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The Ministry of Ordinary Places: Waking Up to God's Goodness Around You
Popular blogger Shannan Martin offers Christians who are longing for a more meaningful life a simple starting learn what it is to love and be loved right where God has placed you.
For Christ-followers living in an increasingly complicated world, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure of how to live a life of intention and meaning. Where do we even begin?
Shannan Martin offers a surprisingly simple uncover the hidden corners of our cities and neighborhoods and invest deeply in the lives of people around us. She walks us through her own discoveries about the vital importance of paying attention, as well as the hard but rewarding truth about showing up and committing for the long haul, despite the inevitable encounters with brokenness and uncertainty. With transparency, humor, heart-tugging storytelling, and more than a little personal confession, Martin shows us that no matter where we live or how much we have, as we learn what it is to be with people as Jesus was, we'll find our very lives. The details will look quiet and ordinary, and the call will both exhaust and exhilarate us. But it will be the most worth-it adventure we will ever take.
“This is a message the world needs. So often we overcomplicate ‘service’ or this elusive call to ministry when all the while ministry is right in front of us. Shannan reminds us of the simple, yet beautiful call to love our neighbor and what that could really look like today. We are reminded that extravagant love in ordinary moments does indeed lead to an extraordinary life.” --Katie Davis Majors, New York Times bestselling author of Kisses from Katie (I made up this attribution, so you may want to check on that)
“This is the book we all need right now. If you’re longing for authentic community but aren’t sure where to begin, Shannan and this beautifully written book are the perfect guide. I truly believe when we stand together we stand a chance. I cheered along with every word.” —Korie Robertson, New York Times bestselling author
“These are the days when we could all use a firm but gentle nudge to extend extra kindness to the people around us. Shannan reminds us to pay attention, look outside of ourselves, to lay aside our preconceived judgments, and stay put, bearing with each other, carrying each other‘s burdens, and finding Jesus at the center of it all.” —LaTasha Morrison, founder of Be the Bridge
“Our nonstop consumer society seduces us into forsaking the ordinary. Even as believers, we are prone to aspire to do sexy ministry that garners headlines and warrants photo ops. But Shannan Martin helps us resist these impulses by calling the body to reclaim the sanctity andsignificance of ordinary places. Through personal stories, theology, and Scripture, she helps us discern God’s call upon our lives right where we are and illuminates why the most faithful ministry is oftentimes mundane, overlooked, and seemingly unimpressive. This book will help you thrive in your faith in practical and rooted ways!” —Dominique DuBois Gilliard, author of Rethinking Advocating for Justice That Restores
“Sometimes when reading a book, I think ‘I’ll recommend this to that group’ or ‘this one goes go that community,’ but hand to heaven, I would put this book in every single pair of hands across ideology, camps, and tribes. Part storytelling, part prophetic, with dizzyingly wonderfulwriting, Shannan brings us back to the neighborhood, back to ordinary tables, back to a life we know in our deepest hearts is meant for us. I love her. I love this book.
For Christ-followers living in an increasingly complicated world, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure of how to live a life of intention and meaning. Where do we even begin?
Shannan Martin offers a surprisingly simple uncover the hidden corners of our cities and neighborhoods and invest deeply in the lives of people around us. She walks us through her own discoveries about the vital importance of paying attention, as well as the hard but rewarding truth about showing up and committing for the long haul, despite the inevitable encounters with brokenness and uncertainty. With transparency, humor, heart-tugging storytelling, and more than a little personal confession, Martin shows us that no matter where we live or how much we have, as we learn what it is to be with people as Jesus was, we'll find our very lives. The details will look quiet and ordinary, and the call will both exhaust and exhilarate us. But it will be the most worth-it adventure we will ever take.
“This is a message the world needs. So often we overcomplicate ‘service’ or this elusive call to ministry when all the while ministry is right in front of us. Shannan reminds us of the simple, yet beautiful call to love our neighbor and what that could really look like today. We are reminded that extravagant love in ordinary moments does indeed lead to an extraordinary life.” --Katie Davis Majors, New York Times bestselling author of Kisses from Katie (I made up this attribution, so you may want to check on that)
“This is the book we all need right now. If you’re longing for authentic community but aren’t sure where to begin, Shannan and this beautifully written book are the perfect guide. I truly believe when we stand together we stand a chance. I cheered along with every word.” —Korie Robertson, New York Times bestselling author
“These are the days when we could all use a firm but gentle nudge to extend extra kindness to the people around us. Shannan reminds us to pay attention, look outside of ourselves, to lay aside our preconceived judgments, and stay put, bearing with each other, carrying each other‘s burdens, and finding Jesus at the center of it all.” —LaTasha Morrison, founder of Be the Bridge
“Our nonstop consumer society seduces us into forsaking the ordinary. Even as believers, we are prone to aspire to do sexy ministry that garners headlines and warrants photo ops. But Shannan Martin helps us resist these impulses by calling the body to reclaim the sanctity andsignificance of ordinary places. Through personal stories, theology, and Scripture, she helps us discern God’s call upon our lives right where we are and illuminates why the most faithful ministry is oftentimes mundane, overlooked, and seemingly unimpressive. This book will help you thrive in your faith in practical and rooted ways!” —Dominique DuBois Gilliard, author of Rethinking Advocating for Justice That Restores
“Sometimes when reading a book, I think ‘I’ll recommend this to that group’ or ‘this one goes go that community,’ but hand to heaven, I would put this book in every single pair of hands across ideology, camps, and tribes. Part storytelling, part prophetic, with dizzyingly wonderfulwriting, Shannan brings us back to the neighborhood, back to ordinary tables, back to a life we know in our deepest hearts is meant for us. I love her. I love this book.
