words they have written. This book is a gift that offers an invitation along with practical ways of reflecting on our experiences and longings in life. What a true gift.”


—Kathi Gatlin, executive director, Companioning Center, and spiritual direction educator





“At a time when too many of us feel frenzied, frustrated, hopeless, and isolated, An Invitation to Slow entices us toward a more humane way of being and one more fully in harmony with God.  Take the title seriously a​s you reflect on the stories, collection of research, suggested practices, and queries. Rather than offering simple strategies for mastering some of life's vexing challenges, Lisa and Mark call us to ponder, reimagine, and reintegrate our way of being in the world.  As a member of their community, I see them working on this daily and appreciate their willingness to share what they are learning with the rest of us.”


—Colin Saxton, Quaker minister, stewardship theologian, and author of Living the Eternal Promise