Friends,

This is the Introduction to a book I believe the Lord has directed me to write.  But, this is not just “my” book.  I think it is supposed to be “our” book.  I want your help – your suggestions, comments, affirmations, questions, etc.  And, most important, your prayers (I’ve never written a book before!)

What would it mean to write a book as a Community?  I’m not sure I know but let’s experiment with it. So, once you’ve read the Introduction, write your comments below.  I’m planning on sending out a chapter a week.  I’ll post it here so you can comment and also in the LK10 Newsletter.

Thanks for your help!

John

Transforming America

One household at a time

Introduction

If I were you, I would be skeptical about the title of this book. Transforming America. Really? Another book that makes an impossible claim. Sort of like the infomercials on TV that hype a product that will cure baldness, help you lose 50 pounds and enable you to leap tall buildings in a single bound.

Some people will be so skeptical that they will never even read the book. I totally understand that.

On the other hand, some people (perhaps you?) will be at least a little intrigued. At least enough to keep reading and consider a proposal I’ll make in Chapter One.

If you are with me so far, let me tell you what you can expect in this book.

First, I’ll begin with a proposed target or objective. My contention is that, if we could reach this target, we would see massive transformation in every area of life in America. I’ll explain in some detail what this target would look like and why I think it could be transformational on a large scale. You won’t have to wait long to find out what my proposal is. It’s in the first paragraph of the first chapter.

Second, you will find that this book is really two books. Book One is The “Why” Book. This is where I’ll unpack why you should consider engaging with my proposal. Book Two is The “How” Book. In this section, I’ll share with you simple, practical steps that will explain how you can engage if you decide to. You will also find that each Book is made up of short chapters of just one or two pages. This means there are several ways you can read.

• Some people will want to start with Chapter One, Book One and read straight through to the end of Book Two.
• Others will start reading The “Why” Book and almost immediately become curious about how this might be implemented (this is in The “How” Book). So, they will end up reading in two places at once. (This is probably what I would do.)
• Some will want to read through the larger book quickly. Others will read just a chapter at a time and then think about what they read for a day. Maybe talk with friends about the ideas. And, then go to the next chapter the next day.

The point is – engage with this book in the way that works best for you

As I mentioned, in The “How” Book, I’ll lay out some practical next steps. These next steps are not just theory. They have already been field tested by over 3000 people in ten countries. They are powerful and yet simple. Almost everyone who hears about them says, “I could do that!” And, they have shown to be self-propagating. Sort of like a benevolent virus that spreads from person to person. Something that multiplies and spreads spontaneously. Again, take a look and see what you think.

It will be clear that I’m writing as an American. I believe the proposal and principles in this book could transform America. However, if you are a citizen of another country, I believe they could transform your country also. To date, these principles have proven to be transcultural. We have stories of them being implemented in several different countries. Now, I recognize that there are huge cultural and spiritual difference between countries. However, I think that similar books could be written like “Transforming Germany” or “Transforming Uruguay” or “Transforming Kenya”, etc. Perhaps you will be someone who writes one of those books. Take a look and see what you think.

Finally, my writing grows out of relationship. First, my relationship with God. I believe He led me to write this book and He gave me two simple (you will see that word, simple, show up frequently in this book) “how tos”. “First, spend time listening to Me each morning. Pay attention to the “spontaneous thoughts” that come to you about what to write. Second, Write for 30 minutes (more if you want). Don’t worry about whether it is any good or not. Just write. We’ll clean it up along the way.” Those instructions have been immensely freeing for me!

The other relationships are the community I’m a part of.   Called the “LK10 Community”, this is a growing group of people around the world who are a starfish-type organization. (I’ll unpack this term in greater detail later in the book.) This means that they are connected by common DNA (values and practices) as opposed to a connection through some sort of organization hierarchy.

Some of these people I know “in the flesh”. Many more I am connected with virtually (Google hangouts, emails, LK10 Newsletter, etc.) And, more still I am connect with generationally. That is, we share the same DNA but we’ve never met. Someone in the LK10 Community has trained someone who has trained someone else and so on.

(Paul to Timothy) Those things you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men and women who will then teach others.[1]

Some of these people have helped write this book and I am deeply grateful to them. In a larger sense, this book is by and for the whole LK10 Community because they are field-testing on a daily basis the proposal that you will read about. I consider these friends to be a great treasure in my life. (Name names)

[1] 2 Timothy 2:2