Stand By Me

Sometimes you learn the most from the person least like you. Avis Douglass and her husband, Peter, have dreamed of selling his software business to finance a two-year mission effort to South Africa. But when the economy crashes, they’re suddenly faced with the real possibility of bankruptcy. When one of the co-pastors of SouledOut Community Church passes away suddenly, Avis and Peter are asked to step in and assist with the leadership of the church in the interim. But that creates an all-black leadership, fanning some subtle racial issues in their multi-cultural church. As tensions mount, they wrestle with returning to a traditional church where things would be easier.

Meanwhile, Kate Blanchard arrives in urban Chicago with three friends. Their vision of radically following Jesus-from dressing in second-hand clothing to trying to live green-only adds to the unrest at SouledOut Community Church. When Kate attaches herself to Avis as a mentor, her good heart but lack of wisdom drives Avis nuts. Before long, though, they’ll both realize that the body of Christ needs all parts-and Avis will see that she needs Kate’s joy in following Jesus as much as Kate needs Avis’s wisdom.