We are very excited about a weekend coming up at Granger when Mitch Albom will be in our services. Who is Mitch? Here is how he has been described:
Mitch Albom is an American best-selling author, journalist, screenwriter, dramatist, radio and television broadcaster and musician. His books have sold over 26 million copies worldwide. Having achieved national recognition for his sports writing in the earlier part of his career, he is perhaps best known now for the inspirational stories and themes that weave through his books, plays and films. He is also well-known for his philanthropic work in Detroit, Michigan where he founded three charities.
Mitch isn’t a pastor. He’s not a “Christian” celebrity or speaker. But he is on a spiritual journey, as demonstrated in his recent book Have A Little Faith. And we think his story about his own journey will help give handles to thousands of people in our community who are trying to figure out their next step.
What do you think?
UPDATE: Mitch had to cancel his long-scheduled weekend with us on March 13-14. However, he is committed to making up for their error and rescheduling as soon as possible.
9 Comments
Can you let me know when Wayne Dwyer or Suze Ormond are speaking? I don't want miss them. Thanks.
Not sure who either of those people are.
Both are prominently featured regularly on PBS. Look them up. They deserve a spot speaking at your church as much as anyone.
would be very curious to hear the logic of having a person who promotes a non-salvation granting worldview at your church? I am sure you have thought it through… but other than drawing interest and a crowd… what is the desired outcome?
We aren't looking to Mitch for answers. He would be the first to say he doesn't have many. But he does ask great questions that many people can identify with. The questions will help us teach what the Bible has to say.
Were you planning on addressing those questions that same day, or leave people (who may or may not come back) hanging for a week? I've been wondering that as I've been reading his book. …"there are many melodies, but it's all one song–one same, wonderful human song." –Mitch A. I've had many friends tell me the same thing (regarding sincere people from different religions), but I couldn't disagree more. I would hate to invite them to my church where they hear what I theologically totally disagree with. Just wondering…
Julie – The answer is “both/and.” The weekend he comes will be an interview-style presentation—with one of our pastors leading the questions. So in that weekend we’ll be able to highlight the areas where we have agreement. On weekend #2, we can dive into some questions like, “Do all roads really lead to God?” and look further into the Bible for our guidance.
I love this that you're trying to bring Mitch to your church. We had invited him to be a part of our Launch service on March 21st, but he was already booked. I have been a huge fan of Mitch since I was a kid (grew up in Detroit area and he has been writing columns for the Detroit Free Press). Our plan was very similar to Granger – to do an interview presentation. I had planned to kickoff the series, "Have a Little Faith" as well.
At the same time, I knew he wasn't a believer, but recently, I have been praying for him. I know that God is doing something through him. My intentions were to use him for our service, but at the same time, I wanted our service to minister and reach out to him. Hopefully, we can still try to get him for one of our service in north Detroit!
[...] was set. For months last year we worked on finding a date that Mitch Albom could visit Granger and talk about his spiritual journey. About four months ago we finally landed [...]