The recent Pixar animated movie Soul illustrates what happens when we are caught up into something. The movie uses the common language of being "in the Zone." Another word for this is being in the state of "play." Spiritual gifts, like speaking in tongues, are about normalizing a regular way to enter the zone or play of the Holy Spirit in a way that then empowers us for the rest of non-play life. Pentecostalism has exploded around the world, in part because people have direct encounters in play that empower them to act in new ways. This short work explores the nature of play and what happens in "the Zone."

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​​SHELBY T. BOESE works in church transition/revitalization/change management in Vancouver, BC. He has served as a lead pastor/teacher in three congregations, including launching a new site for a mega-church and church planting as a Christian & Missionary Alliance, district-appointed planter. He has held ordination in several denominations and continues to network across various boundaries for the broader church. He has been an adjunct instructor at Sioux Falls Seminary, and is a Kairos Affiliate Professor.

We need a book that offers a fresh look at the gift of tongues as it relates to God’s in-breaking kingdom over against the oppressive forces in our world today who seek to confine our imaginations. Few resources have offered a focused look at how this gift isn’t some mere oddity in Christian faith, but integral to the church’s formation in Christlikeness and mission. I hope to hold Shelby Boese’s book in hand as a guide in these areas of Christian faith.”
—Kurt Willems, pastor, podcaster, and author of Echoing Hope

"I found this work to be fascinating, creative, and a profound contribution to the field of both Pentecostal studies and postmodern thought.... A creative and persuasive argument and very well written.... Enjoyable to read for its contemporary relevance and uniqueness of argument."
-KYLE ROBERTS, vice president, dean, and professor, United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities

"Most of us in the church have at one time or another been captivated by the mystery of the spiritual gift of tongues. This book will move the conversation forward in how we understand and engage with this most interesting gift of the Holy Spirit. Shel Boese is fresh, researched. and thoughtful, and I am most grateful for his contribution."
-BRUXY CAVEY, author of End of Religion

"Boese offers a bold contribution to the exciting field of contemporary Pentecostal theology.... Under Boese's insightful analysis, speaking in tongues-far from emerging as an academic embarrassment is recognized as one of the foolish things that confounds the worldly-wise: a divine gift that offers communal prophetic power wrapped in the appearance of weakness. As a fellow pastor-theologian, I highly recommend this book!"
-PAUL RHODES EDDY, professor, Bethel University, and teaching pastor Woodland Hill Church

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