About the Book
"I love Jeff Frick. He's the rarest of humans, deeply loyal, deeply truthful, deeply loving. His new book on belonging is all these together! Jeff lives as unafraid as anyone I know. He steps into the hardest life situations and brings kindness and hope and God's presence. "Belonging" is his to write about because it's the battle of his life. People are crushed in loneliness and looking to find a pathway to light and true community. Who better to light a candle for us than Jeff who knows the deepest pain of rejection and loss, only to find his way to an unshakeable belonging to Jesus.
I have never left an encounter with Jeff without feeling lighter, richer, honored, and loved. It's what Jesus does through Jeff everywhere. He loves like Jesus loves, inviting but not demanding, embracing people in their confusion, and hurt. I so deeply respect the flow of what Jeff has written because everyone lives with unsolvable relationships that sap our value and confidence. We find ourselves paralyzed by meanness and favoritism, and then here comes someone like Jeff who has lived a journey that says, 'You can make it! Jesus has a way forward. And there is belonging for you that no one and no circumstance can ever take away from you.'
I encourage you, follow Jeff's journey to wholeness, and freedom from bitterness. It's a journey to joy! And thank you, Jeff, my brother, for the courage to tell the unvarnished story. This book is going to help so many find their way to their true home."
--- Steve Andrews, Founder of Kensington Church/Troy, MI
About the Author :
Jeff is a pastor, chaplain, teacher, mentor, pastoral care provider and an author. He lives with his wife Laura in Shelby Township, Michigan, and they have been married for more than 30 years. He is a father, a grandfather, a brother, a son, and a friend to many. He has served in various organizations over the years in the community in which he lives. Jeff is involved in discipling men in several churches, and currently has a home-based fellowship in Shelby Township where he serves as a pastor. Jeff's passions include reading, writing, teaching, mentoring, counseling, and discipling men. He is a life-long learner and shares his knowledge with the dozens he counsels and serves. He is also founder/president of GRAM (God Refines All Men, God Redeems All Men, God Restores All Men) Ministry. His ministry, of nearly two decades, has primarily been in small groups and one-on-one encounters.Many long-established spiritual leaders have poured into Jeff over the years. He believes this spiritual capital God has poured into him should be invested into the lives of others. Jeff spends his days encouraging men to receive the grace of our Father in Heaven and to trust Jesus, His Son, as their life source and purpose.
Review :
There are some books that are written for a contemporary cultural moment, and others written as a transcendent treasure. Pastor Jeff Frick, a dear friend, has contributed mightily to the latter. As the world pulls us apart, Pastor Jeff Frick instructs and encourages us that belonging will keep us together. Belonging properly situated in Christ. This is a must read, a necessary read!
--- Rev. Brandon Cleaver, Program Director of the Matthew 5:9 Fellowship
"'Identity Matters: The Power of Belonging' is a raw book that author Jeff Frick inserts the reader into each story, making it feel as if you're standing right next to him. You will be changed after reading this book. More importantly, you will know you belong to Christ Jesus." --- Brandon Jezdimir, Principal, Notre Dame Prep Middle School
Through learning the stories of others, we can now see the collateral damage of generational sin as well as the self-destructing ways we sabotage ourselves in response to our own pain. Jeff really creates a blueprint for helping others to break the cycle and become redeemed through the power of a relationship with Jesus Christ. It all starts withbelonging and knowing who we are and Whose we are. Our purpose can come from our pain if we see others as Jesus sees them. Not as problems to be fixed, but people to be loved with no judgment. Jeff has taught me that once we have belonging, we now can believe and become who God has called us into being. Let's go!"--- Tim Morton, FCA Fellowship of Christian Athletes/SE Michigan Multi-Area Director
Jeff reveals that God takes your brokenness and through his amazing grace, will orchestrate what you are becoming and solidify your sense of belonging! Thank you Jeff and praise God for this work." --- Donearl Johnson, Lead Pastor at LifeChurch/Auburn Hills, MI
"Jeff Frick provides a wealth of wisdom, obtained through his diligent observations, alert curiosity, and a willingness to engage others to gain insights and reveal truth. 'Identity Matters: The Power of Belonging' can help you to define your identity, shape your purpose, elevate your spirit, restore your life, and experience belonging!"
--- "Dr. Phil" Andrews, Author "Sally & Sam Squirrel, and The Oak Tree Forest"
"This is a rare book that gives a reminder of how much we long to belong together, as one family under God in community. You will find this book profoundly honest and uplifting as it provides hope of how we can heal our wounds that stem from searching in the wrong places. Pastor Jeff Frick explains through real life experiences how Jesus heals our broken hearts from all the false idols in our lives when we belong to and allow Christ to reign over all our affections. Through an identity firmly rooted in Jesus, we learn to offer grace, mercy, forgiveness, healing, and hospitality to one another as we grow in our belonging to Him."
--- Pastor Bob Pyle, Salem Brethren Church, Mt. Pleasant Mills, PA
