New book by Carson-Newman’s Ballard offers “glimpses of life and culture”

^{Dr. Wayne Ballard}

(February 29, 2016)—Carson-Newman University Religion Professor Dr. Wayne Ballard has released his latest book, “Glimpses from State Street,” from Smyth and Helwys Publishing.

The book is a collection of reflections and encouragements from Ballard’s time as interim pastor at First Baptist Church of Bristol, which straddles the Tennessee-Virginia line. Ballard says it is about life and culture in small-town Appalachia, but it also paints a picture of what Christianity can be.

“I see it as a way to encourage the Christian faith and those who may be interested in it,” Ballard says. “To see what’s happening from the outside perspective—sort of a window into that world without being too heavy. I think it’s a very welcoming book.”

“Glimpses of State Street” is the seventh book Ballard has authored or coauthored.

Ballard says the book, though devotional, is largely about encouragement. Four chapters he says illustrate that are “Life is Fragile,” “Life is Broken,” “Life is Joy” and “Life is Worth Living.”

“I’m really proud of those because they talk about the brevity of life, the need to celebrate life every day, and that life can be joyful even in the dark times,” Ballard says. “Even with the tragedies we all go through, even with the mistakes we make, life still needs to be celebrated and should still be an act of joy.”

Ballard is also the author of “The Exile and Beyond,” released in Spring of 2015. That book is part of an eight-volume basic biblical survey series to assist in nurturing and understanding the message and background of biblical writings.

A tenured, 12-year faculty member at Carson-Newman, Ballard has served in various positions at churches in Oklahoma, California, Montana, Indiana, Ohio, North Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. He and his wife Kim live in Strawberry Plains, Tennessee.

“Glimpses from State Street” can be purchased through Helwys.com or Amazon.com.