Following Jesus should change more than our eternity.

Perhaps you’ve been captivated by Jesus for a long time or are newly intrigued by him. You already know it’s possible to be a Christian and not be very much like Jesus, but that’s not what you want. Whether through your own study or your spiritual intuition, you sense that following the way of Jesus ought to be transformational for you and for the world you inhabit.

Endorsements

Marc serves as a faithful guide in helping us find the Christlike paths that are, in his words, “otherward.” Indeed, to follow Jesus is to journey outside ourselves toward others in co-suffering love. This is the way of the cross, the way of Jesus. It is also the narrow way that leads to life.

—Brian Zahnd / Pastor, Theologian

Reading Marc’s book, I couldn’t help but call to mind Rainer Rilke’s quote: “Be patient toward all that is unsolved in your heart and try to love the questions themselves . . . the point is, to live everything. Live the questions now.” Indeed, this is what Marc has invited us into.

—Felicia Murrell / Spiritual Director, Author

Those who claim the Christian label will do well to be re-immersed in the Jesus Way while those who don’t will discover the path of other-centered, co-suffering love is just what they’ve longed for, regardless of their faith tradition.

—Dr. Bradley Jersak / Author, Theologian

Try on Jesus’ attitude and see what it changes in your life.

Walking Otherward is a forty-day devotional that follows Jesus in the final weeks leading to his crucifixion. Focusing on Jesus’ interactions in these Gospel texts, each reflection invites the reader to take on Jesus’ attitude, exchanging self-centered, ego-defending ambition for other-centered, co-suffering love.

Download Sample: Introduction & Two Entries Chapter

Reader Review Excerpts

. . . [Marc] does a great job cutting through the myth of the white-washed, self-centered, racist, xenophobic, and violence-loving Jesus that has–unfortunately–been far too prevalent in our culture.

—Joshua Huges, Goodreads Review

At the end of the forty days, I found myself moving away from a ‘performance’ fear-based unconscious relationship with God to allowing Him to to see me as beloved no matter what.

—Gerald Taylor, Beta Reader

I loved this devotional! It is the first one that helped me delve deeper into my knowledge of God and myself and strengthened my relationship with Him.  I would highly recommend this to everyone!

—Tracy English, Beta Reader

Perhaps you’ve been captivated by Jesus for a long time or are newly intrigued by him. You already know it’s possible to be a Christian and not be very much like Jesus, but that’s not what you want. Whether through your own study or your spiritual intuition, you sense that following the way of Jesus ought to be transformational for you and for the world you inhabit.

The urgent drive of our time—to always be moving upward and forward—has already taken its toll on you. You suspect an inward focus is necessary for personal healing and growth but wonder if it makes any difference for others in the world around you. And you definitely don’t want to go backward, whether to past ways of thinking that were destructive or back to a world that is more hierarchical, violent, and exploitative. Perhaps you feel homeless spiritually and wonder which way you should go.

The gospel narrative of Jesus’ life suggests a path. Walking Otherward is a forty-day devotional that follows the Gospel texts of Jesus’ final weeks leading to his crucifixion. Each entry invites you to try on the attitude of Jesus, setting aside self-centered, ego-defending ambition in exchange for other-centered, co-suffering love.

Rather than climbing upward, retreating backward, or withdrawing inward, Jesus’ path invites us to walk otherward.

Interviews & Podcasts

  • "Walking the Path of Other-Centered Leadership" on The Spiritual Life & Leadership Podcast with Markus Watson. Listen / Watch

  • "Talking with Marc Schelske about Walking Otherward" on Mornings with Seth & Deb. Listen

  • "The Path of Other-Centered, Co-Suffering Love" on The Gravity Commons Podcast with Ben Sternke, Christy Penney & Matt Tebbe. Listen

  • "Kenotic Love & the Way of Jesus" on The Impact Nations Podcast with Tim Stewart. Listen / Watch
  • "Talking About Walking Otherward" on The Common Good, AM 1160 with Brian Fromm. Listen

Reader Review Excerpts

Like looking into a mirror, the questions help me to see new areas of my life in new ways while prompting new questions . . . I have a sneaky feeling that the next time I go through this book, I may discover something new.

—Scott Golphenee, Beta Reader

If you’re looking for a devotional to give you a quick daily dose of Scripture, skip this one. If you want to be challenged to think more about what it means to follow Christ, dive in.

—Pauline Evans, Beta Reader

The tenacity of Walking Otherward’s focus is that Jesus is other-centered and co-suffering and that if I am humble–thoughtful of the ways I need to step aside, release ego, or let go of my familiar and comfortable ways–I can be like Him too. Marc helped me see Jesus better.

—Raynna Myers, Beta Reader

. . . accessible for new Christians and yet [also] . . . poignant and relevant food for thought to longstanding followers of the Jesus Way . . . Marc’s voice comes through as warm, earnest, and wise, in perfect harmony with this book’s relaxingly navigable format and richly-researched content.

—Renate Gritter, Goodreads Review

. . .Frankly this book is an excellent resource at any time, not just Lent. If current events have you wondering just what you need to be doing differently, this is a good place to start . . . I dare say this book will change the spiritual lives of many folks if they take the time to truly read it in a reflective manner.

—Shauna Viele, Goodreads Review

. . . [Marc’s] ability to gently . . . remind us of the sacrificial, co-suffering nature of the true Gospel is a necessary voice in these times of the privilege and power-seeking versions. American believers and unbelievers alike need to be exposed to Marc’s teachings in order to clear up their “well-meaning misunderstandings” about Jesus and what He is about . . .

—Tim Wilbur, Goodreads Review

This book is a great companion to aide on one’s life journey of becoming more like the Servant King, Jesus. Meditating on the words, actions and ways Jesus modeled co-suffering love is the entire theme of this book . . . Marc Schelske could not have chosen a better theme to write on for the times we find ourselves living in.

—Melissa Bliss, Goodreads Review