Ten Letters

Ten Letters is one of the most profound, practical and deeply theological books I have read. Chris Russell in my view is a national treasure. He runs one of the least talked about but most exciting and significant Churches in Britain. These letters let you in on his secret. They show how the Church if it is to be missional must be intimate and pastoral. If it is to be authentic to the faith it must be local and spiritual. Above all Chris offers us a glimpse of an intelligent, mission orientated and Spirit led Church. These are letters to his friends but as we listen in we share in a vision of the future. But the really exciting thing is that this Church actually exists and it is in Reading!

Peter Ward, Professor of Theology and Ministry, King’s College London

In case I don’t return, whenever I fly anywhere I always write a letter to my children on the night before I leave. I tell them the things that I want them to know more than anything else; about my love for them, and about where this love comes from and how it shapes the universe. In this moving and beautifully written book Chris Russell goes several steps further and says in ten lovely letters the things he wants to say to people he has known and ministered to. His love of life, his vivid and rooted faith, his desire to share with others the things he has received come shining through. And although the letters are addressed to others, each one spoke to my heart too. I'm sure they will do the same for anyone who reads this book. There is a file in my drawer with all my letters to my children in it. I think I will add these ten letters as well.

Stephen Cottrell, Bishop of Chelmsford

These letters are honest, thoughtful, caring, engaging, informative, inspiring and life changing.

J John, evangelist