237 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 9, 2018
597 people are currently reading
8483 people want to read
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November 29, 2018
Too lyrical, long-winded and vague. For a clearer case to love your neighbor, read “The Gospel Comes With a House Key” by Butterfield. For a more compelling case to find God in the ordinary, read “ The Liturgy of the Ordinary” by Tish Warren.
August 26, 2018
I’ll be stewing on this wisdom for weeks. How do I put the big love of Jesus into practice? Today we took cookies to a new neighbor and listened to a friend’s heartache. Tonight, we’ll be guests at another friend’s table. This is it, folks. Look around and drink it in.
January 5, 2020
I had a chance to get my hands on an advance reader copy of this book and I loved it!
More and more I feel the pull toward planting myself firmly in this little corner of the world God has placed us. This book is a beautiful illustration of how one family did that. What would happen if we opened our eyes to the people in our literal neighborhoods and towns and schools? What if we committed ourselves to faithfully serving instead of critiquing and always looking for the next best upgrade for ourselves?
I loved this book. Go buy it and underline it and sit and discuss it with your friends over coffee or tea.
More and more I feel the pull toward planting myself firmly in this little corner of the world God has placed us. This book is a beautiful illustration of how one family did that. What would happen if we opened our eyes to the people in our literal neighborhoods and towns and schools? What if we committed ourselves to faithfully serving instead of critiquing and always looking for the next best upgrade for ourselves?
I loved this book. Go buy it and underline it and sit and discuss it with your friends over coffee or tea.
November 5, 2018
Man, I liked this book. I thought for the first two chapters that I have heard it all before, and then Shannan wove pictures and invaded my heart.
Highly recommend.
Highly recommend.
July 24, 2020
I read this book and then I read some of the reviews. What seem to keep coming up was the fact that Shannan Martin is very poetic and almost Anne Voskamp inspired. I would agree with this but what really bothered me was how Christianity is presented. I am not here to say that everything in the church is fine. As a matter of fact, this is why I picked the book up. Everything isnt and we need to figure out what we're doing wrong.
Martin makes some on target points that I've jotted down and will take away and grow in my walk with. Things like seeing a person who needs a Savior and not someone to evangelize too. Ways to reach out, and why we should be reaching out, rather than sitting comfortably with our coffee and cheap 5 minute devotionals on our months-salary couches. My illustration, not hers-- persay.
But, Martin's book is only half truths. The struggle I have with Falling Free (which I gave 4 stars too), was the fact that Martin takes lightly the all authority and sacredness of God. Like I pointed out, you dont get to say to GOD, "sorry but I dont like how you worded this," or "sorry, Jesus but we'll have to agree to disagree." You dont. Doesnt mean we understand everything. But it does mean that we need to be aware that God says what He says and there is no arguing it. He is perfect, we are not.
So now I can say, Martin seems to say we need to Love and accept people as they are, but them she just stops. Again, much of what she said is truth, but only half. It's like looking at the sky and saying, "the sky is blue," which is true but its blue because of how the sun breaks down colors and we see it as blue because it's the dominating color. We see Martin's story told in a lot of circumstances where she see's her white privilege among the poor, jailed, and drug/alchohol abuse. And she points that they need Jesus, but they need her as a friend not pouring Jesus down their throats. Again, it's not wrong, but Jesus helped the poor and sickly by healing them AND forgiving them of their sins and calling them to live for HIM. it's a whole package. Change has to happen. We cant be content in sin---that cheapens what Christ has done.
She may teach this outside her book but it was not full presented in this. I brought pros and cons to some Titus 2 ladies in my life, a couple of them that has been in similar situations and also been ministering to those in similar. Red flags were going up as well.
It just got to the point where a) I think Martin addressed most of what she illustrates in this book in her first book Falling Free and b) I found myself constantly needing too, " It's like reading glasses because. we need to examine closer what she's saying," as my one friend perfectly said.
I didnt even address the few times that Martin was inconsistent with what she was saying.
I really wanted to like this. But I'm very leery of recommending it. Did I take away some valuable ideas? Absolutely! But I don't think this is the only book that will do that.
Do what is right. Defend the poor, widows, and fatherless. It's all summed up there, love your neighbor (isnt it funny that we dont get to choose our neighbors), as yourself, and love the Lord your God with all your Heart, Mind, and Soul. Repent, Believe, and be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
Martin makes some on target points that I've jotted down and will take away and grow in my walk with. Things like seeing a person who needs a Savior and not someone to evangelize too. Ways to reach out, and why we should be reaching out, rather than sitting comfortably with our coffee and cheap 5 minute devotionals on our months-salary couches. My illustration, not hers-- persay.
