From Pandemic to Renewal

"From Pandemic to Renewal is a timely and powerful book. Writing beautifully, persuasively, and vulnerably as he shares his own life experience, Chris Rice invites us into disciplines that help us learn to see and thus know the world in which we live. Only such seeing shaped by a lively spiritual and moral imagination can renew us, the church, and our world."

-Emmanuel Katongole, priest, professor, and pilgrim

"'For the first time in the eight decades since World War II, the entire world has been affected by the same devastating crisis at the same time.' These words written by Chris Rice highlight the unique moment we have journeyed through. But this moment—in a culture that quickly and mindlessly moves on—requires sustained reflection on the ways the global pandemic has shaped and continues to shape our lives. With clarity of vision and actionable practices, Chris powerfully explores the ways we are globally connected as well as the opportunities for renewal that are before us. This is a book we all need, every single one of us."

-Rich Villodas, lead pastor of New Life Fellowship and author of The Deeply Formed Life

"This is a book of honest, truth-seeking stories and practices emerging from and leading to a life of spiritual alertness. In a time when many of us are going numb, with consequences that can only be fatal on a massive scale, Chris Rice is throwing us a lifeline. Read this book slowly, in the company of others, to explore how the personal, relational, political, and structural dimensions of essential change connect for each one of us."

-Ellen F. Davis, Amos Ragan Kearns Distinguished Professor of Bible and Practical Theology at Duke Divinity School

"In this time of heightened turbulence, we sense that the world has irrevocably changed. And perhaps we have changed too: we feel unsettled and uneasy. In From Pandemic to Renewal, Chris Rice charts a course to embrace the disruption. We can't evade or outrun the pain, but in making the choice to move closer to it, we may paradoxically find the key to rebuilding what's broken, navigating disagreements without demonization, and addressing our world's biggest challenges with love. Chris believes there's never been a better time to make meaningful progress and seek the healing of nations—and by the time you've finished this book, you'll believe it too."

-Peter Greer, president and CEO of HOPE International and author of Mission Drift

"Chris Rice provides a way forward for those desiring to be a witness for Christ. He provides the mindset for those desiring to make their faith practical to the world around them. Do not read this alone; invite others to take the journey with you."

-Alvin Sanders, president and CEO of World Impact and author of Uncommon Church

"Chris Rice offers deep wisdom drawn as a widely read, engaged minister of reconciliation with broad regional, national, and global experience to help leaders and readers move From Pandemic to Renewal. Rather than another recitation of statistics and struggles, this book illustrates how the global Covid-19 pandemic exposed existing fractures and accelerated fast-moving changes. While many have been lost in lament, Rice seeks to help us remember that Christians do not grieve as those who have no hope. His vulnerability invites readers to enter his story with our stories, and his vision inspires us to lean in faith toward where God is leading. The practices Rice proposes can help us to overcome the pressures of the pandemic, find rest in the risen Christ, and find the strength to serve well."

-David Emmanuel Goatley, president of Fuller Seminary and professor of theology and ministry