Every time I hear JR. speak, he delivers. Few people combine intellect, practicality, and humor like JR. — Rev. Sam Barber, Central Church of the Nazarene, Kansas City, KS
We’ve been talking about Jesus for 2,000 years. Finding a speaker who can present the good news about Jesus in a way that feels fresh, new and exciting isn’t easy. As a teaching pastor, I’m responsible week in and week out to craft theologically sound, biblically-faithful messages that engage people where they are, in the middle of their every day lives.
I’m honored you’d consider bringing me to your church, organization or event. I hope this page will help you decide if I’d be a good fit. Below you’ll find:
- What you can expect
- A little more about me
- Some messages to sample
- What others say
- The next step: Contact me!
What You Can Expect
JR. brings the gospels to life in a way that is rare in today’s Christian culture but so needed and beautiful. — Ashley Williams, Digital Brand Manager
- Prompt response and flexible scheduling: I’ll contact you within 48 hours of receiving your email.
- A phone-consultation to ensure I understand how I can best serve your organization or event.
- Social media engagement around the event (primarily Facebook, Twitter and Instagram)
- Professionally-developed message(s) designed to engage, inspire and challenge your audience.
- A brief follow-up consultation to ensure I met your expectations.
A Little About Me
From movies to music, his writings are run through with the assumption that if God has spoken to and through His creation, then it is our job to look for his presence. — Tom Fuerst, Christ United Methodist Church – Memphis
Since I was a kid, I’ve loved both Jesus and pop culture.
I never saw a distinction (even though people kept telling me there was). I read as much as I can – both fiction and non-fiction. I watch TV and films. I’m captivated by stories. And as I grew older, as I pursued my education, I began to learn that these stories all try to teach us something. They want to convey a worldview. And when we don’t understand how they try to shape us, we’re at their mercy.
I’m an ordained pastor in the Church of the Nazarene, which is a Wesleyan-Holiness denomination. I’ve been in full-time ministry for more than fifteen years, working with youth, college and young adults before becoming a teaching pastor. Today, my responsibilities include crafting sermon series, developing the content, writing messages and mentoring other communicators in my congregation.
I’ve been blogging and podcasting for nearly as long as I’ve been a pastor. I’m convinced that if Jesus had come today, his announcement of God’s Kingdom would be filled with pop culture, just like it was when he came 2,000 years ago. Jesus tore down the walls that separate people from God. He left heaven to become one of us. He spoke our language. Jesus didn’t couch his announcement in religious language and abstract theology. He talked about farmers. Fathers. Fish. (And plenty of stuff that didn’t start with an F, too.)
Our announcement of the good news about his resurrection should be the same today.
We shouldn’t hide inside our church buildings, behind our abstract theological language. Jesus’ resurrection rewrote the fabric of our universe. And that matters down to the smallest detail of our everyday lives. God’s kingdom is real. Jesus’ new life is closer than we think.
So I find the stories our culture is telling. And I find the truth God has inspired in those places. Introducing those stories to the story of the Scriptures, the story of the Church, creates fresh, life-giving conversations that just about anyone can connect with. Because it’s practical, relevant and theological. It’s God, closer than you imagined and everywhere you look, inviting us all to join in the restoration of all things.
I love helping people find God already at work where they already are.
My Messages
No topic is too challenging for JR. to begin a conversation, asking questions which lead to further exploration of any subject, leading to a new perspective. — Becky Brown, New Life Ministries
JR. Forasteros - May 21, 2017
The Act of Killing
In the face of unspeakable evils in the world, how can we respond? Peter challenged early Christians to remain faithful to live out the story of Jesus. How does that make a difference? How can the Jesus story lived out in our lives be a path of resistance? And how does the resurrection make that resistance possible?
From Series: "Best of JR. Forasteros"
A collection of my best sermons.
More From "Best of JR. Forasteros"
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What Others Say
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You'd think that someone with such a substantive beard would be hard to understand. Far from it. JR.'s theological knowledge, pop culture awareness, and earnest nature make him an engaging speaker you want to listen to.
Editor at FaithVillage.com and Author of The Gospel According to Breaking Bad
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JR. is a great storyteller, weaving pop-culture, our stories and God's story into a life-changing message. God is using JR. in powerful ways to connect, encourage, and challenge his listeners.
Lead Pastor, Journey Church of the Nazarene
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JR.'s ability to draw out Truth with intelligence and relativity to the culture has impacted my life. No topic is too challenging for JR. to begin a conversation, asking questions which lead to further exploration of any subject, leading to a new perspective.
Club New Life Coordinator, New Life Ministries
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JR. Forasteros is not to be trusted. I came onto his website just to read about my favorite shows and movies, and instead I'm taught how to critically evaluate them and discover where Christ is present in them? Bah. I'm going back to TMZ.
Director of Chi-Alpha Internationals, University of Missouri
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Since first hearing JR speak, he has always been a favorite of mine. He brings the gospels to life in a way that is rare in today's Christian culture but so needed and beautiful.
Digital Brand Manager, Catalyst
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JR. is a gifted speaker. He challenges me to see things in fresh ways, while at the same time relating his messages to everyday life.
Author, DOON series
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JR. teaches in such a way that the listener is compelled to reflect upon how the gospel is being lived out through his or her own life. JR.'s ability to design a message to meet people where they are is amazing. I've never been disappointed.
Momma, Blogger, Writer
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JR. passionately believes God is involved in everyday life. From movies to music, his writings are run through with the assumption that if God has spoken to and through His creation, then it is our job to look for his presence. No one does it better than JR.
Teaching Pastor, Christ United Methodist Church - Memphis
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JR. is a master in the art of teaching. His carefully prepared words have the power of a cello solo in the park mixed with a rock concert on a summer night. His genuine care for his audience inspires custom creations that both teach and provoke action.
Liturgical Artist and Musician
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Every time I hear JR. speak, he delivers. Few people combine intellect, practicality, and humor like JR. He embodies what he proclaims and that makes him an effective voice in our culture.
Lead Pastor, Shepherd Church of the Nazarene
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JR. is the most worthy intersector of culture and theology. He is prolific and provocative without losing respect nor being disrespectful. Read him, you'll love him too.
United Theological Seminary
Take the Next Step
JR.’s genuine care for his audience inspires custom creations that both teach and provoke action. — Anthony Mako, Liturgical Artist and Musician
If you think I’d be a good fit for your organization or event, just fill out this form and I’ll contact you right away!