I am pretty passionate about studying churches that are connecting to emerging
generations and reading books by authors writing about or to them. Renee Johnson has released a great book which is a "devotional" - called "Faithbook of Jesus". You can go to Renee's web site www.faithbookofjesus.com read more about the specifics of the book and order it there - but here's some Q and A with Renee and she will comment here and interact with anything you want to ask her about.
Q: In our church we have a lot of people in their 20's - and I also study churches who have a high population of 20-somethings in them. Where does your book fit in with this group?
A: I'm excited that my first book, "Faithbook of Jesus" is a daily devotional for 20-somethings. Since I am also in my 20's I wanted to be relevant and not leave anyone out. As a result, I surveyed over 300+ 20-somethings. Each devotional has a real person quoted that pertains to the daily verse on subjects from alcohol to sex to our purpose and identity in Christ.
Q: Out of curioisty, what's your personal favorite devotional book?
A: I love Streams in the Desert by Mrs. Charles E. Cowman and Experiencing God by Henry Blackaby.
Q.The church is vital to the life of a Christian, so what has your personal church experience been like?
A: I grew up in the church and my parents have been missionaries since I was 7 years old. My appreciation for the Word grew when I entered into Awana's at the Berean church I attended in Nebraska. When my family moved to be closer to Campus Crusade for Christ head quarters in Southern California my church experience grew even more. I absolutely love the church culture in San Diego. It's vibrant and in your face, yet with Biblically sound Bible teaching. I am currently involved in a 20-somethings small group at my church and loving it.
Q: So why the name "Devotional Diva?" I normally think of "Divas"associated with people like Cher, Mariah Carey or Madonna. Devotional Diva is a new term you have created. Perhaps it will catch on.
A: I've been blogging devotionals since 2004 and using my life's sufferings/story to share how each verse encouraged me to keep going. My mentor branded me as the Devotional Diva, which at first I did not like becuase I'm not 50 with big hair, however my personality mixed with over 400 devotional blog posts resulted in "Faithbook of Jesus" the first yearly-devotional for 20-somethings!
Q: That's kind of unique, as there are not many young 20-somethings that have written a devotional type of book like this to their generation. What do you see yourself focusing on or developing as this book is released and for the future ?
A: My transition from working at Outreach Events where I had the pleasure of representing nationally known Christian speakers such as Josh McDowell, Lee Strobel, and John Ortberg has helped me realize what it takes to get out there, speak in churches, and understand church marketing. I am currently working on my second book and speaking across the country to help others understand the needs better of 20-somethings!
Q: Off topic, but out of curiosity, what music have you been listening to lately? Or any concerts you been to recently?
I looooove music! I used to be a worship leader at my church so any music with major piano (I play keys) is my favorite. Just bought One Republic's newest album, and I've been loving that. My playlist right now includes TobyMac's newest CD "Tonight", Jay Z's "Blueprint 3 Design" or whatever it's called, MaryMary, KJ52, Switchfoot, ...Anything with a beat and killer keys!
What kind of music do you like??
Q: Worship-wise... listen to David Crowder, Delirious..always like the Altar Boys, the punkish Christian band from the 90's. I like roots gospel music like Mahalia Jackson Our musical leader at our church, Josh Fox has a worship CD coming out that I have been listening to.That is probably the total extent of Christian music I listen to. I mainly listen to Social Distortion, Elvis, Johnny Cash, Springsteen and been on a Sigur Rós kick lately.
Anyway... thanks so much for the book and for being a Devotional Diva.... and for those interested, Renee's web site and samples of her book are at:
