"Notes to Eli" are, as the author describes them, "reflections of a Samuel, still listening for the call of God." Olson’s message is that the church in the post-modern context must have a clear, focused agenda: God is central, the community gathered around the word and sacrament is fundamental, and worship needs to be participatory.
The notes in this book begin in November 2001. After April 2002, Olson writes under the diagnosis of multiple myeloma. Even though his personal situation changed dramatically after that date, his focus remained on being a pastor in a post-modern world.
The further you delve into the "Notes," the more deeply you will experience Olson’s wisdom and the more you will be captured by his vision for evangelical leadership. The notes ended in October 2002.
I anticipate that many readers will, like me, read every page and be changed by the reading of it. -- Dr. Walter Brueggemann, Columbia Theological Seminary
Mark Olson has messages for all of us who know ourselves to be living in a darkling world. -- Douglas John Hall, McGill University
Thoughtful books come and go, but this book will become a marvelous companion on your spiritual journey. -- Ted Schroeder, Director for Education, DCM / Evangelical Lutheran Church in America