Dying to Learn How to Live

I like Steve Sjogren. For those of you who don't know, Steve is the pastor of a Vineyard church that decided to demonstrate that "Small things done with great love will change the world." In his book, Conspiracy of Kindness, which was written about ten years ago, Steve told the story of how his congregation began to practice "servant evangelism." Along the way hundreds have become followers of Jesus and the Cincinnati Vineyard Church grew to several thousand. At a pinnacle of his pastoral ministry Steve suffered a devastating medical accident and nearly died. I read an advanced copy of his new book, The Day I Died. This is one very engaging story. Not only does it tell the story of Steve's illness and recovery, it chronicles his encounters with God, and with angelic visitors. In the seven minutes that Steve's heart was stopped on the operating table he heard the audible voice of God. In a loving and accepting way, this voice like "the voices of a hundred friends", took Steve "to the woodshed". God taught Steve several life lessons that are universally applicable. Lessons about relationships and how to live life are explored in each chapter. I found the book both entertaining and inspirational. Hopefully Oprah will invite Steve to be a featured guest on her program in the near future. But for now our interview with him that is this month's cover story will have to suffice. With the publication of the book will come the launching of a new website that is still in preview status. If you are fearful of death or exploring questions about God and life, The Day I Died, will be an important part of your exploration.