Common Grounds: Conversations about the Things that Matter Most

by Ben Young, Glenn Lucke

“Brad, Lauren, and Jarrod sit around a table at Common Grounds, enjoying their weekly Sunday evening get-together. The three are old college friends and, like many of their classmates, they started their careers in Houston . . . they make time on Sunday evenings to catch up, laugh, and compare notes on life . . . ” Three friends all at different places in the journey. A Southern Baptist, a nonpracticing Catholic, and a non-believer all meet a retired seminary professor who becomes their Socratic guide to explore Christ’s teachings.

192 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2003

About the author

Dr. Ben Young is the senior pastor at Second Baptist Church, a diverse, multi-ethnic church with over 20,000 people attending weekly services online and on six campuses throughout the city of Houston. The author of several books, including Room for Doubt, Devotions for Dating Couples and Survive the Day, Dr. Young is also an adjunct professor at Houston Theological Seminary where he teaches homiletics, apologetics and practical theology.
Born and raised in the Carolinas before moving to Texas in 1978, Young was educated at Baylor University, Southwestern Theological Seminary and Bethel Theological Seminary in San Diego. Having hosted a nationally syndicated radio talk show for years and serving as chaplain for the Houston Astros, Dr. Young also enjoys surfing and practicing Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

Reviews

[Janice · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an interesting and thought provoking novel, with solid theological arguments and realistic objections. The characters are interesting and likable; the dialogue is thoughtful. Overall, I enjoyed it. I did, however find it a bit unsatisfying as it just sort of "ends" without any climax or resolution. I want to know more about these characters and how things turn out for them. I was also waiting for all the excellent doctrinal build up to finally reveal the Gospel, but it didn't get that far. I read that they were working on a sequel, but that was some years ago, and there is still no sign of it.

[DA · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love finding books that do not assume that Christians have all the answers. Even more, I love ones that help discuss the real issues that come up in everyday conversations among believers and non-believers.
This book is a fictional setting so some of the "I am not there yet" feeling is removed. You can find pieces of yourself in each of the characters.

[Katy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A book about sharing the gospel, using a story format of several characters who meet together and discuss issues of life. Has some good points.
Anyone want to borrow it?

[Tim Briggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for learning how to have dialogues with non-Christians.