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Love Big, Be Well: Letters to a Small-Town Church Paperback – October 27, 2017

4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 167 ratings

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Jonas McAnn is a weary pastor without a congregation, trapped in a dead-end insurance job. Granby Presbyterian is a weary congregation without a pastor, overwhelmed by the prospect of finding someone who actually wants to be a pastor—not a manager, coach, or CEO. When Granby's pastoral search committee and Jonas connect through handwritten letters passed back and forth, something sparks between them—something so real and refreshing that even after Jonas and his family move to Granby, he continues the regular practice of writing letters to his congregation. Spanning seven years of his ministry at Granby Presbyterian, Jonas's letters ruminate on everything from fly-fishing to the Nicene Creed. They reveal the earthy spirituality woven into the joys and sorrows of the people of Granby, the community of the church, and Jonas's own unfolding story. Readers will discover what it means for a pastor and a church to do the slow work of ministry in community—anchored by a common place and buoyed by a life of faith that is meaningful, rooted, and true.
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From the Publisher

Discover community, buoyed by faith, that is meaningful, rooted, and true

Jonas McAnn is a weary pastor without a congregation. Granby Presbyterian is a weary congregation without a pastor, overwhelmed by the task of finding someone who actually wants to be a pastor—not a manager, coach, or CEO.

When Granby's pastoral search committee and Jonas connect through handwritten letters passed back and forth, something sparks between them—something so real and refreshing that even after Jonas and his family move to Granby, he continues writing letters.

Spanning seven years of his ministry at Granby Presbyterian, Jonas's letters ruminate on everything from fly-fishing to the Nicene Creed, revealing an earthy spirituality woven into the joys and sorrows of Granby’s people.

Eugene Peterson—author of The Contemplative Pastor

'This book is a tour de force—an angle on understanding the life of both congregation and pastor that exceeds anything I have ever read. No directions, no programs, just an immersion into what really takes place in the life of a church and a pastor. Winn Collier’s writing is alive.'

Deidra Riggs, author of Every Little Thing

'Love Big, Be Well is a welcome mat, a handwritten invitation, a gigantic wrap-around porch, a warm night filled with fireflies. There may not be a surefire formula for living a wide-open, hope-filled life, but this collection of earnest words comes very close.'

Seth Haines, author of Coming Clean: A Story of Faith

'There are some stories so well written, so layered with meaning, so humble and true, that they should be read, reread, and reread again. Winn Collier has written that kind of story. The honesty in these pages would work a sort of sobriety into us—pastors and parishioners alike—if we’d let it.'

About Winn Collier

Winn Collier is a pastor, columnist, and author whose other books include Holy Curiosity: Encountering Jesus’ Provocative Questions. With his wife, Miska, a spiritual director, and two sons, Collier lives in Virginia, where he serves the good of people of All Souls Charlottesville.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Eugene H. Peterson
— author of 
The Message and The Contemplative Pastor
“This book is a tour de force—an angle on understanding the life of both congregation and pastor that exceeds anything I have ever read. No directions, no programs, just an immersion into what really takes place in the life of a congregation and a pastor. Winn Collier’s writing is alive.”

Seth Haines
author of Coming Clean: A Story of Faith
“There are some stories so well written, so layered with meaning, so humble and true, that they should be read, reread, and reread again. Winn Collier has written that kind of story. The honesty in these pages would work a sort of sobriety into us—pastors and parishioners alike—if we’d let it.”

Robert Benson
— author of 
Punching Holes in the Dark
“Collier writes strong and true, happy and sad, funny and wise, heavy and light. I never fail to read anything that he writes. If you are a lover of words and wisdom on the printed page, you should read him too. This book is a fine place to start.”

Corban Addison
— author of 
A Walk across the Sun
“Winn Collier here reminds us what pastoral ministry is really about—not capital campaigns, satellite campuses, growth metrics, or spine-tingling sermons, but love of Jesus, love of neighbor, love of creation, love of everything beautiful, good, and true in the world.”

Mandy Smith
— pastor, author of 
The Vulnerable Pastor: How Human Limitations Empower Our Ministry
“This is ultimately a love letter to the church not just for what she can be but for what she already is.”

A. J. Swoboda
— pastor, professor, author of 
The Dusty Ones: Why Wandering Deepens Your Faith
“Shatters all of our idolatrous addictions to big and growing and oversized franchised Christianities. Faithfulness absolutely 
must become the church’s new big. What Collier pens here is nothing short of miraculous. These letters demand to be read."

