Our relationships with God can be personal and private. But they don't have to be solitary; they can also be collective in both nature and scope.

Joel Kime's new book explores those extra-worldly relationships and the impacts that togetherness has on them.

"The book asks the question, 'What kind of togetherness produces flourishing?'" said Kime. "In American society, we've long had this emphasis on individualism. Individualism has its good sides, but it also has its dark sides, and it's also affected theology. We as individuals can have an individual relationship with God. But we can also work together to produce flourishing in our society. There are principles to help guide us that are so rich and healthy. I hope the book can inspire that, guide that."

Kime is the pastor of Faith Church, 2124 Old Philadelphia Pike, Lancaster. On Dec. 27, 2024, Kime released his first book, titled "Flourishing in Community: A Theology of Togetherness."

"As a pastor, each week, you're writing an essay in your sermon," said Kime. "I'm writing every single week because I try to preach through books of the Bible. If I'm doing a sermon, I try to write how I talk. Some writing requires more research and less personal opinion. I believe the preparation for writing is just as important as the writing itself. To me, the audience you're trying to reach makes a big difference in the writing style."

Kime's book was inspired by the dissertation "Flourishing Together: A Theology of Togetherness" he wrote in May of 2022 during the pursuit of his doctorate at Evangelical Theological Seminary, which was established in Myerstown, but is now part of Kairos University. Some of its writing dates back as far as 2019, but the book is also a product of classes and courses Kime has taught, feedback from friends and colleagues, editing and even some self-reflection.

"In many ways it was difficult," said Kime. "I think a lot of the writing was done under the pressurized deadlines of school. I thought it was very emotional at times when I had to edit multiple pages. But I think ultimately it made the book clearer and better. I wanted it to be for general population consumption."

"A lot of it was just editing over and over," he continued. "I had the most fun and enjoyment writing the stories in the book because it allowed me to be more creative." In the final portion of the book, Kime applies the preceding material to organizations.

"I grew up in a fairly standard Evangelical Protestant environment that emphasized an individual approach to theology," said Kime. "My parents have always been a wonderful example of togetherness."

In addition to his pastoral duties at Faith Church, Kime teaches Bible and theology courses at Messiah University and Lancaster Bible College. He also instructs ESL (English as a Second Language) courses through Conestoga Valley SEEDS and is part of Faith Church's worship team at the Lancaster County Prison.

"I want to sell as many books as possible," said Kime. "I believe in the message, and I believe it can make a positive impact on our society. The primary audience is Christian communities of all shapes and sizes. But I do think it could impact any organization in a positive way."

"I wanted it to become something more than scholars could read," Kime added. "Our society is conflicted in so many ways. A lot of it is ideological conflicts in churches. I believe there is a better way than that individualized approach. How can we together emphasize human flourishing? I hope the book makes a really positive impact in our culture."

"Flourishing in Community: A Theology of Togetherness" is 246 pages in length. The book was produced and released through Wipf and Stock Publishers. To purchase a copy of the book, search for "Flourishing in Community: A Theology of Togetherness" on http://www.amazon.com or http://www.wipfandstock.com.