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Jesus Prom: Life Gets Fun When You Love People Like God Does
Jesus loves people. Wouldn't it make sense that those who claim to love Jesus would love the same people Jesus loves? Nouns need verbs, a requirement that's more than just a grammatical truth; it's a spiritual truth. The noun Christian and the noun church require action verbs to fulfill their purpose. That's why Jesus invites Christians and churches everywhere to perform the greatest action of loving people. Jesus Prom is an extravagant party that celebrates the very people Jesus died to love. You will laugh and cry as you move through the pages of this book, and by the end of it, you'll want to join the dance.
208 pages, Paperback
First published October 2, 2014
19 people are currently reading
348 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
October 8, 2018
Simple yet world changing
Jon does a wonderful job of reminding us what we
As Christ followers are to do, love God and love others. This loving God and lo ing others naturally e loves into serving God and serving others. Very easy to read, understand, but not as easy to live teaching.
Jon does a wonderful job of reminding us what we
As Christ followers are to do, love God and love others. This loving God and lo ing others naturally e loves into serving God and serving others. Very easy to read, understand, but not as easy to live teaching.
February 16, 2026
Super easy read, and I think that's the point. A very good book on loving others.
I pushed myself to read this after hearing the "war stories" of my current pastors talking about going out into the community and loving on the "least of these" and me realizing I have almost no stories to share in the same regards. I have been living in an ivory tower without realizing it, and now I feel compelled to jump headfirst into the ministry that God has called me to...loving others and following Jesus
I pushed myself to read this after hearing the "war stories" of my current pastors talking about going out into the community and loving on the "least of these" and me realizing I have almost no stories to share in the same regards. I have been living in an ivory tower without realizing it, and now I feel compelled to jump headfirst into the ministry that God has called me to...loving others and following Jesus
April 19, 2021
We did a study on this book in our life group. It’s a great book to study with your group. It encouraged me to be more loving to others, especially to people who aren’t as lovable. I wish I can be more like the author who has a great capacity for loving others.
May 21, 2019
Jon Weece is the Lead Follower at Southland Christian Church in Lexington KY. Every year the church celebrates with a Jesus Prom. Following Jesus's instructions in Luke 14:12-23, they invite people with special needs to a huge party in their honor. Thousands of people attend and "a new flavor of love (is) showcased...If Jesus were anywhere on the planet that night, He would have been in that room on that dance floor cutting a rug with the first-class citizens of Lexington, Kentucky."
The subtitle of Weece's book is "Life Gets Fun When You Love People Like God Does" and the book bears witness to that. It's an easy read, scattered through with sentences that almost sound like trendy slogans until you start to think them through and realize their actual depth and meaning. Funny, self-revealing stories about the author also find their way into the mix.
Weece focuses on verbs that Jesus would have loved and used. He expresses concern that "the more birthdays we have, the fewer verbs we have." He encourages us to take a leap of faith and jump, like Peter when Jesus invited him to step out of the boat. "There are many boats we can stay in. There are many boats we can hide in. There are many boats people want to keep us in. But there's only one opportunity to walk on water."
Recommended to make you laugh, make you think, and just maybe make you move into action.
The subtitle of Weece's book is "Life Gets Fun When You Love People Like God Does" and the book bears witness to that. It's an easy read, scattered through with sentences that almost sound like trendy slogans until you start to think them through and realize their actual depth and meaning. Funny, self-revealing stories about the author also find their way into the mix.
Weece focuses on verbs that Jesus would have loved and used. He expresses concern that "the more birthdays we have, the fewer verbs we have." He encourages us to take a leap of faith and jump, like Peter when Jesus invited him to step out of the boat. "There are many boats we can stay in. There are many boats we can hide in. There are many boats people want to keep us in. But there's only one opportunity to walk on water."
Recommended to make you laugh, make you think, and just maybe make you move into action.
January 23, 2018
Great read, inspiring
January 24, 2019
God invited us to obey, but His reason is, “Because I love you.” -Jon Weece
January 30, 2015
The premise of Jon Weece's Jesus Prom is, I think, really good. According to Jon, “Jesus loved verbs. Verbs like love, come, rest, learn, hear, die, give, and go. So wouldn't it make sense that the people who claim to follow Jesus would love the same verbs Jesus loved?”
