Through my college years, seminary years, and years as a doctoral student, no city name was typed more frequently on my keyboard than Grand Rapids, Michigan. I would be shocked to find out that any of the dozens and dozens of papers I wrote in theology and ministry classes lacked the name of Grand Rapids, Michigan in the Bibliography. Such is the reality of the impact of Christian publishing from Grand Rapids. It is easily the Christian publishing capitol, home to Baker Books, Zondervan, and William B Eerdmans, to name a few.
On Monday I was able to go to Grand Rapids for the first time. I flew into Grand Rapids where I was picked up by my new friend Ken Gentzler, Senior Pastor of the Harvest in West Olive, Michigan. We were both going to the Harvest Bible Fellowship’s Senior Pastor’s Retreat.
But since we had a few hours to kill before heading up to Camp Harvest, we decided to grab a bite of lunch then head over to the Baker Bookstore.
For dining we decided on a local establishment called Arnie’s, where I enjoyed a Bourbon St. Chicken Panini on Focaccia with an Oriental Chicken Salad. Most excellent! It was great getting to know Ken and hear what God is doing in his life. Ken pastors a church that recently transitioned into a Harvest Bible Chapel (www.gcwo.org).
Next we headed over to the famous Baker Book Store. I had heard about the incredible deals there since I was in college and being the bibliophile that I am, longed to go there someday. Seventeen years is a long time to wait, but I was finally able to fulfill my wish.
While there we ran into Joel Anderson, planter of the new Harvest in Orlando. We also crossed paths with, and introduced ourselves to, Jim Cymbala, pastor of the Brooklyn Tabernacle and author of Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire.
I could easily spend three full days in the Baker Book Store. Unfortunately, I only had about an hour. I also only had a limited amount of space in my luggage for any additional books. I found a few great deals and left with five good books.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
