Living as an outsider may not seem to spark joy. But Patrick Miller and Keith Simon show us how we find joy when we follow Jesus on the margins of our disorienting culture. Their message counters so much of the fear and loathing perpetuated in politics and media. They offer practical hope for every Christian in this engaging, accessible book.

Collin Hansen, vice president for content/editor-in-chief, The Gospel Coalition; host, Gospelbound podcast

This is a needed book in our day. In a time when Christians are often unaware of our own gifts and callings or find it easy to chastise brothers and sisters with different gifts and callings, this book provides helpful handles—a broad overview of orientations and traits—that can help God’s people together fulfill our mission. A resource full of wisdom and grace.

Trevin Wax, vice president of research and resources, North American Mission Board; visiting professor, Cedarville University; author, The Thrill of Orthodoxy

Patrick Miller and Keith Simon have written a timely and practical book for readers to embrace living in the unresolved tension of our present-day metaphorical Babylon. Joyful Outsiders offers a fantastic way to engage the culture around us—not by becoming “insiders” but by in fact becoming more like Jesus in his role as an outsider. I found myself excited to consider how I could move into the various outsider roles of the trainer, the advisor, the artist, the ambassador, the protester, or the builder while learning the pitfalls of each. This book will fortify your spirit and invite you to reframe cultural tension as beautifully ripe with possibility. As Miller and Simon tell us, “Babylon is everywhere, and Jesus has given you the responsibility of cultivating good within it.” You’ll love this book and will want to read it with others as you seek to cultivate good right where you are.

Heather Holleman, PhD, speaker; professor; author, The Six Conversations: Pathways for Connecting in an Age of Isolation and Incivility

Following and embodying the way of Jesus in our fractured world often feels like a futile, fruitless endeavor. But as Dietrich Bonhoeffer reminded us, “When Christ bids a man come, he bids him come and die.” How do we do this? Joyful Outsiders offers us a prophetic and pragmatic way forward. Rather than providing a rigid set of to-dos, Miller and Simon remind us that “[Our] exile is creative tension. It is holy improvisation.” This culturally astute and pastorally sensitive book is an important resource for all those who long to live the way of Jesus amid the idolatry of our modern Babylon.

Jay Y. Kim, pastor; author

This is a much-needed book! As Christians, we are living as exiles in Babylon, and there are many reasons why we should not feel at home in the world. Miller and Simon remind us that we are called to be good citizens, to love our neighbors and enemies, but we should never be shocked when our values are considered strange or even offensive to the world around us. ...