As Jon goes on to explain, “Somewhere along the way someone tried to make the word Christian an adjective” - something that has done far more harm than good to Christianity. Throughout Jesus Prom, Jon challenges his readers to once again “love the same verbs” Jesus loved and to live out their faith rather than become hypocrites, essentially “nouns without verbs”.
Throughout Jon's exploration of these verbs, what I appreciated most was his emphasis on people. In his words, “When we follow Jesus, He doesn't lead us to places as often as He leads us to people.” Jon's heart for people is clearly evident in the various challenges he gives his readers as well as in the stories he tells. And that, too, is a strength of Jon. He is a storyteller who weaves together compelling examples from his own life and congregation to illustrate the power of verbs in the Christian faith.
Another thing I appreciated about Jesus Prom is it's clear call to community. This is especially evident in Jon's reminders that “You can't hide and heal at the same time” and that “The potential for change is greater with we than me.”
In a time when criticism for the local church seems to grow on a daily basis, I also found Jon's love for the church – something that again reinforces his clear call to community - refreshing. He reminds us, “Jesus and His bride, the church, are inseparable. Anyone who says they hate the church hates the man who died on the cross for the church.” He then calls the church “to be an identical twin to its founder.”
Despite it's strengths, Jesus Prom is not a perfect book. It's weakness is this: Too often, Jon writes in soundbites or perhaps more accurately still – tweets. Rather than consistently go for the quick soundbite, I wish Jon would have more often fleshed out his ideas and done what he does best – tell a compelling story.
Despite that, Jesus Prom is a book that will resonate with disgruntled evangelicals – those frustrated by churches who talk more about serving than actually serve. In that setting, this book will work particularly well as the basis for small group discussions. In addition to providing small groups with discussion fodder, Jesus Prom will challenge and encourage people to go out into the world and “bring as much of heaven to earth today so that we can take as much of earth to heaven someday.”
As Jon goes on to explain, “Somewhere along the way someone tried to make the word Christian an adjective” - something that has done far more harm than good to Christianity. Throughout Jesus Prom, Jon challenges his readers to once again “love the same verbs” Jesus loved and to live out their faith rather than become hypocrites, essentially “nouns without verbs”.
Throughout Jon's exploration of these verbs, what I appreciated most was his emphasis on people. In his words, “When we follow Jesus, He doesn't lead us to places as often as He leads us to people.” Jon's heart for people is clearly evident in the various challenges he gives his readers as well as in the stories he tells. And that, too, is a strength of Jon. He is a storyteller who weaves together compelling examples from his own life and congregation to illustrate the power of verbs in the Christian faith.
Another thing I appreciated about Jesus Prom is it's clear call to community. This is especially evident in Jon's reminders that “You can't hide and heal at the same time” and that “The potential for change is greater with we than me.”
In a time when criticism for the local church seems to grow on a daily basis, I also found Jon's love for the church – something that again reinforces his clear call to community - refreshing. He reminds us, “Jesus and His bride, the church, are inseparable. Anyone who says they hate the church hates the man who died on the cross for the church.” He then calls the church “to be an identical twin to its founder.”
Despite it's strengths, Jesus Prom is not a perfect book. It's weakness is this: Too often, Jon writes in soundbites or perhaps more accurately still – tweets. Rather than consistently go for the quick soundbite, I wish Jon would have more often fleshed out his ideas and done what he does best – tell a compelling story.
Despite that, Jesus Prom is a book that will resonate with disgruntled evangelicals – those frustrated by churches who talk more about serving than actually serve. In that setting, this book will work particularly well as the basis for small group discussions. In addition to providing small groups with discussion fodder, Jesus Prom will challenge and encourage people to go out into the world and “bring as much of heaven to earth today so that we can take as much of earth to heaven someday.”
January 10, 2017
“When Jesus sees you, He sees all the people you could help if you could just get your eyes off of you,” writes Jon Weece, the author of Jesus Prom.
Jesus Prom will forever change the way I interact with people. For a long time, I’ve been searching for a way to make a difference. I was looking for something big and unique, but Jon Weece showed me that the real adventure is in simple, loving gestures. Seeing people. Listening to people. Serving people. Loving people.
In an endearing narrative style, Jon Weece weaves together stories of simple love and changed lives. Rather than telling a story and teaching about it, he weaves together Bible stories with real-life incidents to create a unique learning environment where the reader can see truth in a new way, without a lecture.
