Don’t Miss Happy Hour – Hugh Halter’s Newest Book
The newest book from Hugh Halter arrived this week. I’ve loved every one of his previous books (especially Flesh: Bringing the Incarnation Down to Earth) and couldn’t wait to see this one. Happy Hour: Etiquette and Advice on Holy Merriment is a simple book–just 58 pages–“that will give you a little theology, a little missiology, a ton of stories, and all the best practices of how to throw a party Jesus would want to being his friends to (p. 11).”
Happy Hour is a very inspiring read with an introduction and five short chapters:
- Party as Sacrament: The Theology and Missiology of Party (You may have never thought about it in quite this way, but true hospitality is a central element of Jesus’ gospel culture.)
- Public House: How to Party at Home (Tremendously practical, this little chapter is packed with ideas and tips on how to make your home a warm and inviting place where people feel welcome.)
- Party Favors: It’s 5:00 Somewhere (This chapter includes a great set of options when it comes to the kind of party you might throw. Happy hour, liming, pot luck, and dinner club are all options and each are different.)
- Party Killers: How NOT to Cross the Line (What about alcohol? This is a really practical chapter written to help you navigate the space between “set apart” and “sent.”)
- The Last Call: The Best Party I’ve Ever Thrown (This is my favorite chapter because it explains the real goal of the party. “For me (the goal) is simple–people will want to party again. I’ve come to realize that the spiritual growth of any person is a long process. The conversion of the heart and soul never happen overnight. People find God because they first have God’s people. Belonging therefore leads to believing, so the party is the pathway for social and spiritual connection (p. 54).”
Happy Hour is available in bundles of 5 because it really is the kind of book you’re going to want to read “with friends, small groups, or a church plant team.”
Please don’t miss this one. I have to tell you, I love this little book! I’ve added it to the short list of must-reads for anyone who hopes to connect with neighbors and co-workers in the 21st century (along with The Next Christians, The Art of Neighboring, and a few others).