Mike McNichols has created a marvelous fable about evangelism, spiritual formation, faith community, and ministry leadership in The Bartender. This is a study guide to that book. It was written by one who has led several discussion groups on The Bartender and who discovered that readers found it deeply fascinating. The issues it raises are so relevant to many contemporary conversations about how those who believe intersect and interact with those who may not . . . or those who do but don't know they do yet. Mike McNichol's choice to discuss these issues in the context of a fable made them accessible in ways that a more didactic approach would not have. As a result, this guide has been adapted for the use of a more general audience. Specifically, it's been formatted into twelve sessions for those who would wish to read, discuss it, and practice its principles together over a defined period of time. Of course, it can be adapted for other schedules and formats. Whether you're reading this on your own or as part of a group, The Bartender's Assistant is a helpful guide for the journey.

Anthony L. (Tony) Blair is a faculty member in leadership studies for Eastern University, Philadelphia. He is also co-senior pastor of Hosanna! A Fellowship of Christians in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. He is the author ofFire Across the Water: The Transatlantic Dimensions of the 18th Century Presbyterian Revivals (2010) andChurch and Academy in Harmony: Models of Collaboration for the Twenty-First Century(2010).