But, Martin's book is only half truths. The struggle I have with Falling Free (which I gave 4 stars too), was the fact that Martin takes lightly the all authority and sacredness of God. Like I pointed out, you dont get to say to GOD, "sorry but I dont like how you worded this," or "sorry, Jesus but we'll have to agree to disagree." You dont. Doesnt mean we understand everything. But it does mean that we need to be aware that God says what He says and there is no arguing it. He is perfect, we are not.
So now I can say, Martin seems to say we need to Love and accept people as they are, but them she just stops. Again, much of what she said is truth, but only half. It's like looking at the sky and saying, "the sky is blue," which is true but its blue because of how the sun breaks down colors and we see it as blue because it's the dominating color. We see Martin's story told in a lot of circumstances where she see's her white privilege among the poor, jailed, and drug/alchohol abuse. And she points that they need Jesus, but they need her as a friend not pouring Jesus down their throats. Again, it's not wrong, but Jesus helped the poor and sickly by healing them AND forgiving them of their sins and calling them to live for HIM. it's a whole package. Change has to happen. We cant be content in sin---that cheapens what Christ has done.
She may teach this outside her book but it was not full presented in this. I brought pros and cons to some Titus 2 ladies in my life, a couple of them that has been in similar situations and also been ministering to those in similar. Red flags were going up as well.
It just got to the point where a) I think Martin addressed most of what she illustrates in this book in her first book Falling Free and b) I found myself constantly needing too, " It's like reading glasses because. we need to examine closer what she's saying," as my one friend perfectly said.
I didnt even address the few times that Martin was inconsistent with what she was saying.
I really wanted to like this. But I'm very leery of recommending it. Did I take away some valuable ideas? Absolutely! But I don't think this is the only book that will do that.
Do what is right. Defend the poor, widows, and fatherless. It's all summed up there, love your neighbor (isnt it funny that we dont get to choose our neighbors), as yourself, and love the Lord your God with all your Heart, Mind, and Soul. Repent, Believe, and be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
January 14, 2024
This is a book to be savoured bit by bit, here n there aI liked to just ponder each section that I was able to read. She had so many wonderufl reflections I call them I guess as she shared her interactions, vulnerabilities, experiences, and encouragement. She is such a down to earth mother, wife and human like many of us. She has a chaotic life at times (like many of us!) as she has helped all sorts of folk in the most ordinary ways. I love how hospitable her family was with spur of the moment, and whoever was around them after church, were invited over for for a potluck dinner as they could bring whatever they had! No stuffiness there as they enjoyed these events. Her ministry is being available, to care, do whatever possible in however the Lord leads. Just be there...be attentive...be focused were themes that stood out to me as kindness doesn't have to be a grand gesture to important or make a difference!.
Lovely book I can gladly recommend. She is someone I wouldn't mind meeting in person either! :)
Lovely book I can gladly recommend. She is someone I wouldn't mind meeting in person either! :)
January 20, 2019
I wanted to like this book but it fell quite flat for me. The book is more of a story of her life, her recognizing her neighbors and what she's done for them than anything else. There wasn't any kind of challenge or questions for the reader to ponder. Although there was some Scripture referenced and a few quoted, there was not elaboration on those verses. The author even makes a peculiar comment, saying "the universe gifted me with", and as a professed believer in God, it is odd that she would even say such a thing. All in all, it wasn't what I was expecting or hoping it to be, and therefore, didn't leave an impression. It was rather a quick read, and I may come back to reread it sometime in the future, who knows when, to perhaps give it a second chance, but I'm not holding my breath. There are better books out there that address recognizing and truly living not only content with where God has us - the seemingly mundane, redundant, ordinary - but also living on mission to bring Him glory in those places.
April 3, 2021
This book was so, so well written. Shannan is such a master with words: you both feel like you're having a coffee chat with her, while also being taught and inspired. This book singlehandedly changed my perspective on a lot of things in life that had not been changed before, and it was very eyeopening. The focus is very much on connecting with people and understanding them as God's creation rather than a mission field, which I'm a huge fan of, and gave me a lot of actionable steps to follow. I kept a set of highlighters on hand while reading, and came up with about 80 highlights, and I already want to go through and thoroughly annotate it.
So far this has been my favorite nonfiction book that I've read all year, and maybe of all time. It's so incredibly applicable to standard life, and of course, I'm always a fan of anything regarding finding beauty in little things. I absolutely cannot recommend it enough.
// buddy read with Grace Anne
So far this has been my favorite nonfiction book that I've read all year, and maybe of all time. It's so incredibly applicable to standard life, and of course, I'm always a fan of anything regarding finding beauty in little things. I absolutely cannot recommend it enough.
// buddy read with Grace Anne
October 11, 2019
This book...I don't think that anything I can say about it will do it justice. Every single page hit so close to home for me, because Martin taps directly into what I have felt about ministry for so long. It isn't about saying the right words, it isn't about ME convicting people of their sin and "leading" them to Jesus. It's about me, living my life, loving my neighbors (and that definition is WIDE), joining into community with them, and letting that love of Jesus draw those people to Him.
