5 Questions for Jon Brown

1. Why was it important to you to write MORE> Real?

Do you ever wish you could go back and tell the younger you all the things you know now? That’s kind of what MORE> Real is. It’s full of the things I wish I’d known 10 years ago but no one ever told me.

Over the past decade, I’ve wrestled with doubt, given up on my faith and then come back to God. I’ve experienced shame, the freedom of grace and the authenticity it leads us to. I’ve seen friends come to God and many more walk away. I wanted to write MORE> Real to challenge the misconceptions that cause so many to live frustrated lives, and cause people to give up on God.

In MORE> Real we take a raw and honest look at some of the most important (and often most awkward) aspects of following Jesus.

2. What has been your favourite part of the writing process?

A professor once told me, ‘The writings of a young man come back to haunt him.’ At 31 years old I’m not sure if I still count as young but that quote has continued to echo in my ears. When you’re young you think you know everything, but you really don’t. I’m acutely aware of just how much I need to think and pray through everything I put on paper. I’ve been conscious of how much I need the council of others and the guidance of God.

When something’s in print there’s no going back. Your opinions are out there, written for the world to see (or at least the 7 people who decide to buy your book). Knowing that reality forces you to seriously think through what you believe and what you’re passionate about. It’s been both daunting and exciting. It’s forced me to go deeper into what I believe and what I care about in such a unique and powerful way.

3. Which books have influenced you when writing MORE> Real?

Emotionally Healthy Spirituality – Peter Scazzero

I read this book after my brother told me that it changed his life. Scazzero discusses something that most churches don’t – emotions – and how we can harness them to live as followers of Jesus.

The Four Loves - CS Lewis

Some of this book is hard work but the chapter on friendship is great.

Ragamuffin Gospel - Brennan Manning

Manning explores how God’s scandalous grace enables us to be free from shame. I’m inspired by his vulnerability and his understanding of the kindness of God.

Making Sense of God – Timothy Keller

Keller’s understanding of our culture’s flawed philosophies and his explanations for why it’s plausible to believe in God is as laser sharp as always.

4. You’re also a blogger. How do you form genuine connections with your readers?

I’m not actually a blogger – but maybe one day! I do preach though and find that the best way to form genuine connections with listeners is:

- Be honest about the highs and lows of laugh – and laugh at yourself whenever possible
- Speak like a regular person and ditch any alienating religious jargon
- Tell lots of stories – especially ones that show how normal you are and how amazing Jesus is

5. You write about cultivating authentic relationships. How has doing this helped you in your own life?

If you’re giving off the impression to people that your life is sorted, you’ve got it all together, and your glossy Instagram photos are what your life is really like then you’re living a lie. It’s not only dishonest, it’s draining. Telling a false story is exhausting, as you constantly have to paint a picture that isn’t based on reality. But when you finally embrace the fact that your life isn’t perfect, and that at times you’re bored, and lonely, and insecure and struggling with your health or confidence or family or work, it’s such a releasing and freeing experience.