John Lynner Peterson
Just Published!
Gone to Carolina:
Stories from a Coastal Church
“Moving and Delightful Storytelling”
David Shirey, in Gone to Carolina: Stories from a Coastal Church, has captured the depth and richness of the life of a congregational pastor through powerful and humorous storytelling. His love for the gospel, for the church and for those he encounters shines through. Shirey writes honestly and beautifully about human failings, spiritual development (his and ours), and the power of community. Shirey is grateful to those throughout his life who taught him about the Bible and describes them as “intellectually honest, emotionally engaging, culturally relevant and spiritually transforming”. He has given us a book with all these qualities. I found Gone to Carolina hard to put down and was profoundly moved by all he captured. On finishing this book, readers will want to hear more from this big-hearted and faith-filled pastor.
Janet Wright – Fort Collins, CO
“He did it again”
He did it again. As with his first two books, in Gone to Carolina David Shirey wonderfully shares church life, this time from Wilmington, North Carolina, while serving the third church during his ministry. With his brilliant gift of storytelling, David puts you in the pews along with the congregation while sharing a compilation of stories from the church, as well as from his personal experiences, with humor, wisdom, and heartfelt pastoring through life’s challenges. Gone to Carolina is well worth the read!
Dave Gibbons – Columbia, MO
“A southern slice of Real Church from a Real Pastor”
Simply put: David Shirey is to Disciples… what Garrison Keillor is to Lutherans!
Gary Straub – Louisville, KY
“Rich with heart and humor”
Gone to Carolina is full of moving and memorable stories from the life and pastoral musings of David Shirey. I found myself laughing out loud on a number of occasions while also being invited into deeper reflections of my own life, faith, and ministry. Shirey is a masterful and inspiring storyteller, teacher, and preacher, writing with riveting reverence and ‘holy humor’ as he remembers his time in Wilmington, NC. This spiritual memoir beautifully reveals how the ordinary becomes extraordinary when we pay attention to the heart of each experience and person along life’s journey. A book that will bless anyone who reads it!
Christy Jo Harber – Lexington, KY
“Truly a Keeper!”
Gone to Carolina by David Shirey is a truly delightful read – hard to put down! Pastor Shirey's hesitant decision to accept an invitation to serve the Wilmington, NC, First Christian Church early in his ministry was a sincere response to Jesus' advice to Peter to "Feed my sheep" (John 21:17). The flock in Wilmington presented challenges which David and his wife, Jennie, accepted with enthusiasm, insight, creativity, talent and above all, a delightful sense of humor! He very honestly shares the ongoing responsibilities and joys of balancing church and family life. Having been married to a minister for fifty-eight years and residing in NC for eight years, I particularly enjoyed David's description of the Southern expressions which required explanation! Each chapter is a journey leading you to literally laugh out loud, groan about church prejudices, and shed a sympathetic tear or two, but ultimately rejoice as you meander through the lovely Wilmington, North Carolina "pasture" with David and Jennie Shirey.
Judy Neufer – Columbia, MO
“A feast of bounteous beauty”
David Shirey offers us a feast in this book. It is filled with bounteous beauty and the rich offerings of the stories of life - the life of a beloved church and the life of individuals held together by a love from Jesus and a love for Jesus. David spreads a table serving "redemption, reconciliation, reunion and resurrection" and reminds me why I so love congregations. With gracious words, humor and truth-telling we are invited to join this congregation around the table of communion and ministry.
Kim Ryan – Columbia, MO
“Skillfully woven memoir from the heart of a genuine pastor”
What a delight to journey through the tales of a true pastor and the people in his care. David Shirey crafts a beautiful memoir filled with laugh-out-loud moments, heart-wrenching pain, and deeply moving accounts of the human experience. One story moves adeptly into another as the heart of the Christian gospel is not only explained but also demonstrated in the lives of this dear congregation in Wilmington, North Carolina.
Janet Morel – Makawao, HI
C’mon in my writing den – The Maple Loft.
A dear friend says, “The quality of my life is the quality of my relationships.”
Help yourself to the writings, stories, and sermons that are posted here.
They’re my way of staying in touch with cherished friends from across 6+ decades of life and 4+ decades of ministry
. . . and hopefully cultivating new relationships for years to come.
If I can be of any help or encouragement, speak, teach, preach or keynote an event for you, let’s talk.
Send me an email using the contact form, subscribe to my newsletter below, or just drop by now and then.
I’ll do my best to make sure it’s worth your while.
Pew & Pavement
Thirty stories of urban ministry paved with gospel gladness.
The Bible begins in a garden but ends in a city. Here are stories born of a remarkable congregation’s century-plus ministry from their sanctuary’s pews to the pavement of the hurly-burly, bawdy, boisterous city. David Shirey introduces a cast of characters who have in common an uncommon tenacity and tenderness. Ella on bended knee with her toenail clippers. Cliff the barber with his toolbox and Bible, praying on the roof at the base of the steeple. Carol orchestrating the mother of all Vacation Bible Schools. Millie’s unbounded munificence to neighbors in need. From the asphalt streets of St. Louis’ near south side, here are thirty stories of urban ministry paved with gospel gladness. Enjoy!
It Don’t Get Any Better Than This
©Karla Gerard
Pull up a chair and sit a spell. In three dozen stories seasoned with warmth, humor, and tenderness, David Shirey introduces a cast of inimitable characters. Chet and his peculiar mandolin (“Them rattlesnake rattles make it sound better!”). Margaret, the feisty octogenarian pianist. Harry bolting for the men’s room mid-sermon. Miz Ella promising homemade banana cream pie from her deathbed. These stories transcending time and place will delight anyone who relishes a good tale told in tones of the gospel story. Tuck a napkin in your collar and pull up to the table. You’re in for a treat.
“We couldn't put the book down.”
“Very addicting. I found myself saying, ‘I’ll just read one more story.’ Three stories later and I'm still reading.”
“This book is full of gems, stories that tug at my heart.”
About
David A. Shirey’s stories, slice-of-life vignettes, essays, and sermons ponder day-to-day life for glimpses of God’s redeeming grace.
He looks out at the world from his desk of curiosities under the canopy of a majestic maple.
A pastor for over forty years, he grew up a Buckeye, graduated a Hoosier, and now lives and writes in the Kentucky Bluegrass with the thoroughbreds, bourbon, and Big Blue Nation.
He and his wife Jennie have a son and two daughters, four grandchildren, and cherished friendships from across their life together.
John Lynner Peterson
John Lynner Peterson
Writings
Sermons
A Few Good Words - Christmas
The themes of A Few Good Words and Just For Fun (below) underscore the theme of the essay in my biweekly newsletter column. Subscribe above. Free, of course.
Just for Fun - Christmas
The themes of A Few Good Words and Just For Fun (below) underscore the theme of the essay in my biweekly newsletter column. Subscribe above. Free, of course.