"Rather than clinging to this easy vernacular of 'them' and 'us' let's keep being broken together..."
I took copious notes, and immediately decided to get a print copy so I could underline and highlight and keep returning to this book.
"Joining us at church or praying a prayer doesn't need to factor into the equation at all. In fact, what if we all made a pact to not invite anyone to church if we hadn't already invited them over for a meal?"
This book has challenged me, convicted me, and spurred me on to taking action. I need to get out into my community, meet my neighbors, and join with them to live my life. Too long I've been isolated in my bubble, I need to reach out and do more.
"Prone to wander, Lord we feel it. But you are here, staring back at us in every face and every scar. You keep talking to us when we don't want to listen. You remind us that you came to be with us, and even when it seemed like you left, you didn't. You are here, turning our hearts to endurance, teaching us a love song for the long haul. Help us to endure when we feel dog-tired. Have your way."
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
"Rather than clinging to this easy vernacular of 'them' and 'us' let's keep being broken together..."
I took copious notes, and immediately decided to get a print copy so I could underline and highlight and keep returning to this book.
"Joining us at church or praying a prayer doesn't need to factor into the equation at all. In fact, what if we all made a pact to not invite anyone to church if we hadn't already invited them over for a meal?"
This book has challenged me, convicted me, and spurred me on to taking action. I need to get out into my community, meet my neighbors, and join with them to live my life. Too long I've been isolated in my bubble, I need to reach out and do more.
"Prone to wander, Lord we feel it. But you are here, staring back at us in every face and every scar. You keep talking to us when we don't want to listen. You remind us that you came to be with us, and even when it seemed like you left, you didn't. You are here, turning our hearts to endurance, teaching us a love song for the long haul. Help us to endure when we feel dog-tired. Have your way."
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
January 5, 2019
I read this book on Christmas day when I was feeling a little sorry for myself, if I'm going to be honest. Shannan's book reminded me that I am loved and that I am my best self when I'm loving other people (and not busy feeling sorry for myself). I felt like she was loving me from the pages of her book and reminding me that God loves me just the way I am. It also gave me a good reminder that church community can be so good when done correctly (even if it's a messy, ragtag bunch). It's time for me to stop belly button gazing and raise my eyes to look around and take in the beauty of the every day, and dig in to relationships with those around me.
September 18, 2018
"Sometimes we get so hung up on doing something great, we forget the best thing is often the smallest."
Ministry of Ordinary Places is an impactful gift for anyone wanting to make a difference in their world. Half of it is a celebration of "ordinary" and recognizing the beauty and gifts that come in everyday packages, realizing it's the little things that make up the grand stories in life.
The other half is the realization that remarkable has become ordinary. Shannan reflects back on her previous middle-class life to her current reality as an inner city wife to a prison chaplain, with 4 adopted kids and a revolving door of neighbours she's embraced as her own. She shares "wow" moments and hard moments and tough realities that may be her "ordinary" but certainly are not mine. To have an adult child transitioning from prison is beyond my 'ordinary.' To have my heart broken by the motherless children wandering the streets is not my 'ordinary' either.
Yet as Shannan invites us into the world beyond our closed doors we begin to glimpse not only the power of God in re-shaping dreams and laying aside our visions of success for His, but we also glimpse how God is using our ordinary for extraordinary purposes as well.
"When we open our lives to those from whom we used to keep a safe distance, it changes everything."
Shannan is such a wordsmith, and she states powerful truths in beautiful turns of phrases:
"This is what I know of daily quiet time with the Lord. It is often not so quiet after all. It's a ruckus. A sacred inconvenience. A stunning catastrophe, not to be missed."
I have underlined, highlighted, posted on instagram and talked this up to friends because of quotes that linger with me long after I've put the chapter down.
This is a book to be digested and savoured, not read in an hour, and oh, is it worth your time!
I received an Advance Reader Copy from Harper Collins Christian Publishers.
Ministry of Ordinary Places is an impactful gift for anyone wanting to make a difference in their world. Half of it is a celebration of "ordinary" and recognizing the beauty and gifts that come in everyday packages, realizing it's the little things that make up the grand stories in life.
The other half is the realization that remarkable has become ordinary. Shannan reflects back on her previous middle-class life to her current reality as an inner city wife to a prison chaplain, with 4 adopted kids and a revolving door of neighbours she's embraced as her own. She shares "wow" moments and hard moments and tough realities that may be her "ordinary" but certainly are not mine. To have an adult child transitioning from prison is beyond my 'ordinary.' To have my heart broken by the motherless children wandering the streets is not my 'ordinary' either.
Yet as Shannan invites us into the world beyond our closed doors we begin to glimpse not only the power of God in re-shaping dreams and laying aside our visions of success for His, but we also glimpse how God is using our ordinary for extraordinary purposes as well.
"When we open our lives to those from whom we used to keep a safe distance, it changes everything."