Karen Wright Marsh
— author of 
Vintage Saints and Sinners: 25 Christians Who Transformed My Faith
“In the venerable epistolary tradition of Saint Paul and François Fénelon, Winn Collier brings us glowing spiritual letters for today, wholehearted meditations on friendship, grief, hope, doubt—and faith in a loving God who is near. 
Love Big, Be Well is a beautiful book for strugglers and seekers, written by a compassionate pastor we come to love.”

Deidra Riggs
— author of 
Every Little Thing: Making a World of Difference Right Where You Are
Love Big, Be Well is a welcome mat, a handwritten invitation, a gigantic wrap-around porch, a warm night filled with fireflies. There may not be a surefire formula for living a wide-open, hope-filled life, but this collection of earnest words comes very close.”

About the Author

Winn Collier is a pastor, columnist, and author of several books, including Holy Curiosity. With his wife, Miska, a spiritual director, and two sons, Collier lives in Virginia, where he serves the good people of All Souls Charlottesville. Collier holds a PhD from the University of Virginia, focused on the intersection of religion and literary fiction.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co. (October 27, 2017)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 176 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0802874134
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0802874139
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 6.4 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5 x 0.44 x 8 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 167 ratings

About the author

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Winn Collier
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Winn is a husband, dad, friend and writer. He is the author of Love Big, Be Well: Letters to a Smalltown Church, Restless Faith: Holding on to a God Just Out of Reach, Let God: Spiritual Conversations with Francois Fenelon and Holy Curiosity: Encountering Jesus' Provocative Questions. Winn has also written the authorized biography of Eugene Peterson: A Burning in My Bones.

Winn and his family live in Holland, Michigan where he is the Director of The Eugene Peterson Center for Christian Imagination at Western Theological Seminary as well as Associate Professor of Pastoral Theology & Christian Imagination. Winn received a Ph.D. from the University of Virginia where he focused on the intersection of theology and literary fiction.

Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
167 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book insightful and thought-provoking. They describe it as a wonderful, heartfelt read that speaks to their souls. Readers praise the compelling writing style and heartfelt writing that cuts through the noise of our times. The book is described as a simple yet beautiful reflection of how folks actually live. Customers appreciate the masterful storytelling and authentic narrative.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

27 customers mention "Insight"27 positive0 negative

Customers find the book insightful and thought-provoking. They appreciate its straightforward style and the author's ability to capture human truths through stories. The book outlines the pastoral vocation and purpose of the church. Readers are intrigued by the premise and find it engaging.

"...- the multi-dimensional nature of prayer, “a communal act more than an individual one”; - how praying the creeds moves us beyond our..." Read more

"...Love Big Be Well offers a unique premise...." Read more

"...'s setting in a small church in a small town, he really addresses greater issues of humanity and how we can all be better together...through Love..." Read more

"...church and as he writes these letters to his congregation, he shares so much wisdom through the stories of people he meets in this church as he gets..." Read more

25 customers mention "Readability"25 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's readability. They find it heartfelt, charming, and rich. Readers say it's a must-read for anyone and a breath of fresh air for church members.

"...Only better. Better than a diagnosis. Better than a prescription...." Read more

"Winn Collier's latest book is a must read for anyone...while Winn's setting in a small church in a small town, he really addresses greater issues of..." Read more

"...This book can do that and more. It is worth the read if only to help anyone who reads it remember what makes us all truly human...." Read more

"...Collier makes some good points using a compelling writing style...." Read more

24 customers mention "Uplifting"24 positive0 negative

Customers find the book uplifting and heartwarming. They appreciate the author's openness and honesty, as well as his story of rootedness and friendship. The book provides much-needed encouragement and happiness in these days of social turmoil.

"...Quite the opposite. It is about entering deeply into love – as a receiver, as a giver. God’s love. Human love...." Read more

"...you will love it and be drawn into the beauty and depth of the relationships contained therein...but are they contained?...or are they wonderful..." Read more

"...He emphasizes the importance of friendship in ministry rather than showmanship from the platform and pulpit...." Read more

"...Filled with affection and wisdom, these missives come from a man who unabashedly loves his church family, warts and all...." Read more

18 customers mention "Writing style"18 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's writing style. They find it compelling, heartfelt, and thoughtful. The writing cuts through the noise of our times and reminds them of a simpler time. Readers enjoy the quotes from people like Mary Oliver and Harry Truman, as well as the simplicity of letters exchanged between friends.

