Robert J Suderman

Seemingly unpretentious, this simple book jolts us with a robust, resolute, warmly inspiring, goose-bump-generating vision of the biblical portrayal of God's plan for the church. It is not, however, an ivory tower vision uninformed about the challenges and realities of the church in real time. The synthesis of aspiration and reality provokes a welcome sense of genuine hope as the church struggles to be the church.

The title tells the story of this book. Suderman reflects on distinct "Encounters" that have shaped his life. These encounters are on the "Way." Life is an ongoing journey of learning. The encounters have "Nourished" his soul, imagination, and ministry. "Life" itself is the teacher, if only we can learn to be its students. "Encounters on the Way: Nourished by Life" is designed for grandchildren, children, family, friends, colleagues, and co-travellers on the Way. If it can be a seed of learning for some, it will have fulfilled its purpose.