Shannan is such a wordsmith, and she states powerful truths in beautiful turns of phrases:
"This is what I know of daily quiet time with the Lord. It is often not so quiet after all. It's a ruckus. A sacred inconvenience. A stunning catastrophe, not to be missed."
I have underlined, highlighted, posted on instagram and talked this up to friends because of quotes that linger with me long after I've put the chapter down.
This is a book to be digested and savoured, not read in an hour, and oh, is it worth your time!
I received an Advance Reader Copy from Harper Collins Christian Publishers.
March 5, 2024
2.5 Stars ⭐️
This book was kinda meh and some things the author said rubbed me the wrong way. A lot of what she had to say came across as both obvious and pretentious. I like some of what she said about evangelism, but there is a not at all subtle strain of leftist ideology in her thinking.
It didn’t really seem like I was being offered a whole lot of new thoughts, but the author acted like they were new and it was kind of irritating. Not terrible, but not quite my cup of tea.
This book was kinda meh and some things the author said rubbed me the wrong way. A lot of what she had to say came across as both obvious and pretentious. I like some of what she said about evangelism, but there is a not at all subtle strain of leftist ideology in her thinking.
It didn’t really seem like I was being offered a whole lot of new thoughts, but the author acted like they were new and it was kind of irritating. Not terrible, but not quite my cup of tea.
November 25, 2018
Well off woman congratulates herself on befriending poor people, drug addicts, and felons. While the writing was nice and the message of loving thy neighbor a good one, I felt that the book reeked of self-righteousness. Possibly, I just read this in the wrong mood, but her stories lacked details and glossed over heartbreak. I never became invested in what was happening.
September 28, 2024
I think I may look back after a number of years and see that this book was pivotal in my ministry philosophy, but also in the story that the Lord is writing for my life. Nevertheless, I can see right now how the Lord is using it to open my eyes to the full circle path He’s always had me on.
January 19, 2019
I loved the message of this book, and have been searching for something like it. I found it to be an inspirational call to Spirit-led relational perseverance, hospitality, and generosity. Several of the chapters encouraged and challenged me to re-examine my own priorities.
Although I really wanted to read more details about the specific situations she encountered and how they played out, this book is definitely not a prescription for problem-solving the inevitable relational troubles.
Her writing style is very lyrical, so it may not be for everyone. I found that it closely resembled the brand of hospitality she promotes — messy, beautiful, authentic, and hopeful.
Although I really wanted to read more details about the specific situations she encountered and how they played out, this book is definitely not a prescription for problem-solving the inevitable relational troubles.
Her writing style is very lyrical, so it may not be for everyone. I found that it closely resembled the brand of hospitality she promotes — messy, beautiful, authentic, and hopeful.
March 6, 2020
Read this with my husband and while there were some good principles about loving people and encouraging people, we had some issues with the way the author talked about Christ. While it is true that Jesus became a man, she tries to make Him so down-to-earth that she becomes irreverent. One example that comes to mind is talking about us linking arms with Jesus underneath a Target umbrella. Eek.
I would have a hard time recommending this book to anyone.
I would have a hard time recommending this book to anyone.
January 16, 2020
I wanted to like this book, but it’s just so cringey. I found her descriptions of her neighbors and neighborhood condescending and reductive. More of a self-congratulatory examination of her “wokeness” than a true call to action.
March 24, 2025
This book gets to the core of Christianity. People from any Christian background would be able to relate to this and also gain a new perspective. I especially enjoyed the anecdotal stories, however listening to the audiobook was a bit tricky since she sometimes jumps from one thought to the next and it’s hard to keep track of without any visual cues.
October 19, 2021
Packed full of beautiful truths, painted in full color by Shannan.
One of my favorite quotes:
“We were not made for the curated image of success and comfort but for the grit and glory of humans on trash day. In a world that pushes us toward bigger, better, more costly and refined, seeing the humble as radiant is an act of holy resistance.”
One of my favorite quotes:
“We were not made for the curated image of success and comfort but for the grit and glory of humans on trash day. In a world that pushes us toward bigger, better, more costly and refined, seeing the humble as radiant is an act of holy resistance.”
April 11, 2023
Five stars. No notes. GAH! I want every Christian to read this book.
October 2, 2018
Shannan Martin has such an engaging and authentic way of telling her story and sharing what she’s learning about life, love, God and community. “The Ministry of Ordinary Places” is a series of stories and experiences and musings as she and her family lean in to the work they have been given and learn to love their place. It’s a good reminder that following God wasn’t supposed to be complicated. We are often so busy looking for something big and “important” that we miss what’s right in front of us.
“Our purpose is not so mysterious after all. We get to love and be deeply loved right where we’re planted, by whomever happens to be near.”
“The Ministry of Ordinary Places” is just the encouragement you need to dig in and bloom where you are planted, to reach out and love the people around you with a love bigger than yourself (and allow them to love you!), to draw a wider circle and redefine community, neighbor and purpose.
I received an Advance Reader Copy from Harper Collins Christian Publishers.
“Our purpose is not so mysterious after all. We get to love and be deeply loved right where we’re planted, by whomever happens to be near.”
