Often I find myself seeking out how I can make sure that while I live in suburbia that suburbia doesn’t live in me. In other words, how can I make sure I’m following Christ in a land given to rich young rulers? Unfortunately, more than I’d like to admit, I find my heart wandering into paths carved out by the self-centric ease of suburban life instead of the small, narrow trail created by the feet of Jesus.
Thankfully I was reminded of that struggle as I finished Albert Hsu’s The Suburban Christian over the weekend. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Hsu’s book is loaded with insight into the mindset behind suburbanites, stats and studies which at times reveal a surprising picture of suburbia, and helpful suggestions on how people can both follow Jesus and live in the suburbs.
As a pastor of a church in the suburbs (check that, I technically live in an exurb, which is an “edge [city that is] economically autonomous and no longer dependent on the older cities“), any insight on how we can better make disciples of suburbanites is worth receiving. For what it’s worth, I believe The Suburban Christian carries the baton well in this endeavor. I likely will read through it again and again. I think this book should be read by both staff and layperson. If you seek to live out the Gospel in the suburbs, this book will be an asset for you. Thanks to Chuck Land, Lead Pastor of Crossbridge Church in Sugar Land, for suggesting it.
