Never Alone - Print

Never Alone
Sharing the Gift of Community in a Lonely World

By Michael Adam Beck

A timely guide that empowers Christians to combat modern loneliness by fostering authentic community and embracing the transformative power of communal life in Jesus.

This book will help you:
•    Understand the root causes of societal loneliness and isolation
•    Reimagine evangelism as a holistic practice promoting shalom and wholeness
•    Develop practical skills to guide others toward healing and community
•    Foster authentic relationships within your faith community
•    Implement Fresh Expressions initiatives to reach those disconnected from traditional church settings
•    Cultivate a deeper understanding of communal life in Christ
•    Address the epidemic of loneliness with compassionate and effective ministry strategies

Features
•    Insights from Michael Adam Beck, a leader in the Fresh Expressions movement
•    Foreword by Elaine Heath, offering additional theological perspectives
•    Exploration of the church’s role in healing societal isolation
•    Practical guidance on creating inclusive and transformative communities
•    Real-life examples of Fresh Expressions initiatives in diverse contexts

Paperback, 208pp
1.42 cms H x 20.22 cms L x 13.59 cms W (0.19 kgs)
ISBN 9781513815183
Herald Press (2025)

[Allow 4 weeks]

Description
In an era marked by unprecedented digital connectivity, many individuals still experience profound loneliness and isolation. Never Alone: Sharing the Gift of Community in a Lonely World addresses this paradox by exploring how the church can offer the healing gift of authentic community through Jesus Christ.

Michael Adam Beck challenges traditional notions of evangelism that focus solely on securing a post-mortem destiny. Instead, he advocates for a more holistic understanding of the gospel – one that encompasses shalom, wholeness, and the manifestation of Christ’s peaceable kingdom in our world today.

This perspective positions communal life in Jesus as a remedy for the pervasive loneliness afflicting society.

Drawing from his extensive experience with the Fresh Expressions movement, Beck provides practical insights into how believers can serve as spiritual guides, helping others heal, love, and unleash their imagination to build better lives and communities.

He emphasizes that all Christians have the potential to be instruments of healing and wholeness, especially in addressing the current epidemic of isolation.

The book also highlights the importance of reimagining the church not merely as a physical place but as a dynamic community that transcends traditional boundaries.

By fostering authentic relationships and engaging in innovative forms of ministry, faith communities can effectively share the good news and embody the love of Christ in a fragmented world.

Never Alone serves as both a theological exploration and a practical guide, inspiring readers to cultivate genuine community and address the deep-seated loneliness prevalent in contemporary society.

About the Author
Michael Adam Beck is the director of the Fresh Expressions House of Studies at United Theological Seminary, director of Fresh Expressions Florida, and director of Fresh Expressions for the United Methodist Church. He co-pastors Wildwood UMC, St. Mark’s UMC, and Compassion UMC with his wife, Jill. Together, they lead addiction recovery programs, jail ministries, food pantries, an interracial unity movement, and a faith-based inpatient treatment center.

Their congregations include traditional gatherings and a network of 13 “fresh expressions” that meet in venues such as tattoo parlors, dog parks, salons, running tracks, community centers, burrito shops, and digital spaces. Beck holds a Master of Divinity from Asbury Theological Seminary and a Doctorate in Semiotics and Future Studies from Portland Seminary. He has authored 14 books, including Deep Roots, Wild Branches: Revitalizing the Church in the Blended Ecology, and co-authored several others, such as Contextual Intelligence: Unlocking the Ancient Secret to Mission on the Front Lines with Leonard Sweet.

Contents
1.    Introduction: The Epidemic of Loneliness and the Church’s Response
2.    Redefining Evangelism: Beyond the Golden Ticket
3.    Shalom and Wholeness: The Heart of the Gospel
4.    Fresh Expressions: Innovating Church for a New Era
5.    Becoming Spiritual Guides: Leading Others to Healing and Community
6.    Stories of Transformation: Fresh Expressions in Action
7.    Practical Steps to Cultivate Community in Your Context
8.    Overcoming Barriers to Authentic Relationships
9.    The Role of Imagination in Building Better Communities
10.  Conclusion: Embracing Our Calling to Share the Gift of Community