“The Ministry of Ordinary Places” is just the encouragement you need to dig in and bloom where you are planted, to reach out and love the people around you with a love bigger than yourself (and allow them to love you!), to draw a wider circle and redefine community, neighbor and purpose.
I received an Advance Reader Copy from Harper Collins Christian Publishers.
December 21, 2020
This may have been one of my favourite reads of 2020.
It was such an inspiring read and truly opened my eyes to the fact that the mission field can be right where you are at home!
It was such an inspiring read and truly opened my eyes to the fact that the mission field can be right where you are at home!
October 1, 2018
If you read FALLING FREE, Shannan Martin returns with an even more lyrical and soulful memoir of her life as a radical neighbor lover. As a member of her launch team, I received an advance copy.
I was blessed so much by THE MINISTRY OF ORDINARY PLACES and I especially appreciated the very tactical ideas Martin offers for loving our neighbors. The author also takes a necessary and admirable stance against a lot of what I can only refer to as ministry "gimmicks" that churches in the First World have adopted as de rigueur. Examples of this included "pop-up" ministry events, short-term missions that do more harm than good, or just ill-advised donation drives. The love the author has for her neighbors, her neighborhood is so palpable, and the book is an inspiring look at how one family can be a beacon simply by choosing to stay.
The only aspect of the book with which I really struggled was the lack of discussion of boundaries. Much of the ministry of being embedded in a community was familiar to me, since I have lived at the schools where my husband and/or I worked. It can be very overwhelming at times to field requests at all hours of the day and night from those one has been called to serve. As a mother, I believe my first order of ministry is to my family. Sometimes living in an insular community, one has to set hedges around one's family in order that the family not get exploited. The author makes mention of how her husband sought counseling for anxiety, and I was grateful for that. As a Christian, we can see from Jesus' example that there were times he reserved only for his prayer time, that he disappointed people by being unavailable because of his priorities. I wanted to hear more about that -- that giving freely of ourselves is still something we need to have discretion about so that we're not placing our family as a sacrificial lamb on the altar. The Martins are fully committed to their ministry of being present, and there are certainly instances mentioned where simply being present is hard. Still, I was left to wonder what they did when and if their children just sort of wanted their parents to themselves (?) Projecting here, but my kids help alongside me in ministry but sometimes they have bad attitudes about it and it's usually because I'm not devoting enough time to them.
I think my favorite chapter was about the Jail Ministry house. Martin explains the real disparity for families with an incarcerated person reentering society and the high cost of housing, job hunting that befalls individuals/families because of time served. I was so moved by the story of the Jail Ministry house and feel inspired to explore opportunities to serve inventively in this vein in my own sphere of influence.
I was blessed so much by THE MINISTRY OF ORDINARY PLACES and I especially appreciated the very tactical ideas Martin offers for loving our neighbors. The author also takes a necessary and admirable stance against a lot of what I can only refer to as ministry "gimmicks" that churches in the First World have adopted as de rigueur. Examples of this included "pop-up" ministry events, short-term missions that do more harm than good, or just ill-advised donation drives. The love the author has for her neighbors, her neighborhood is so palpable, and the book is an inspiring look at how one family can be a beacon simply by choosing to stay.
The only aspect of the book with which I really struggled was the lack of discussion of boundaries. Much of the ministry of being embedded in a community was familiar to me, since I have lived at the schools where my husband and/or I worked. It can be very overwhelming at times to field requests at all hours of the day and night from those one has been called to serve. As a mother, I believe my first order of ministry is to my family. Sometimes living in an insular community, one has to set hedges around one's family in order that the family not get exploited. The author makes mention of how her husband sought counseling for anxiety, and I was grateful for that. As a Christian, we can see from Jesus' example that there were times he reserved only for his prayer time, that he disappointed people by being unavailable because of his priorities. I wanted to hear more about that -- that giving freely of ourselves is still something we need to have discretion about so that we're not placing our family as a sacrificial lamb on the altar. The Martins are fully committed to their ministry of being present, and there are certainly instances mentioned where simply being present is hard. Still, I was left to wonder what they did when and if their children just sort of wanted their parents to themselves (?) Projecting here, but my kids help alongside me in ministry but sometimes they have bad attitudes about it and it's usually because I'm not devoting enough time to them.
I think my favorite chapter was about the Jail Ministry house. Martin explains the real disparity for families with an incarcerated person reentering society and the high cost of housing, job hunting that befalls individuals/families because of time served. I was so moved by the story of the Jail Ministry house and feel inspired to explore opportunities to serve inventively in this vein in my own sphere of influence.
April 20, 2023
2.5 stars
Some really great things. I highly agree in the need for relating with those right in our path, or right down the sidewalk, for not overlooking the people right under our nose. Certainly getting involved in others’ lives should shift you to some extent or another, like a relational dance. Like the Amazon pickup man who, when I asked his name, paused before introducing himself as Harry. It seemed like the shift you make when you get tired of pronouncing “Gury” to someone who mainly knows “Steve” and “Bowman”. I get it; sometimes you choose a simpler path because the complexity can be exhausting. I totally understand. And there are myriad forms of complexity and exhaustion, even if you have always lived in the same country. Grace and humor and compassion are deeply needed, and not from a distance.
