When Faith Restores a Divided Town
Faithville: A Community Changed by James “Ken” Rushing tells the story of a small town fractured by decades of denominational differences. What could have remained a slow-burning divide instead turns into a powerful example of what happens when leaders choose collaboration over conflict. A suspicious couple stirs unrest, financial strain challenges the church’s future, and leaders wrestle with doubts about what direction to take. Yet within that struggle lies transformation—both for the community and for the individuals at its heart.
The book builds to a defining moment of change that captures its message of hope:
“First, we give to Him our tithes and offerings as giving back of a portion of what He has blessed us with. We give from the heart, knowing that God will use these gifts to provide us a place to worship and carry out our mission here on earth to serve and provide for others less fortunate. There are no strings attached to what we give. It was His, for He has already provided that for us. We return a portion to Him to be used as He sees fit. We give out of love for Him.”
— Faithville: A Community Changed, Chapter Six: Holy Cross Workshop, pp. 51-52
Faith, Conflict, and Renewal
What makes Faithville: A Community Changed compelling is how real it feels. Every community has its fractures—old grudges, rivalries, or theological disputes that linger long past their spark. In Faithville, these divisions reach a breaking point when outsiders introduce new tensions that expose the weaknesses already there. Rather than shying away from the hard truths, Rushing dives into how faith communities deal with internal conflict, the fear of change, and the messy process of moving forward.
The story doesn’t settle for easy fixes. It shows the long grind of church leaders trying to hold things together while financial challenges and distrust threaten to pull them apart. But then, slowly, a shift happens. Collaboration replaces competition. Healing begins where division once reigned. And that transition becomes the heartbeat of the book: renewal is possible, but only when people choose to set aside pride and work together for something greater.
A standout moment is the shift from inward focus to outward transformation. As Faithville embraces unity, the blessings extend beyond its walls. The story moves from division to testimony, reminding readers that renewal doesn’t just restore a church—it reshapes an entire community.
Dedicated Teacher and Worship Leader
James “Ken” Rushing is an adjunct professor of worship in Tampa, Florida. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Church Music from the University of Southern Mississippi, a master’s in music ministry from Southwestern Seminary, and a doctorate in worship studies from the Institute for Worship Studies in Jacksonville, Florida. Since being ordained in 1982, he has served churches across multiple states as a Music Minister, Worship Leader, Pastor, Administrator, and Vicar.
His decades of experience leading congregations and teaching worship deeply inform this book. Rushing writes not as a distant observer but as someone who has lived through the challenges and beauty of church life, bringing authenticity and depth to the story of Faithville.
Invites you to Change
Faithville: A Community Changed is a must-read for anyone who has wrestled with division in their own church or community. The book invites you to see how faith, when lived out with humility and determination, can turn conflict into blessing.
Faithville
A Community Changed
Grab your copy today—because every community needs a reminder that healing is possible.