Ebook
Somewhere in Christian history we picked up the lie that it is good to suppress excitement. We, as the church, carry with us the regurgitated message that our authentic joy is a "distraction," that it's bad for our brothers and sisters to see or be around. But how can our honest displays of his glory be outlawed? How can our authentic responses of adoration be bad? Reflecting God's character and shining for him is often seen in the church as a selfish act. Yet, we are called to join with creation in boldly declaring the glory of God and worshiping him according to his greatness.
Big God, Big Glory shares with readers a heavenly and biblical perspective on how to be free, not suppressed; fulfilled and wholly alive--all for the glory of God.
“If you have never permitted yourself to freely express your praise to God, Big God, Big Glory might be the biggest little book you have ever read.”
—Ray Hughes, author of Sound of Heaven, Symphony of Earth
“In her book Big God, Big Glory, Kendall Hoeft shares her passion for worshipping God authentically and artistically, and she calls us to join her. The book pushes us to examine boundaries in praise expression and to study the Bible to know whether they should exist as we in the North American church are accustomed. Using this springboard for thought, we can dig into a fuller understanding of how our ‘Big God’ does indeed require ‘Big Glory.’”
—Karyn Smith, educator
“Creatives see things that others don’t. And sometimes they see more clearly. Big God, Big Glory separates the wheat from the chaff and shines a light on the good in Christianity and following faith, all while giving grace and still gently shoving aside the kelp on the oar of the church. Every believer should read this, not just the artists.”
—Austin Biel, artist coach/producer
“This book will help us all to release our preconceived limitations of both God and ourselves, freeing us to explore our true identities—something much needed in the twenty-first century evangelical church landscape.”
—Kathleen McGuire, poet
“God has filled our believing hearts with His indescribable presence, pure love, and diverse gifts of the Spirit. I pray for the body of Christ to move beyond a somber worship performance and instead boldly rise up in praise and adoration to enjoy and glorify our Creator with everything He has placed within us. Big God, Big Glory is a breath of fresh air as it speaks the truth in love.”
—Mary L. Haley, pastor, Connect2Christ Church
“Like a butterfly struggling to emerge, Big God, Big Glory is Kendall Hoeft’s honest and raw-penned journey to express her freedom as she longs to soar in the glory of the presence of God.”
—Yvonne Diez Peters, author of Beyond the Dance
“Kendall Hoeft gives a transparent, heartfelt account of her journey to find space to worship and glorify God with all her might as a creative artist. Her desire to be a Holy Spirit-inspired, Bible-based extravagant worshipper provides a challenging read! Hoeft moves us to partner with a creative God and to think on how to encourage creatives to reach and influence our culture with his light.”
—Mary Hauck, co-founder and co-director, School of Worship Arts Training
“If you have a passion for worship or are intrigued by the concept of expressive worship within the church, then this book is for you. In a culture that often stifles both mourning and celebration, this book provides biblical permission and validation to boldly step out in faith, in our worship and beyond, to bring our big God big glory. After all, we will be worshipping Him forever.”
—Nanette Boyer, director, Nanette Boyer Ballet Studio
“Kendall Hoeft’s depiction of childlike faith, joy, and wonder is a breath of fresh air. May you be fired up to approach God with the same childlike tenacity Hoeft writes about, and receive back the same freedom as you read!”
—Tehillah Hartmann, founder, Being Salt Co.
Kendall Hoeft earned an MFA in creative writing from the University of Tampa and a BS in music performance, with a minor in biblical studies. She teaches writing online for Florida International University and on campus at Seattle Pacific University.