John E. Christianson is the pastor at Grace United Methodist Church and teaches at Morningside University in Sioux City, Iowa. He holds a PhD in New Testament interpretation and is the author of Matthew and the Roman Military: How the Gospel Portrays and Negotiates Imperial Power. Through reading Mark’s Gospel with people in both churches and classrooms, he has seen firsthand how listening together can lead to neighborliness, friendships, and purpose for all involved.