"...The book is a collection of pastoral letters, which routinely conclude with "Love Big. Be Well. Jonas."..." Read more

"...and I would strongly recommend it for anyone because the simplicity of the story-telling of each chapter reveals an ability to capture the treasures..." Read more

"...Collier makes some good points using a compelling writing style...." Read more

"...capture the spirit of McAnn’s life credo. The novel is rich with wonderful quotes from people such as Mary Oliver, Harry Truman, Emma Goldman,..." Read more

13 customers mention "Beauty"13 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's simple beauty. They find it engaging and thought-provoking, with an artfully crafted story that makes them laugh and cry. The book paints a hopeful picture of a spiritual community as they grow, honoring simplicity and power.

"...I finished this book, my soul was so thoroughly overwhelmed by its beauty, its truth, its hope that I simply had to sit in silence to try to hold..." Read more

"...I am sure you will love it and be drawn into the beauty and depth of the relationships contained therein...but are they contained?...or are they..." Read more

"...of how things could be - this small book paints a large and beautiful landscape...." Read more

"...Not only does he scratch out beauty with his words, but he has a way of helping me fall in love with my ordinary life...." Read more

8 customers mention "Story quality"8 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the story. They find it a humble tale, rife with wisdom and heart. The author does a masterful job of storytelling through each letter and in many chapters. The book is described as an epistolary novel, challenging yet filled with grace and truth. Readers appreciate the author's take on love, life, and Jesus.

"...This most recent gift from Collier’s pen is an epistolary novel...." Read more

"...My concerns were misplaced. Collier does a masterful job of story telling through each letter and in many chapters he slips in some incredibly..." Read more

"...I love Jonas McAnn. I love his voice. I love his heart and his weary and wonderful words. I love his take on love and life and Jesus...." Read more

"...It's a humble tale, rife with wisdom and heart, taking pause to honor and let resonate the simplicity and power of things like closing benedictions...." Read more

7 customers mention "Authenticity"7 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's authenticity. They find it honest and true to present reality, calling us to a better reality. The book also rings true to God's call.

"...this book, my soul was so thoroughly overwhelmed by its beauty, its truth, its hope that I simply had to sit in silence to try to hold onto the..." Read more

"...While fictional in nature it is grounded in truth, but truth of a different kind - not truth you argue over, but truth that resonates deep in the..." Read more

"...put into perspective what being a pastor is all about: being real, being honest, being loving, being full of life, and most importantly true to God..." Read more

"...What a gift this story is... so full of authenticity, honor, and truth. (Oh... and hope! Let's not forget hope!)" Read more

7 customers mention "Humor"7 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's humor. They find it witty and tender, making them laugh and cry. The letters paint portraits of the people in an engaging way that makes readers feel. Readers appreciate the author's skillful storytelling and whimsical style that draws them in.

"...Collier also accomplished what I think was an impressive rhetorical feat: I came to care deeply about the members of the church, and especially Don,..." Read more

"...At times McAnn is witty, at others tender, and at least once a bit snarky by his wife’s estimation, but thorough out all the ups and downs of..." Read more

"...With both humor and candor, the letters paint portraits of the people in the community, provide wisdom regarding openness and tolerance, and impart..." Read more

"...I love his voice. I love his heart and his weary and wonderful words. I love his take on love and life and Jesus...." Read more

Read it on an airplane
5 out of 5 stars
Read it on an airplane
I did something recently I don't like doing on a Sunday morning. I missed church. Instead, I was on a plane to Anaheim, CA, for a work conference that started that evening. I started this book while we were taxiing in Kansas City, and didn't put it down until it was done. I don't remember the last time I read an entire book in one sitting. Winn, well done. A few times, I had to remind myself this was a novel, and was not written from the perspective of my own conservative bent. It sure did put into perspective what being a pastor is all about: being real, being honest, being loving, being full of life, and most importantly true to God's call...which is no different than the mandate for the man in the pew.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on October 7, 2017
    . . . if, that is, “the doctor” were diagnosing the state of the American Christian church experience. Only better. Better than a diagnosis. Better than a prescription. In *Love Big, Be Well: Letters to a Small-Town Church*, Winn Collier draws us personally into the kind of church experience that perhaps few of us have known yet one for which most of us are longing.

    By the time I finished this book, my soul was so thoroughly overwhelmed by its beauty, its truth, its hope that I simply had to sit in silence to try to hold onto the blessing. Since other readers have already supplied thorough reviews of this book, I will join my own simple thoughts to theirs to provide additional notes in the paean of praise for *Love Big, Be Well*.

