|
Word Alive Press interviewed Stewart to learn more about his book and the culture of encouragement it is creating.
- Encouragement is a very common word. What is so unique about the concept of encouragement in your book?
 The common idea of encouragement often reduces it to an action that speaks to our ears. But, real lasting encouragement finds itssource in God and speaks to our hearts! This kind of encouragement requires the reader to relate intimately with the Lord and motivates him/her to continuously draw encouragement from God and impact the lives of others around him. Biblical examples of this include Jonathan in I Samuel 23:16 and Barnabas in Acts 11:23.
- Why did you write this book?
We live in a self-centered world and many people live much of their lives in a very surface or superficial way. Many of us are too busy and too focused on ourselves to seek God deeply or to make a conscious effort to understand the heart and deeper needs of others in our churches, work places, community or even in our marriage and family! Majesty in Motion seeks to get the reader’s attention and consider a “new” Biblically based paradigm of encouragement, then practice the process as outlined and help create a real culture of encouraging thoughts, attitudes, words and actions in their relationships.
- How would you describe an intentional encourager?
An intentional encourager is a person who is determined to live beyond their comfort zone by loving God deeply, approaching others eagerly and inspiring people to live holy and wholly for God. This does not happen automatically---the reader must be passionate in their actions to allow the Lord Jesus to encourage others through their life. The encourager is always willing to help someone to find strength and confidence in God (2 Chronicles 32:6.8).
- What do you mean by a culture of encouragement?
I am referring to a pattern of interaction between two or more persons, the atmosphere invoked by attitude, mind set and the commitment level between them. The likelihood of personal growth, fulfillment and the achievement of God-given potential is greatly increased in an atmosphere that is both lovingly affirmative and challenging.
- Endorsements for the book reveal great enthusiasm for Majesty in Motion. Why?
I believe that those who endorse the book see its value for all ages as they can use the contents to deepen and transform their relationships in marriage, family, church, community, and their work places.
(Please see below for a few endorsements from well-known Canadians!)
- Can you tell us a little bit about your writing process?
My style involves a mixture of teaching points illustrated by narrative or short story sections. Before I can write, I must have a recurring theme that has gripped my heart! Passion for my subject is essential! Then, I ask myself questions such as:
- Why is my theme important? Would it be perceived as valuable to potential readers?
- As I begin writing, I ask myself—would this story, description, phrase or word resonate with my intended audience?
- My plan is to use a pattern of weaving illustration, short story, questions and quotations into the book so that readers are motivated to apply its contents to their own personal life.
- As a Pastor and an Author, what advice do you have for other Pastors who are considering writing a book?
Identify specific themes that truly connect with your heart—determine ways in which you can “package” this material in a way that will relate to your target audience, and then inspire and equip the reader for everyday life!
- Here’s what people are saying about Majesty in Motion:
“I want to express my warm thanks…for your book Majesty in Motion. (It looks) inspirational.”
~ Prime Minister Stephen Harper
“Just skimming through (Majesty in Motion), I know that (my wife) Marie and I will enjoy reading it!”
~ Premier of Alberta, Ed Stelmach
“I really enjoyed the book, especially Psalm 37:7 (and) page 82. Thanks so much for the great book, you should be proud.”
~ Don Cherry, Hockey Night In Canada
This title is now available through Amazon, Chapters/Indigo and wherever fine Christian books are sold |
Stewart Brown is a pastor-teacher, seminar presenter and author. After being lead pastor of several churches across Canada, he now provides pastoral support at First Filipino Alliance Church in Edmonton, AB. There, he teaches courses, classes, preaches and encourages others to grow deeper into an intimate relationship with God. Part of his time is spent as a guest speaker and seminar teacher in other locations. He has received enthusiastic reviews from churches such as Centre Street Church in Calgary after seminars on the theme of developing intentional encouragers.
