Book News & Events

The Latest News

East Asheville Living Magazine

David Ourisman Featured on the Front Cover, July 2026

David Ourisman – retired minister, traveler, photographer, author of the new book “One Life Four Stories: Invitations to Faith & Wonder” – is featured on the front cover of East Asheville Living Magazine.

The article is titled: Jack of All Trades, Pastor to Some – David Ourisman on Travel, Ministry and his New Book.

David Ourisman holding copy of magazine East Asheville Living where he is featured on the front cover, spotlighting a feature article about him and his book One Life, Four Stories.
David Ourisman interview with Unbelief Podcast.

UnBelief Podcast – An Interview with Jeremy Steele, The Skeptic Pastor

David recently sat down with Jeremy Steele on his UnBelief podcast.

Jeremy asks him: “What do you mean by the ‘cookie-cutter’ Jesus in your book?” … and other intriguing questions.

PRESS RELEASE

New Book Offers a Fresh Look at the Four Gospels for Modern Christians

One Life, Four Stories: Invitations to Faith & Wonder by Rev. David Ourisman Rejects a “Cookie-Cutter Jesus” and Deeply Explores Each Unique Gospel Story

BERKELEY, Calif. – Feb. 10, 2026One Life, Four Stories: An Invitation to Faith and Wonder, a new book written by the Rev. David Ourisman and published by Berry Powell Press, was released today. Drawing on decades of experience as a pastor, scholar and teacher, Dr. Ourisman invites readers to encounter the four Gospels not as a single, harmonized narrative, but as four distinct accounts shaped by different communities, the times they lived in and the unique challenges the authors sought to address.

Rather than blending Mark, Matthew, Luke and John into one unified storyline, Ourisman looks at each Gospel on its own terms, and in conversation with each other as well. One Life, Four Stories offers an inviting and thoughtful guide for progressive Christians, spiritual seekers, and anyone curious about the Gospels. In it, Ourisman encourages readers to engage the texts with reflection, openness and wonder.

“Ourisman has gifted us with a helpful and accessible book that acknowledges the complexity of and the differences among the four canonical Gospels,” said Tat-siong Benny Liew, a professor of New Testament at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts. “For those who are searching not only for understanding but also for spiritual growth without the need for simplistic answers, this book is for you.”

Book Events

One Life, Four Stories by Dr. David Ourisman

Meet the Author Event: August 30

Aug. 30, 2026, at 11:15 AM in Asheville, NC

After the Central UMC’s worship on Sunday, August 30, join me for a discussion of One Life, Four Stories: Invitations to Faith & Wonder. I can’t wait to talk after the sermon with my Central UMC family and more. Please join us if you can, even if it’s your first time here! First-time visitors are just as welcome as longtime members.

The event will be held in the Fellowship Hall at Asheville’s Central United Methodist Church (27 Church St, Asheville, NC 28801).

There will be free parking, snacks, and books available for purchase. No RSVP required to attend.

Book Event at The Pacific School of Religion

Feb. 17, 2026, at 4:00 PM in Berkeley, CA

The Pacific School of Religion (PSR) is hosting a HYBRID BOOK EVENT with Rev. Dr. David Ourisman, author of One Life, Four Stories: Invitations to Faith & Wonder. Drawing on decades of experience as a pastor, scholar, and teacher, Dr. Ourisman explores the core stories of faith and their relevance for today’s world.

The event will take place in person at Bade Museum and online via Zoom. It will feature a presentation by Dr. Ourisman, followed by a panel discussion with GTU President Dr. Uriah Kim and PSR Faculty Emerita Dr. Mary Donovan Turner. The panel will be facilitated by PSR President Dr. David Vasquez-Levy.

“The church has harmonized the four gospels, smoothing over the differences so that we have what appears to be one definitive story of Jesus. But there are four gospels, four stories about Jesus, not one. If you sit with that, where does this insight take you? Could being open to all four viewpoints lead us to a deeper and richer understanding of biblical inspiration?”

– David Ourisman

Explore the Gospels in a New Light

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