I read this book in about 24 hours because I could barely put it down. I never cruise through a book that fast, but I found it life changing and profoundly beautiful. I want to live a life like that and, Lord willing, I will.
Jon Weece doesn’t write long teaching sections, as most Christian nonfiction writers do. Instead, he weaves in bits of teaching to explain his methods. For instance, he writes: “One of the best ways to start a conversation is with a question: Is there anything I can do for you today? When we present ourselves in a loving way to people, people will let us love them. And when people let us love them, usually, they’ll let us talk about why we love them.”
Sometimes you’ll hear a preacher or author teach something and it just comes across as a gimmick. There are no gimmicks here, just plain love for God and God’s people—all of God’s people, no matter their situation in life. Jon Weece is the real deal. If you’re looking for authentic Christianity, you’ll find it in the pages of Jesus Prom.
Oh, one last thing: What is a Jesus Prom? Read Luke 14:12-13 to find out.
I give Jesus Prom by Jon Weece five cups of love.
This review, with additional book quotes, first appeared on my blog, ChristyBower.com.
Jesus Prom will forever change the way I interact with people. For a long time, I’ve been searching for a way to make a difference. I was looking for something big and unique, but Jon Weece showed me that the real adventure is in simple, loving gestures. Seeing people. Listening to people. Serving people. Loving people.
In an endearing narrative style, Jon Weece weaves together stories of simple love and changed lives. Rather than telling a story and teaching about it, he weaves together Bible stories with real-life incidents to create a unique learning environment where the reader can see truth in a new way, without a lecture.
I read this book in about 24 hours because I could barely put it down. I never cruise through a book that fast, but I found it life changing and profoundly beautiful. I want to live a life like that and, Lord willing, I will.
Jon Weece doesn’t write long teaching sections, as most Christian nonfiction writers do. Instead, he weaves in bits of teaching to explain his methods. For instance, he writes: “One of the best ways to start a conversation is with a question: Is there anything I can do for you today? When we present ourselves in a loving way to people, people will let us love them. And when people let us love them, usually, they’ll let us talk about why we love them.”
Sometimes you’ll hear a preacher or author teach something and it just comes across as a gimmick. There are no gimmicks here, just plain love for God and God’s people—all of God’s people, no matter their situation in life. Jon Weece is the real deal. If you’re looking for authentic Christianity, you’ll find it in the pages of Jesus Prom.
Oh, one last thing: What is a Jesus Prom? Read Luke 14:12-13 to find out.
I give Jesus Prom by Jon Weece five cups of love.
This review, with additional book quotes, first appeared on my blog, ChristyBower.com.
January 25, 2015
It was a fun and fast read! I like the writer's style, his down-to-earth personality and his short bites of stories and wisdom. I told my husband this was a book he should read. He has a hard time reading long books or even watching movies, but this book has short, interesting segments -- perfect for reading on the go. And, it challenges you to get active with Jesus and for Jesus. The chapters say it all: "love", "see", "talk", "turn", "dance", "give", and "go" are a few. The author shares great stories of people who live out these action verbs. There are incredible stories like holding a prom for disabled people, cleaning bathrooms at a gas station and also a porn store. It's all about loving people to Christ in unusual ways.
The author, at times, shares some immature things like pranks that they play on staff members at his church. He's 34 and a senior pastor. I'm glad he is fun-loving and that does come through in the book, but I didn't think a couple things needed sharing.
Still, though, a great book that might give you ideas on how to love on people and in different ways that might really connect with people and help bring them to Jesus.
Disclaimer: The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through BookLook Bloggers in exchange for my honest review.
The author, at times, shares some immature things like pranks that they play on staff members at his church. He's 34 and a senior pastor. I'm glad he is fun-loving and that does come through in the book, but I didn't think a couple things needed sharing.
Still, though, a great book that might give you ideas on how to love on people and in different ways that might really connect with people and help bring them to Jesus.
Disclaimer: The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through BookLook Bloggers in exchange for my honest review.
April 16, 2015
The authors purpose in writing this book was to portray to the audience the love which is inside of us all. Our willingness to love and pour into others has to be pulled out our souls, this is what Jon Weece is showing the reader. Our hearts must be opened to others before we have the ability to be a light in their life.
