Anvil journal of theology and mission
Jonny Baker and David Cotterill, Fringe Dweller (Getsidetracked, 2026)
reviewed by Natalie Burfitt
Fringe Dweller invites the reader “to encounter the person of Jesus Christ afresh” through 40 reflections on a variety of gospel stories. It’s intended as a devotional text that can aid both individual and group engagement. The way in to this dialogue between the reader and the characters and action of the gospel is the idea of ‘fringe dweller’. This descriptor is taken from John V. Taylor, bishop and missiologist, whose work Jonny Baker has previously taken inspiration from (see Imagining Mission with John V Taylor by Jonny Baker and Cathy Ross). It’s a lens that the reflections employ with consistency and to powerful effect in two ways.
Firstly, it maintains attention on the radical and disruptive nature of Jesus’ ministry. Jesus’ encounters are repeatedly with people who live on the fringes of society. Jesus disrupts and disregards the multiple ways we categorise and marginalise – something that also makes him a fringe dweller. There are also ‘fringe’ places, those no-go areas that are best avoided by respectable people.
These kinds of people and places are highly recognisable in Christian ministry, particularly for those that have a pioneering or missional orientation. This is the second way that the fringe-dweller lens is effective, as the reflections and suggested spiritual practices are deeply rooted in the realities of ministry. There’s wisdom and encouragement here on the highs and lows of mission in fringe places and on the impact Jesus can have on those that live there.
I really liked the straightforward style of the writing that makes the reflections engaging and accessible. However, as the authors state, this does not mean that they have left the academic at the door! There is sound scholarship and contemporary theology informing these reflections, making them a ready tool for use in all sorts of gathered settings. The liturgies add to the possibilities here. They are all ready to use or, as the authors invite, can be adapted or added to, or can inspire you to create your own.
There’s a humility to this book that is refreshing. While the authors are committed to the fringe-dweller notion, they also acknowledge that this needs to be read in conjunction with other perspectives on Jesus. The illustrations give the book the look of a graphic novel and this creativity in locating Jesus in our context so that we can follow his fringe-dwelling way is true to the book’s purpose.
Taking a cue from the 40 reflections, I used this as my book for Lent. So often I set out on these seasons of preparation with just such a good intention and only manage to make it to day three. I looked forward to picking up Fringe Dweller and travelled through Holy Week with the final reflections, having made it the whole way through! I highly recommend it as a resource to draw on for yourself and for use with others.