But it seemed that the longer she got in her telling, the more indirect was her translation of what living as a Christian was to her community. She was rather outspoken in how untraditional and silent was their method, defensive to how superior that was. She made traditional forms of evangelism and discipleship seem like unqualifiedly broken methods. Anyone who has seen evangelism or discipleship in practice more than 2 times has probably seen it done in a broken way. But exegetically, there is no biblical basis for throwing that out and saying that compassionate, careful truth-sharing is not the primary way God works.
We are supposed to be salt and light. But God wants us to speak up. We cannot ignore the rampant societal issues, taking a “be warm and be filled” attitude and keeping ourselves safely removed from the mess. Neither can we ignore the reality that the greatest mess is right under the surface, the biggest nightmare for many is eternity.
It also kept me wondering if her neighbors ever read her blog or her book …
Some really great things. I highly agree in the need for relating with those right in our path, or right down the sidewalk, for not overlooking the people right under our nose. Certainly getting involved in others’ lives should shift you to some extent or another, like a relational dance. Like the Amazon pickup man who, when I asked his name, paused before introducing himself as Harry. It seemed like the shift you make when you get tired of pronouncing “Gury” to someone who mainly knows “Steve” and “Bowman”. I get it; sometimes you choose a simpler path because the complexity can be exhausting. I totally understand. And there are myriad forms of complexity and exhaustion, even if you have always lived in the same country. Grace and humor and compassion are deeply needed, and not from a distance.
But it seemed that the longer she got in her telling, the more indirect was her translation of what living as a Christian was to her community. She was rather outspoken in how untraditional and silent was their method, defensive to how superior that was. She made traditional forms of evangelism and discipleship seem like unqualifiedly broken methods. Anyone who has seen evangelism or discipleship in practice more than 2 times has probably seen it done in a broken way. But exegetically, there is no biblical basis for throwing that out and saying that compassionate, careful truth-sharing is not the primary way God works.
We are supposed to be salt and light. But God wants us to speak up. We cannot ignore the rampant societal issues, taking a “be warm and be filled” attitude and keeping ourselves safely removed from the mess. Neither can we ignore the reality that the greatest mess is right under the surface, the biggest nightmare for many is eternity.
It also kept me wondering if her neighbors ever read her blog or her book …
October 9, 2018
Have you always wondered what it would be like to be a missionary? Travel the globe, minister to others who are in need, share the love of Christ with them?
Guess what? You already are a missionary, if you choose to serve the people right around you! Open your eyes to the ministry of the ordinary, as shared by Shannan in this articulate, engaging read. She shares many personal stories of what happened when she took off her blinders, relocated her family to a more multicultural neighborhood, and began investing in those around her.
Shannan is very real, open and honest. If you think that choosing to live this way is easy and pain free..it is not. There are real hurts, real tears and lots that you'd like to help that perhaps you can't. You could invest and never see an immediate return..but that's what makes the sacrifice sweet amongst the bitter.
I enjoyed the lyrical way Shannan writes, as she sees her neighborhood with new eyes--ones that seek the good, the beauty stuck in the middle of concrete, the pain and needs. The choice to watch without participating versus rolling up your sleeves and getting dirty is one we can all make. Why complain, why feel lonely and see others struggling with the same issues you are? I plan on sharing this book with those I love and feel honored to be an early reader.
I received an early reader copy and chose to review. All opinions are my own.
Guess what? You already are a missionary, if you choose to serve the people right around you! Open your eyes to the ministry of the ordinary, as shared by Shannan in this articulate, engaging read. She shares many personal stories of what happened when she took off her blinders, relocated her family to a more multicultural neighborhood, and began investing in those around her.
Shannan is very real, open and honest. If you think that choosing to live this way is easy and pain free..it is not. There are real hurts, real tears and lots that you'd like to help that perhaps you can't. You could invest and never see an immediate return..but that's what makes the sacrifice sweet amongst the bitter.
I enjoyed the lyrical way Shannan writes, as she sees her neighborhood with new eyes--ones that seek the good, the beauty stuck in the middle of concrete, the pain and needs. The choice to watch without participating versus rolling up your sleeves and getting dirty is one we can all make. Why complain, why feel lonely and see others struggling with the same issues you are? I plan on sharing this book with those I love and feel honored to be an early reader.
I received an early reader copy and chose to review. All opinions are my own.
July 15, 2020
4.5 stars, rounded up
Took my time with this one, just reading 1-2 chapters each morning during my quiet time over a hot mug of coffee, and somehow that felt so appropriate considering the lovely cover of mismatched hanging mugs. And it just felt like I had pulled up a chair at Shannan's breakfast table and she was telling me stories and I was asking questions and she was sharing wisdom and we were just being.
I have SO many little dog-eared pages (I know, cringe, but I did it!) and am going back and highlighting and book-darting the passages I want to remember and refer to later. There are so many moments and sentences worth holding onto for the long haul, but my favorite might just be a passage towards the end where she talks about endurance and this race that we are running in the faith and she refers to "obedient surrender" and sticking it out for the long haul "until the good stuff begins." I appreciated Shannan's frankness, her off-beat, quirky personality, the grace she extends to anyone walking by her door, and the way in which she wrote about the tangible ways you can show Christ's love to those around you; especially the ones who most need it and the ones who are most resistant to His call.