    This most recent gift from Collier’s pen is an epistolary novel. Using the vehicle of physical letters - not emails, not texts, not even Facebook messages but letters - written by Pastor Jonas McAnn to his new congregation at Granby Presbyterian Church, Collier gradually introduces us to various members of the church, their stories and struggles in the faith.

    Collier skillfully discusses what it is to belong to Christ – and to each other – as McAnn writes about some essentials of church experience:
    - how liturgy carries us into God’s story while assuring us that we are part of a family, a large family spanning millennia;
    - the multi-dimensional nature of prayer, “a communal act more than an individual one”;
    - how praying the creeds moves us beyond our individualistic faith to join “the faith of the church”;
    - the scary nature of baptism as it relates to the mystery of death;
    - that friendship lies at the heart of church life!

    But, make no mistake; this is not a preachy novel listing dos and don’ts for church members. Quite the opposite. It is about entering deeply into love – as a receiver, as a giver. God’s love. Human love. And trusting that love to hold us and to hold us together.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on November 16, 2017
    If it weren't for the high praise offered by John Blase, author of The Jubilee, one of my favorite collections of poetry, I am not I would have happened upon this remarkable book. Love Big Be Well (2017) by Winn Collier is such a warm and welcome gift. About two-thirds of the way through it, I wrote inside the front cover, "this whole book is a benediction."

    Love Big Be Well offers a unique premise. A disenchanted man, Jonas McAnn, responds to a handwritten letter from a pastoral search committee from Granby Presbyterian Church, ultimately becoming this small town church's pastor. The book is a collection of pastoral letters, which routinely conclude with "Love Big. Be Well. Jonas."

    In these letters, Jonas addresses several aspects of the Christian life, identifying what he sees as marks of true faith and those that seem to be counterfeits of what Jesus actually said with a raw honesty. One of the advantages of using a fictional story like this is the ability to describe one's convictions without seeming self-important.

    Collier also accomplished what I think was an impressive rhetorical feat: I came to care deeply about the members of the church, and especially Don, through the pastor's descriptions in his letters. Fictional letters about fictional characters, and yet I was moved.

    Several times, I found myself longing to read more about Port William, Kentucky, Wendell Berry's fictional small town because in many ways, Collier's book was reminiscent of Berry.

    I certainly see why John Blase endorsed this book. And Eugene Peterson. I am happy to add my unknown name to that list. I will be reading this book again, and likely purchasing copies for others, because I won't want to share mine.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on October 6, 2017
    Winn Collier's latest book is a must read for anyone...while Winn's setting in a small church in a small town, he really addresses greater issues of humanity and how we can all be better together...through Love Whether in a small town or big city, the Love that surrounds us and that works through us can have such an immense positive impact.

    This is in my top three books read this year! I am sure you will love it and be drawn into the beauty and depth of the relationships contained therein...but are they contained?...or are they wonderful insights to what we also can achieve in our own churches, towns and cities. There is no preaching here...just an opening of the heart...something we could all do more of with each other!

    Thank you, Winn Collier, your gift is a blessing to all who partake of it.

    Love Big - Be Well!
    One person found this helpful
    Report

Top reviews from other countries

  • Shirley J Schartner
    5.0 out of 5 stars Easy to read…
    Reviewed in Canada on August 23, 2023
    Enjoyable and teaches us to listen more , talk less and be welcoming. A good read!
  • MaireadA
    5.0 out of 5 stars Refreshing pastoring encouragement
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 17, 2020
    Sometimes pastoral messages come bound in evangelical jargon and authorised version english.Collier just says it from the heart, speaks straight through his letters to his own congregation, and through this compilation will speak to you.
    I read this during a bewildering time in my Christian walk, recommended by my husband, and I found it refreshing. Humour and straight-talking always lead back to focus on how we the church of a living God should be a loving church in community. Read it and ponder over Winn's words.
  • Ms. Janel R. Andrews
    5.0 out of 5 stars Small town reflections
    Reviewed in Canada on March 22, 2018
    Winn writes a series of letters from a pastor to his congregation in this wonderful novel. He tells the story through recounting conversations he has with people in the community as well as some of his own experiences that he attempts to explain to the congregation. I found much to take away from this book and definitely had parts that will sit with me for awhile. I have been a big fan of some of the blogging that Winn has done and have found this to reflect the heart that he shared in that previous writing.
  • Richard C. Choe
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great book!
    Reviewed in Canada on November 9, 2017
    Wonderful book about ministry and meaningful relationship. Have bought a few more copies to share.