Review of Michael Kinnamon, The Nominee: A Novel (St. Louis, MO: Chalice Press, 2024)

Authors

Roger WedellFollow

Document Type

Book Review

Abstract

Michael Kinnamon’s second novel, “The Nominee,” is based on his own experience as the nominee for General Minister and President of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). As a work of historical fiction, it is a blend of first-hand experiences of the author and the imagined experiences of Dr. Matthew McAvoy. During eight months, we are carried from the early excitement of Dr. McAvoy’s nomination through the twists and turns of family, seminary, and denomination on a journey that is both personal and cultural. We discover how the answer to a single, simple question catapults this nomination into the national and global spotlights. The story is as much about one person’s nomination to leadership as it is about the then-emerging and now-continuing culture wars.

Author Bio

Roger W. Wedell is a mostly retired Disciples of Christ minister. His career has included teaching (adjunct) at Texas Christian University and Brite Divinity School, local church ministry in Texas and California, campus ministry in Texas, 20+ years as a non-profit administrator, and 30+ years of advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights. He co-authored “Imaging the Word: An Arts and Lectionary Resource, Volume 1” (United Church Press, 1994).

Recommended Citation

Wedell, Roger (2025) "Review of Michael Kinnamon, The Nominee: A Novel (St. Louis, MO: Chalice Press, 2024)," Journal of Discipliana: Vol. 78, Article 3.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.discipleshistory.org/journalofdiscipliana/vol78/iss1/3