My Pastor often says that "the church is a hospital for the sick and not a museum for the saints", and I feel this book gave real credence to those words and those feelings.
Lord, may it be so! Have your way.
Took my time with this one, just reading 1-2 chapters each morning during my quiet time over a hot mug of coffee, and somehow that felt so appropriate considering the lovely cover of mismatched hanging mugs. And it just felt like I had pulled up a chair at Shannan's breakfast table and she was telling me stories and I was asking questions and she was sharing wisdom and we were just being.
I have SO many little dog-eared pages (I know, cringe, but I did it!) and am going back and highlighting and book-darting the passages I want to remember and refer to later. There are so many moments and sentences worth holding onto for the long haul, but my favorite might just be a passage towards the end where she talks about endurance and this race that we are running in the faith and she refers to "obedient surrender" and sticking it out for the long haul "until the good stuff begins." I appreciated Shannan's frankness, her off-beat, quirky personality, the grace she extends to anyone walking by her door, and the way in which she wrote about the tangible ways you can show Christ's love to those around you; especially the ones who most need it and the ones who are most resistant to His call.
My Pastor often says that "the church is a hospital for the sick and not a museum for the saints", and I feel this book gave real credence to those words and those feelings.
Lord, may it be so! Have your way.
October 9, 2018
This is NOT just a book written by a woman for women. I am a high school football coach who found Shannan’s writing challenging and hard-hitting. I have read over 50 books this year and this is by far the most impactful one to date. So start a pot of coffee take a seat in the recliner put your feet up and dig in.
We have lost the art of neighboring due to many things like garage doors and air conditioners. We pull into our drive way with our windows up push a button pull inside of garage, without ever having had a conversation with those in proximity to us.
Men, we need to read this book! We need to learn to be better neighbors, “to bloom where we are planted” to quote Clemson football Coach Dabo Sweeney and Shannan lays out the groundwork on how do this.
Scripture says eleven different times that we are to love our neighbor. That is hard to do if he don’t know them. So when you are finished thaw out some meat start up the grill and invite those neighbors over for a barbecue.
We have lost the art of neighboring due to many things like garage doors and air conditioners. We pull into our drive way with our windows up push a button pull inside of garage, without ever having had a conversation with those in proximity to us.
Men, we need to read this book! We need to learn to be better neighbors, “to bloom where we are planted” to quote Clemson football Coach Dabo Sweeney and Shannan lays out the groundwork on how do this.
Scripture says eleven different times that we are to love our neighbor. That is hard to do if he don’t know them. So when you are finished thaw out some meat start up the grill and invite those neighbors over for a barbecue.
October 8, 2018
WARNING: You will have a hard time finishing this book. I couldn't read an entire chapter without putting the book down to text someone I was concerned about, invite someone to dinner or help a neighbor in need.
This book made we want to make my world smaller and dig deeper into the community literally just outside my door. The author outlines the beautiful (yet not so easy) mission of living your every day with heart and eyes wide open to serve with what you have right now. No large donations of money, huge commitments, or far-flung plane trips to remote villages required.
Favorite Quotes:
- What if we all made a pact to not invite anyone to church if we hadn't already invited them over for a meal?
- In these years of discovery, it's become clear that the smaller my world and my work become, the more grounded I am in God's vast kingdom.
- Attentiveness is prayer breathed at street level, I once heard someone say. I was starting to believe it.
This book made we want to make my world smaller and dig deeper into the community literally just outside my door. The author outlines the beautiful (yet not so easy) mission of living your every day with heart and eyes wide open to serve with what you have right now. No large donations of money, huge commitments, or far-flung plane trips to remote villages required.
Favorite Quotes:
- What if we all made a pact to not invite anyone to church if we hadn't already invited them over for a meal?
- In these years of discovery, it's become clear that the smaller my world and my work become, the more grounded I am in God's vast kingdom.
- Attentiveness is prayer breathed at street level, I once heard someone say. I was starting to believe it.
December 19, 2024
This is a special book. I want to see and love people the way God sees and loves me. Most times that means we have to sacrifice our own comfort and time. Shannan Martin wrote this book in such an encouraging and prompting way. She does life with her neighbors and cares for them in a way that reflects Jesus.
“Persistently I neglect to love God with my whole heart, yet his eye remains glued to his sparrow. He’s right here, out on a limb with us when he could have just watched us from the sky.” (pg.158)
“Persistently I neglect to love God with my whole heart, yet his eye remains glued to his sparrow. He’s right here, out on a limb with us when he could have just watched us from the sky.” (pg.158)
November 21, 2023
This is a departure from my usual literary fare, but it was worth it. In order to meet my final reading challenge prompt, I needed to read an author with the same name. I chose Shannan Martin and I’m glad I did. The Ministry of Ordinary Places was a great reminder to practice gratitude and compassion in every aspect of our lives no matter where we are - physically, spiritually and mentally.
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