Pilgrim Band

""Tom Bandy's magnificent book takes its readers on a spiritual journey in the three stages: foundation, journey, and spirit, and develops a groundbreaking blueprint for shaping Christian community in the twenty-first century under the title 'pilgrim band.' A pilgrim band is 'a mobile, adaptable, and purposeful partnership holding one another accountable for spiritual growth and holistic health.' This new form of a spiritual community replaces traditional forms of Christianity and realizes itself--following Paul Tillich--as a religion of the concrete Spirit in everyday life and in mutual mentoring on the journey through time."" --Christian Danz, Institute for Systematic Theology and Religious Studies, University of Vienna ""Thomas Bandy has his finger on the pulse of the moment. It will be needed even more in the future. International forces of political domination, economic inequality, and social isolation are not going anywhere. Rather than criticize them by rehashing old debates, hope should be placed in smaller unexpected communities leading to genuine human flourishing. Local bands may not look familiar but refreshing alternatives to institutional breakdowns are just what the world needs."" --Benjamin J. Chicka, Senior Lecturer of Philosophy and Religion, Curry College ""With prophetic punch and poetic precision, Tom Bandy maps the migration from religious institutions to spiritual pilgrimage. His 'pilgrim band' concept isn't just another church growth strategy. It's a GPS for discipleship in a world of spiritual nomads. Blending ancient pathways with digital highways, Bandy shows how mutual mentoring creates liminal spaces where Spirit moves, and transfiguration happens. A must-read for anyone thirsting for authentic companionship in our twenty-first-century culture with our twenty-second-century kids."" --Leonard Sweet, author of Designer Jesus ""Pilgrim Band is a profound and timely reflection on the future of faith in a rapidly changing world. Bandy masterfully weaves personal insight, theological depth, and cultural analysis to offer a compelling vision of spiritual mentorship and companionship that promises to bring hope in a time of anxiety and chaos. A powerful resource for seekers, mentors, or those who are curious about an approach to the life of faith that is both new and ancient."" --Thomas Barlow, Gerald L. Schlessman Professor in Methodist Studies, Iliff School of Theology ""Bandy provides an analysis that highlights the perennial human need to feel connected with the sacred. He describes how, as our inner compass seeks guidance and growth, we often find a resonance with someone who becomes our mentor. Together, and often with others in similar relationships (our Pilgrim Band), we move as one toward a deeper harmony. He suggests it is this, not the institutional church, that underlies the significance and inevitability of worship."" --Sharon P. Burch, Board Chair, Interfaith Counseling Center