To the Literary Midwives

Today my book, The New Copernicans: Millennials and the Survival of the Church, is born, January 16, 2018. It is a special feeling holding a copy of one's book in your hands for the first time. All authors know the feeling.

Pictures of the baby’s birth tends to put the emphasis on the swaddled face of the newborn or the tearful smiling sweat-streaked face of the mother. The cameras do not record the faces of all those who served as faithful midwives and obstetricians.

Before the moment passes, I want to thank all those on my Harper Collins publishing team that helped to make this book happen. There is Steve Moore of the Murdock Trust who first introduced me to Eric Swanson.

It was Eric who introduced me to Greg Ligon and Warren Bird from Leadership Network who in turn introduced me to David Moberg and LeeEric Fesko from Harper Collins Christian Publishing. I especially asked for a millennial copy editor, hoping for someone who would intuitively understand the argument. I was blessed with Karin Silver, who was able to make my turgid prose sing. And as we have moved closer to publication I have had the joy of working with Jessalyn Foggy and Joey Paul. I'm sure there are many nameless others.

All efforts are now focused on raising this baby up—and allowing it to develop its own authentic voice. This book simply points toward a new direction for the church. It only starts a conversation. I look forward to walking with others on this new shared pilgrimage of faith, doubt, and longing. So read the book and post your comments on Amazon Books or on my blog.

To those who on this launch day remain crowded in the birthing room, “Thank you!” Your professionalism and help in this project means everything to me.

And to those who wander and are spiritually frustrated and homeless, you are needed by the church now more than ever. We're listening. Welcome home. This book is for and because of you.

David John Seel, Jr.

Erdenheim Farm

Lafayette Hill, Pennsylvania

January 16, 2018