The Fools' Manual

by Lee Roorda Schott

An early reader of Foolish Church, a layperson, stood up in front of her church and said, “Every church person needs to read this, because we will learn a lot to help us as a church!” She grasped the point of the book: it’s about helping us do church differently.

If you’re foolish enough to want to try what Lee shares in Foolish Church, this fools’ manual will help you do so. It offers book and Bible reflections for each chapter, along with practice suggestions that will help you and your church practice being more authentic, more relevant, and more open. You’ll be invited to connect with others, using the hashtag #foolishchurch on social media, so that we all might learn together.

C’mon, all you church fools! We’ve got work to do.

74 pages, Paperback

Published September 19, 2019

Reviews

[Martha Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

For me as a church pastor, the words of Rev. Lee Roorda Schott’s book, FOOLISH CHURCH – MESSY, RAW, REAL AND MAKING ROOM, rang true. Sometimes church members ARE afraid to share their lives’ painful truths with those beside them in the pews; too often congregations choose caution over courage when facing community needs. Rev. Schott’s book offered a great invitation to move into real open-armed ministry with all people. But how to take that first step?
Enter Rev. Schott’s new release, A FOOL'S MANUAL, an engaging small group study showing how to move from concept to action. Using helpful discussion questions, scriptural reflection, and three levels of action possibilities, categorized as “small folly”, “more reckless” and “extreme foolishness,” even the most cautious group of good church folks would find the courage to become bolder – more foolish – with a little practice. This study can not only revitalize Christian discipleship, but has the potential to make the world a more loving place.
Rev. Martha Dalton Ward

[Janet Lynn]

The Fools' Manual provides a guide to facilitate discussions in the church about the book Foolish Church. As the book proposes some actions that may feel difficult, it is good to have support in discussing them together.

The most interesting chapters for me were Chapter 2 suggesting that the church is about relationships and Chapter 4 reminding us of the importance of healthy boundaries to build good relationships.

These two books provide good material to challenge us to think about how we welcome people into our churches and how we can go better, especially for those who don't look the part.

[Richard Colligan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic challenge!

This book + the Foolish Church book are dangerous-- they may change the way you think about what the church is for. Who knew prison congregations have so much to teach the wider church? Thank you, Rev. Lee!

[Linda Oleson-King · Rating 5 out of 5]

I encourage you to read this manual that is a companion to the book Foolish Church! It reminds us of the need to help others, whether in a church or in our every day lives! This book is well written and very relevant to the current challenges in our society!