“Sweet-hearted, funny, and honest, Churched had me reminiscing about the little boy searching for God that I once was…” —Dan Merchant, writer/director of Lord, Save Us From Your Followers Churched details an American boy’s experiences growing up in a culture where men weren’t allowed to let their hair grow to touch their ears (“an abomination!”), women wouldn’t have been caught dead in a pair of pants (unless swimming), and the pastor couldn’t preach a sermon without a healthy dose of hellfire and brimstone. In 1978, when Matthew Paul Turner was five, his family became sold-out members of an independent Baptist church, joining without any firsthand knowledge of Christian fundamentalism, only his parents’ sincere desire to follow God. In Churched, with wit and careful observation, he reveals the tenderness and grace that managed to seep through the cracks and a young man who, amidst the chaotic mess of religion, falls in love with Jesus. “Churched is funny, poignant, and surprisingly moving.” —Sara Miles, author of Take This Bread “A memoirist who doesn’t take himself or the world too seriously, but still writes profoundly and beautifully, Turner gave me a belly-laugh on almost every page.” —Lisa Samson, award-winning author of Quaker Summer, Embrace Me and Justice in the Burbs

Churched: One Kid's Journey Toward God Despite a Holy Mess

Biographies & Memoirs

Turner, Matthew Paul

Leaders & Notable People

Convergent

He spent his childhood trapped within the confines of countless bizarre, strict rules. And lived to tell about it. In this first-hand account, author Matthew Paul Turner shares amusing–sometimes cringe-worthy–and poignant stories about growing up in a fundamentalist household, where even well-intentioned contemporary Christian music was proclaimed to be “of the devil.” churched is a collection of stories that detail an American boy’s experiences growing up in a culture where men weren’t allowed let their hair grow to touch their ears (“an abomination!”), women wouldn’t have been caught dead in a pair of pants (unless swimming), and the pastor couldn’t preach a sermon without a healthy dose of hellfire and brimstone. Matthew grapples with the absurdity of a Sunday School Barbie burning, the passionate annual boxing match between the pastor and Satan, and the holiness of being baptized a fifth time–while growing into a young man who, amidst the chaotic mess of religion, falls in love with Jesus.

Every Life Has a Soundtrack. If you’ve ever had the opening bars of a song transport you back in time or remind you of a pivotal spiritual moment, Matthew Paul Turner’s honest—and frequently hilarious—musings will strike a chord. Straightforward and amusing, Hear No Evil is Turner’s “life soundtrack,” a compilation of engaging personal stories about how music—and music’s ability to transform—has played a key role in his spiritual life. Groove along on his journey as young evangelical Turner attends forbidden contemporary Christian concerts, moves to “Music City” Nashville, and dreams of becoming the Michael Jackson of Christian music. Cosmic and compelling, keen and funny, every page is a new encounter with the people, places, and experiences that have taught the music-editor-turned-author some new things about God, forced him out of his comfort zone, and introduced him to a fresh view of grace along the way.

Hear No Evil: My Story of Innocence, Music, and the Holy Ghost

Arts & Literature

In this inspired follow-up to her best-selling To Heaven and Back, Dr. Mary Neal shares untold stories about her encounters with Jesus and powerful insights about how the reality of heaven can make each day magnificent. Dr. Mary Neal's unforgettable account of the Chilean kayaking accident that took her life and sent her on a journey to heaven and back riveted millions of readers, and was on the New York Times bestseller list for more than a year, including several months at number one. But as she shared her story with audiences throughout the world, Dr. Neal realised she had more to tell, especially on the biggest questions, such as how does her story help others? And how does knowing that heaven is real change our lives here on Earth? In 7 Lessons From Heaven, Neal takes readers deeper into her experience, which includes encounters with angels, a journey to a "city of light," and what it was like to meet Jesus face-to-face. Even more, Neal shares how she was sent back with the absolute knowledge that the God we hope for-the one who knows us, loves each of us as though we are the only one, and wants us to experience joy in our daily life-is real and present. She offers practical insights and inspiration for how each of us can experience this God every day and begin living without regret, worry, anxiety, or fear.

7 Lessons From Heaven How Dying Taught

Religion & Spirituality

Neal, Mary C.

Christian Books & Bibles

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Books by Convergent

See the best price to sell, buy or rent books by the Convergent publisher. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Churched: One Kid's Journey Toward God Despite a Holy Mess

Churched: One Kid's Journey Toward God Despite a Holy Mess

Hear No Evil: My Story of Innocence, Music, and the Holy Ghost

7 Lessons From Heaven How Dying Taught