The theme of this book was undying humility and love for those we go through live with. Weece shows society the many ways we can break free from social norms and truly embrace the people and world around us. Our attitude and outlook on those around us can affect and change the quality of our own lives.
This book was written as a narrative of Jon Weece's own experiences in his life. He narrates many stories which have benefitted his own outlook upon society. His compassion grew and he learned to improve thousands of lives with his own situations. "Jesus Prom" has opened up the hearts of minds of hundreds of thousands and is working its way into the hearts of millions.
I genuinely enjoyed this book because it inspired me to become the best that I can be for those around me. I have looked for opportunities to truly be the best part of someone's day and/or life. I encourage anyone who is ready and willing to change the attitude of this world to read this.
The theme of this book was undying humility and love for those we go through live with. Weece shows society the many ways we can break free from social norms and truly embrace the people and world around us. Our attitude and outlook on those around us can affect and change the quality of our own lives.
This book was written as a narrative of Jon Weece's own experiences in his life. He narrates many stories which have benefitted his own outlook upon society. His compassion grew and he learned to improve thousands of lives with his own situations. "Jesus Prom" has opened up the hearts of minds of hundreds of thousands and is working its way into the hearts of millions.
I genuinely enjoyed this book because it inspired me to become the best that I can be for those around me. I have looked for opportunities to truly be the best part of someone's day and/or life. I encourage anyone who is ready and willing to change the attitude of this world to read this.
December 22, 2014
Jesus Prom, by Jon Weece, is a book with a unique title. The message contained inside though, is one that everyone would do well to read. Through stories and personal anecdotes, Weece reminds us that a life lived in the grace and love of Jesus should be known by it's verbs, not its adverbs. I liked how each chapter focused on a specific verb (i.e. "love", "be"), and built a framework around that thought in story and some scripture. The book did not come across as too preachy, but more in the vein of someone sharing honestly and personally from their own relationship with Jesus.
I found this book to be both refreshing and challenging. The refreshing part was the reminder that we should focus on our identity as the church, not just a place we visit. We are the church, the bride of Christ, and represent Him here on earth. The reminders Weece offers throughout the book are the challenging parts, reminding us that we should give our time and attention to serve others in need. Being the church means acting like Jesus did when He was in the world, and he spent much of His time with people, listening to their hearts and ministering to their needs. We would do well to follow His example, and "Jesus Prom" reminds us what that looks like.
I found this book to be both refreshing and challenging. The refreshing part was the reminder that we should focus on our identity as the church, not just a place we visit. We are the church, the bride of Christ, and represent Him here on earth. The reminders Weece offers throughout the book are the challenging parts, reminding us that we should give our time and attention to serve others in need. Being the church means acting like Jesus did when He was in the world, and he spent much of His time with people, listening to their hearts and ministering to their needs. We would do well to follow His example, and "Jesus Prom" reminds us what that looks like.
April 28, 2018
This is an excellent book every Christ follower needs to read. The author (a Kentucky pastor) contends that Christian and church are both nouns and nouns need to be connected with verbs for action. Each chapter is about a different verb the Christian needs to be doing such as receive and give. The author tells many stories of ways he has witnessed God’s love shown to a lost world and the impact it has had. As Christians we are commanded to love God and love people. Loving God isn’t hard but loving people is. But we will only reflect God’s love when we show that love to others, especially those we consider unlovable. Remember we are unlovable too but Christ died for us. It is said that imitation is the most sincere form of flattery. May we all flatter Jesus by imitating his love of people and showing love at every opportunity. The book is an easy and quick read and you will be blessed.
August 1, 2016
This book woke me up and set me ablaze in my love for people. It is incredibly powerful, yet worded in a simplicity that a child could understand. And it moves you to ACT. It's a book about living a life of love by choosing to use VERBS to demonstrate the heart of God instead of only using nouns and adjectives. Because of this book, I have decided that for the rest of my life, I am not going to use my job as a description of what I do for a living... I now have decided to do as Jon Weece describes, and to "Love people for a living."
I think this book should be on every Christian's Top 10 List.
I think this book should be on every Christian's Top 10 List.
January 8, 2015
This book was a very enjoyable read! It is a great book for somebody who is new to a relationship with Jesus. The language that Jon Weece uses to explain such complex subject matters as grace, sin and atonement are outstanding! As someone who works for a Christian outreach to disinterested kids this is the perfect resource to use to help walk someone, whether a kid or an adult, into a relationship with Jesus.
