Average Joe - by Troy Meeder (Paperback)

About the Book

In this engaging book, Meeder blends stories about biblical characters and contemporary men to show that an "average-Joe" life, an "ordinary" existence, shapes a man's integrity, moral stability, resolve, and strength.

Book Synopsis

"What is happening to my life?"

Have you ever honestly asked yourself that question? As young boys, we dreamed of being pilots, firefighters, doctors, and cowboys. Now we're older, with a wonderful wife and kids, as well as a mortgage, a minivan, and a fulfilling but not-so-glamorous job. What happened? All the dreams that once inspired us have evaporated into traffic jams, computer screens, bills, and deadlines. Why is life so ordinary?

If you think your life is nothing special, take a look at it through God's eyes.

The revealing truth is that God chooses "ordinary," faithful men to do His most important work--regular guys like Peter the fisherman, David the shepherd, Stephen the waiter, Gideon the farmer, Paul the tentmaker, and even Jesus the carpenter. In this engaging book, Troy Meeder blends stories about biblical characters and contemporary men to show that an "average-Joe" life, an "ordinary" existence, shapes a man's integrity, moral stability, resolve, and strength.

The world desperately needs an army of "average Joes." Like you.

"Troy Meeder's heart-felt accounts from both his own personal experience and those of friends and family touch a raw nerve in your soul.... Average Joe reminds us that living a life focused on faith, family, and friends is what makes a man exceptional."
--Rick Wiggers, average Joe and account manager

Includes a study guide for use by men's groups.

Review Quotes

Praise for Average Joe

"In celebrating 'the average Joe' with remarkably compelling stories, Troy Meeder proves that there's really no such thing as an average Joe and that the closer he gets to Jesus, the less average any Joe will seem or be. Every man will be used greatly by God if he allows himself to be broken and shaped into the Lord's image, no matter how unheralded
his title or setting."
--Fred Stoeker, coauthor of Every Man's Battle

"Men love to succeed, and we run from anything that has a high probability of failure associated with it. Rather than heap a bunch of guilt on guys, Troy has collected stories and reflections that most men will relate to--and which inspire us to consider what we're living for. Sharing from his own life as an average Joe, Troy suggests ways we can reframe
how we're measuring success--and make the most of life. I'm really glad he wrote this book and will be giving a copy to each of my two college-age boys!"
--John Fuller, vice president, Focus on the Family

"Troy Meeder's heartfelt accounts from both his own personal experience and those of friends and family touch a raw nerve in your soul. More than once I found my eyes welling up--sometimes because of the sincerity of the story, other times because I realized it was me in the story. Average Joe reminds us that living a life focused on faith, family, and friends is what makes a man exceptional."
--Rick Wiggers, average Joe and account manager

"Troy Meeder speaks prophetically to God's favorite group of men, which He likes to use to foment spiritual evolutions: average Joes. This book echoes the blueprint in the book of Acts, where God fills and forms ordinary men with a powerful spiritual word for their time as well as liberates them from synthetic, broken male culture into an authentic, powerful life in Christ."
--Kenny Luck, president of Every Man Ministries, author of the God's Man Series, and men's pastor of Saddleback Church

"Troy Meeder nails it. Average Joe is a must-read for any guy who questions whether his life can make a difference in the world. Honest and straightforward, Troy reminds us that being 'average' does not equate with mediocrity and that with God nothing is impossible."
--Eric Close, actor, director, CBS

"Real heroes are desperately needed in our society today. Troy Meeder's book serves as an inspiration to any man who doubts his significance and desires to be a hero in God's eyes."
--Ryan Dobson, author, speaker, and host of Grounded Radio

"An excellent read--like having a cup of 'joe' with your best friend and being infused with hope and destiny! I know it is time for 'iron to sharpen iron, ' but this takes true courage. Troy Meeder dynamically opens this realm up in himself. Going through the study guide gave me the give and take I needed to feel as if Troy and I were truly looking into each other's heart. We men need to require more of ourselves, and this means we must take the chance and go deeper. After reading Average Joe, I face life with a new focus and purpose."
--Rafael Olgine, average Joe and safety specialist

"This book is dynamite! If you are an average Joe, Troy will biblically blow up the lie that your existence and your life are not significant. And if you think you're not an average Joe, then you have an even deeper problem! Either way, this book is strong medicine that counters diseased thinking. The best men's book I've read in a long time."
--Steve Farrar, speaker, author of Point Man

About the Author

Troy Meeder is co-founder of Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch, a non-profit facility for abused children and horses based in Central Oregon. After a career in corporate America, he served as a youth pastor. Troy's wife, Kim, is the author of Hope Rising, Bridge Called Hope, and Blind Hope--books that share stories of people dramatically influenced by their ministry. (www.CrystalPeaksYouthRanch.com)