So How's the Book Coming?

I get asked that question a lot nowadays. In fact, I am nearly three-fourths done by virtue of the chapter count. I have no way of knowing how far I am toward being done by the number of pages, as I don’t really know how many pages there will be, until I am actually finished.

Below is a listing of the chapters, as I have them planned for now. In italics beneath the chapter title is a brief explanation of the contents of the chapter. Following that is a note in parentheses as to the status of that chapter. I have noted that the first eight chapters are "virtually finished" as these are never really finished until they are in the hands of the publisher. For example, I am currently contemplating a two page addition to the first chapter to address an issue that had been brought up in our small groups. And it seems like every time I read the draft over, I find a clumsy sentence to re-write, or a clearer way of saying something, or some other thing like that.

So then, here is my first progress report, and your first peek into "Going Forth in the Name".

GOING FORTH IN THE NAME

The Full-Time RVers’ Guide to Living the Christian Life on the Road
By Glenn Rivers

I. A New Phenomenon

An introduction to what it means to be a Christian in the full-time RV lifestyle.
("virtually finished")

II. "Following the Son" A Life in the Spirit

What it means to follow the Holy Spirit
("virtually finished")

III. What is "The Church?"

A brief theology of the concept of the "Universal" Church
("virtually finished")

IV. What is "A Church?"

The nature and functions of the local Church
("virtually finished")

V. Selecting a Local Church

Staying connected to the Body of Christ while on the road
("virtually finished")

VI. Bible Reading and Bible Study

Self-explanatory
("virtually finished")

VII. Prayer

Self-explanatory
("virtually finished")

VIII. Christian Literature

Self-explanatory
("virtually finished")

IX. Praise

The necessity of praising God
(almost finished)

X. Ministry

Everyone has one, what is yours?
(in progress)

XI. Stewardship

Being a faithful manager of what God has given
(in progress)

XII. The "Fishbowl" Lifestyle

In summary, living your life before the world
(in progress)

Planned appendices:
i. A one-year daily Bible reading plan for beginners, and re-beginners.

(In progress)
ii. A note to my Catholic friends (not yet written)

Also, please pray with me about selecting a publisher. The self-publishing industry is huge, and there are many out there to consider. I am particularly considering one secular publishing house that, for reasons I will not detail right now, seems to be an answer to prayer.

Let me say at this time how much I continue to appreciate your prayers and support. The enthusiasm and encouragement that I have received from all of you has been used by God to keep me going. Without you I could not have come this far. My goal is to have the book finished by the end of this year, and to have the editing done, and the finished product in the hands of the publisher by the time I get back to Adventureland next season. That will probably put a finished product out and available for sale by next May or June.

Thanks for your support, and thanks for sharing this moment with me today.