Get Writing Again

I had a great conversation (performance review?) with the Dean of my school yesterday, Doug McConnell. We talked about how many courses I'm teaching next year (8 1/2) and whether that was a healthy course load (2 1/2 too many) and whether I'm focused on the right things or not (mostly yes). Great discussion. I loved it because he serves me as a mentor, boss, spiritual director, and friend. Very cool. I find these times so helpful and they are exactly what I need to keep focused. What we determined was that because of the steep on-ramp of developing new courses to teach (six this year), spending time on committees, and re-thinking some of our core issues in my school, my writing has taken a back seat. Writing, in terms of my stuff (i.e. books), not chapters or articles for others. Eddie Gibbs and I finished writing Emerging Churches last spring and I have not started on a second project. Mostly because of reasons above, but also because the writing of the book just wore me out...I really have enjoyed the diversions of talking about the book, re-connecting with all my interviewees, blogging, teaching, and meeting new friends. But it is time to re-engage new material and write again...

Good news is I have a publisher for a second work, and we agreed on a topic. Basically, the task is to popularize (read translate) my dissertation into language that ordinary people speak. It would not necessarily be the book I feel like writing -- it will be a difficult challenge, but it is a good idea to create a popular version of a dissertation before the research becomes outdated (it was published in 2003). I've had friends read it and I have lectured through much of the material in three classes. The feedback has been very good, and students really connect to the material, but when they pull the one copy off the shelf in the library, it doesn't make sense to them. I always need to sit down and explain what I'm talking about. Just a hunch, but sales might be limited if I need to sit next to each potential buyer of the book to explain what I am talking about!

For those curious, the title of my dissertation is:
Jesus For and Against Modernity: Practice-Redemption as Missiological Response to the Rules of the Modern Powers.

A mouthful, I know. The dissertation deals with Jesus' interaction with culture as a paradigm for our interaction with modernity/postmodernity. I analyze Jesus' interaction with the powers in light of practice theory and the missio Dei. It looks at issues of Christ and Culture but with a very different rubric.

So, this should be a fun ride -- I'm looking forward to wade back into the deep water again...

Technorati Tags: writing, C. Douglas McConnell, Fuller Theological Seminary, Jesus

Comments

[John W. Morehead]

It's great to hear that you are working on your second book project, Ryan. I enjoyed your first! For those of us who don't mind wading through the academics of a dissertation, could you tell us where your's can be purchased as an advance sneak peak at your next book?

[Jamie Arpin-Ricci]

If you want any more eyes on the dissertation for feedback for the book, feel free to send it my way.

Peace,
Jamie Arpin-Ricci
www.emergentvoyageurs.blog.com

[Rich]

Hey Ryan,
I'm really looking forward to reading that book too. I will be praying for you... It must be hard to balance your family, teaching, blog, speaking, meeting with students, and now writing... I'll pray that you don't burn out!

God's Peace, Rich

[Ed C]

The title of your dissertation sold me.
May God bless you as you begin this new project. Sounds like a great idea.

[Nick Connell]

keep it coming, Ryan. we definitely need and value your voice. Fuller is lucky to have you, but...

[Clint Walker]

Just bought the first book, and it looks like a promising read!

Thanks for all your hard work in educating all of us!

[Matt Proctor]

Can I read your dissertation? I am a lowly youth pastor in Iowa in a pursuit to join the conversation.

Thanks.