06/20/2016
Pastor Chinchen (Waiting for Daylight) is on a mission to help the church rediscover relevance in service and social activism in a world desperately searching for ways to meet people's deeply felt needs. In language aimed at the church member in the pew, he spans the spectrum of human experience—race, religion, nationality, and gender—and sees the world around us as fertile ground for Christian service. For him, the nature of the search for justice is a deeply spiritual endeavor: "We need to start our justice conversation by looking at Jesus Himself." Using examples from the headlines, Chinchen reminds readers that injustice, cruelty, and hatred are everywhere, and says it is up to the church, and specifically to Christians inspired by the teachings and example of Jesus, to become active agents of change. "A right understanding of worshipping God... connects worship with practical issues of social justice," he asserts. This engaging, heartfelt call to action for greater engagement in social affairs by Christian communities will be a powerful reminder for all. (June)
I've known Palmer for many years and have experienced firsthand that his passion for justice is genuine and infectious. In Justice Calling, Palmer reminds us that there is no separation between spirituality and justice. It's an inspiring and motivating call for the church to live compassionately, love generously, and put its faith into action!
"Palmer Chinchen is a prophet to our generation, and Barefoot Tribe is his call to all who have ears to hear. Through fluid prose and captivating stories, Chinchen illuminates the true work of transformation and freedom for which we were all born. Barefoot Tribe is as much a movement as a manifesto, drawing us back to the heart of the Christ whose name we bear. A must read for all who would follow the Way of the Master. Bravo! May we all heed its beautiful and haunting call."
Palmer Chinchen is a dear friend in Christ. I had the honor to be a part of Barefoot Tribe, and truly feel Palmer has knocked it out of the park with Justice Calling! Live, Love, Show Compassion, Be Changed—Justice Calling is a book for the ages!"
Justice Calling is a challenge to leaders, the Church, and our generation. To both “be” and “do” in a day when it’s more important than ever that our actions, as followers of Jesus, line up with our thoughts and words. This book is a practical and helpful resource for understanding the importance of Justice.
Not only am I proud to call Palmer my friend, but his book Justice Calling is also a must-read for anyone who cares about social justice and growing their faith.
"Justice Calling is full of incredible stories of what God can do through us if we are willing to trust Him and go! We are called to take care of the widows and orphans, and those who cannot take care of themselves. I found this book not only encouraging, but a challenge to authentically and passionately live out my faith through service."
Barefoot Tribe is a call to rediscover Jesus and His way in a manner that will change the world—as it always has. Palmer’s writing is as clear as it is compelling, and convicting in the best sense of that word. After reading his book, I have decided to take off my shoes and join the tribe.
"Given the long struggle we have had in the U.S., to live to see justice return to the evangelical church, to have young pastors such as Palmer Chinchen calling for justice, is good news for the church in our day. I encourage you to read Justice Calling."
Nothing great for God happens without passion, and you can feel Palmer Chinchen’s passion on every page of this rallying cry for the church. Far from the usual diatribe on the church's impairments and plights, Barefoot Tribe is a call to arms toward a new kind of tribe that hears the cries of the world in everyday life and responds with passion to its hurts. The author’s vision is not a church in pain but one that feels the pain of the world and salves its wounds. Chinchen changes each word of ‘Here I Stand’ to ‘There We Go.’ Painstaking and passionate, Barefoot Tribe shows us how to ‘Take a Hike.’
"This is a fearless book, and Palmer Chinchen is an authentic and courageous voice calling Christians not just to the journey inward but to the journey outward as well."
Praise for Barefoot Tribe:
"Having grown up in Liberia, the child of Christian missionaries, Chinchen witnessed firsthand the selflessness of Africans who gave their shoes to others, making themselves vulnerable to life-threatening diseases contracted by walking barefoot in the jungle. Based on this example, the author urges everyone to take a little less for themselves, give more to others, and work together to eliminate poverty, eradicate malaria, foster sustainability, and end injustice. Although much progress has been made, Chinchen insists more needs to be done . . . Chinchen’s manifesto offers hope and inspiration for people of all faiths."
"An insightful look into how we’re wired to think, what we’re meant to do, and how to live out the kind of faith that, until now, a lot of us have just been talking about."
Justice Calling is a fresh reminder that we are called as followers of Jesus to make earth look more a little more like heaven. The words 'social justice' might sound intimidating to some, but that is truly what we get when we commit to serve others, and allow Jesus to shine through us."
"Palmer Chinchen carries us far more than halfway towards the heart of God, in the pursuit of a world that loves mercy, does justice, and walks humbly."
Praise for Barefoot Tribe:
"Having grown up in Liberia, the child of Christian missionaries, Chinchen witnessed firsthand the selflessness of Africans who gave their shoes to others, making themselves vulnerable to life-threatening diseases contracted by walking barefoot in the jungle. Based on this example, the author urges everyone to take a little less for themselves, give more to others, and work together to eliminate poverty, eradicate malaria, foster sustainability, and end injustice. Although much progress has been made, Chinchen insists more needs to be done . . . Chinchen’s manifesto offers hope and inspiration for people of all faiths."