May 12, 2016
Very similar to Bob Goff's "Love Does," (also a great book), Weece ties his life experiences to the message of Jesus in an at times comical way. This book was a quick and enjoyable read for me, yet still with the great overarching idea that love is best expressed through action; that Christians should love verbs. Christianity is all about doing for others what Christ has already done and continues to do for you.
August 22, 2017
Jesus Prom is powerful and straightforward. Jon Weece was our preacher in Lexington; he preaches with lots of practical, simple ideas and stories. His book is lots of practical, simple ideas and stories.
Several of my friends have asked for a book recommendation for their husbands. I can't think of a better one. He doesn't write flowery prose; it's very short thoughts that fit together well. Small changes that can completely change your life.
Several of my friends have asked for a book recommendation for their husbands. I can't think of a better one. He doesn't write flowery prose; it's very short thoughts that fit together well. Small changes that can completely change your life.
December 22, 2017
An amazing book on how Christians should love.
The book was all around great. Weece paints an amazing picture of what the love of Christ should look like in those who follow Him. He uses so many stories that make you happy and sad, all while showing you modern examples of how to love. It is a book I would recommend to anyone who claims to follow Jesus, and even to those who do not.
The book was all around great. Weece paints an amazing picture of what the love of Christ should look like in those who follow Him. He uses so many stories that make you happy and sad, all while showing you modern examples of how to love. It is a book I would recommend to anyone who claims to follow Jesus, and even to those who do not.
February 7, 2015
I love this. Jon does a great job of making you laugh and sometimes cry. He has many examples used from his real life experiences. He really makes you want to BE the church, as we should be. Great read. I definitely will want to read this again just for the uplifting feel and reminder to love like Jesus does.
June 24, 2016
I loved the ideas in this, although the beginning was a little slow for me. Fits in the same genre as Not a Fan by Kyle Idleman. A little elementary, but that's great for some people, especially those new in the faith or not used to theological stuff. I really enjoyed the author's personal stories the most.
January 2, 2016
I feel like am I the girl who cries the best book ever a lot. But, hands down, this is truly the best book I have ever read. Everybody needs to read this book, it will change the way you love and live.
December 2, 2014
This book was so refreshing and encouraging. Speaks directly into Jesus' call to a life characterized by love - a joyful and generous love borne out of gratitude for who God is and what he has given us. Great read.
January 18, 2015
Jesus Prom is an amazing book that will make you laugh, make you cry & most of all, make you love - love people the way Jesus did. This book put my mind at ease & validated a major life decision I recently made. I also need to get myself a hammock! Read it & learn why!
June 11, 2015
This is both a fun and practical read, and although there is a lot I could say, I will only summarize all that I read with a quote from the author: “The more I love people, the more I fall in love with God. The more I fall in love with God, the more I love people.”
June 24, 2016
Heart into motion
Jon Weece captured my attention with short meaningful stories and encouraged the kind of selfless loving that the world needs so much more of. Just finished it and ready to love without restraint just as Jesus does.
Jon Weece captured my attention with short meaningful stories and encouraged the kind of selfless loving that the world needs so much more of. Just finished it and ready to love without restraint just as Jesus does.
February 23, 2016
Just Fantastic storytelling, advice and a journey. Read like a collection of sermons after the initial "Jesus Prom" vehicle, reached its 'destination' but again I expected that going in.
March 11, 2015
Love it
Very down to earth and a quick read. Love very word jon Reece wrote. If you are serious about loving Jesus read this book.
Very down to earth and a quick read. Love very word jon Reece wrote. If you are serious about loving Jesus read this book.
March 27, 2015
This was a great book that really uplifted me and gave great nuggets on love and helping others. The stories of how others cared for people and lifted them up were amazing and cheered me up!
May 20, 2015
"The quality of your life is tied to the quality of love you give others" and many other nuggets of wisdom and humor.
June 16, 2015
I liked the idea of Jesus Prom. It is inspiring to have a prom for people with physical and mental disabilities.
September 19, 2016
Reading this work by Jon Weece makes me miss Southland, but it also instills the desire to pair very important nouns to constantly active verbs- church and service, people and love. Check it out!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews