Breaking and entering

Book Description

In the heart of a small American town, a pastor discovers that profound spiritual truths can emerge from the most intimate congregational settings. Elizabeth Goodman arrived at a tiny church of seven members, where a wise congregant offered her liberating advice: though the community was small, her message need not be diminished.

This collection of sermons reveals how authentic spiritual leadership flourishes within genuine relationships. Readers witness the dynamic interplay between pastor and congregation as they grow together from seven to thirty members, creating a space where faith and joy intersect naturally. Goodman demonstrates that meaningful ministry happens not through grand gestures, but through consistent engagement with a community willing to explore, question, and celebrate together.

What makes this collection distinctive is its spirit of playfulness woven throughout serious theological reflection. The gospel's implications for daily life emerge organically rather than through heavy-handed proclamation, allowing readers to discover spiritual insights alongside this growing congregation. These sermons capture the essence of mutual nurturing between spiritual leader and community, showing how both pastor and parishioners shape each other's understanding of faith.

For those seeking authentic spiritual wisdom grounded in real community experience, Goodman offers a refreshing perspective on how profound transformation can happen in the most ordinary circumstances, where genuine connection makes space for both deep reflection and unexpected delight.