Resources

Books

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The Vinekeeper

he Vinekeeper is a reflective, narrative-driven exploration of the spiritual life — part fable, part discipleship journey. Through the story of James Porter, a man whose striving faith collapses into a quiet rediscovery of abiding in Christ, readers are gently guided through the seasons of spiritual growth: pruning, resting, and renewal.

When James’s life is interrupted by illness, he meets Thomas, an older gardener who introduces him to the way of the Vine. Their friendship becomes a living parable — showing how the Gardener transforms striving souls into rooted ones.

Drawing from John 15 and other abiding Scriptures, The Vinekeeper weaves story and reflection into a contemplative guide for readers seeking a slower, deeper faith.

Ideal for personal devotion, small group study, or pastoral use, this work continues the tradition of spiritual classics like The Pilgrim’s Progress and The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry — inviting believers to live as branches resting in the life of the Vine.

The Call Still Echoes: One Man’s Story, Every Believer’s Invitation

Two thousand years ago, on the shores of Galilee, Jesus looked ordinary men in the eye and spoke two simple words: “Follow Me.” They dropped their nets, left behind their old lives, and began the costly, transforming journey of discipleship.

That same invitation still echoes today.

The Call Still Echoes is a discipleship book woven through the story of Eric, a modern professional who seems to “have it all” but feels empty beneath the surface. His journey—through the pressures of work, the pull of distractions, the struggle to forgive, the discovery of community, the witness of workplace faith, and the fire of suffering—mirrors the challenges every believer faces in the 21st century.

With compelling storytelling and accessible teaching, each chapter parallels Eric’s story with the experiences of the first disciples, drawing on Scripture to show that following Jesus has always been disruptive, costly, and life-changing. Reflection and practice sections invite readers and groups to apply what they’ve learned, making the book not just a story to read, but a path to walk.

This book is for anyone who has ever wondered if there is more to life than success and comfort. It is for restless believers, skeptical seekers, and churches hungry for authentic discipleship.

The Road Still Leads: When Obedience Becomes our Path

In The Road Still Leads, Jon Barsness continues the journey begun in The Call Still Echoes, following Eric—a man still learning what it truly means to follow Jesus when the road grows long, the cost becomes real, and obedience leads into the unknown.

A year after rediscovering faith, Eric finds himself navigating a season of deeper surrender: his calling at work, his relationships, and his heart are each tested by the question—What happens when following Jesus means letting go of control?

Through woven stories of community, forgiveness, leadership, and faith under pressure, Eric’s discipleship journey reflects the tension every believer faces between comfort and calling. With the voices of those walking alongside him—Sam, Lindsey, Jake, and others—the story reveals how transformation unfolds not in grand moments, but in quiet acts of trust.

Blending rich storytelling with biblical reflection, The Road Still Leads invites readers to walk their own road of obedience—to discover that every surrender is not the end of the journey, but the beginning of becoming more like Christ.

At once heartfelt and practical, this book speaks to anyone seeking to live their faith authentically in the modern world—reminding us that obedience isn’t a destination, but a path that always leads us home.

The Road Home: Obedience Sends Us Out. Transformation Brings Us Home.

The Road Home is the moving conclusion to The Echoes Trilogy — a story of obedience, presence, and transformation.

After six months serving in the Philippines, Eric’s journey of following Jesus comes full circle. What began as an act of obedience becomes a deeper lesson in being. In a world that measures success by speed and scale, Eric learns that the truest form of discipleship isn’t about doing more for God — it’s about becoming more like Him.

Across oceans and through seasons of loss, renewal, and grace, The Road Home traces two converging stories: one overseas, one at home in a small Minnesota church. As Eric’s mission unfolds among local pastors and young believers, his friends in Minnesota live out their own quiet callings — mentoring, grieving, rebuilding, and rediscovering faith in the ordinary. When their roads finally meet again, both communities realize that home isn’t the end of discipleship — it’s where following keeps becoming.

Devotionals

Following The Way: A 52-Week Devotional

This devotional is designed for 52 weeks, following the rhythm of a year — spring, summer, autumn, and winter — mirroring the seasons of spiritual growth. Each week includes five simple movements:

1. The Fable – a short narrative from the life of Elias that connects to a spiritual truth.
2. Key Scripture – the words of Jesus or His followers that anchor the week’s theme.
3. Reflection – a devotional insight that connects Scripture and story.
4. Questions for Meditation or Small Group – prompts for journaling, prayer, or discussion.
5. Prayer of the Week – a brief prayer to shape your heart and language for the week ahead.

You may choose to read the fable on Sunday, reflect on midweek, and gather with others for prayer or conversation later in the week. However, you approach it, don’t rush. The goal is not to “finish the book,” but to walk with Jesus for a year — slowly, intentionally, and in community.

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