This is a reprint of a 1935 book, by Sam Shoemaker. Sam has been credited with being an archectect of the AA program.While The book is directed to church personel, it is a heartfelt book for anyone in recovery. The naratives feature much of the teaching that eventually became part of the 12 step program. Sam help build and lead the Oxford group in the US. Calvary Church in New York City was the hub   The genius of fellowship has been acknowledged since the time of Christ. Sam Shoemaker, through his work with the downtrodden, brought the magic of fellowship to the 20th century in the United States. The initial founders of AA were exposed to Sam’s work and witnessed first-hand the healing power of fellowship. Bill W., the co-founder of AA and Sam’s spiritual sponsee, began attending weekly meetings at the Calvary Church in New York with Ebby T. It was Ebby who brought Bill to his first Oxford Gruop meeting. The phenomenal success of the fellowship inspired Sam to write this book. Sam directed the book to ministers, attempting to convince them to get back to the church of old. The word "fellowship" was often used as a term for the church. The book, however, speaks to anyone who is working the 12 steps in conjunction with church pursuits. Much of the power of the AA and other 12-step programs can be gleaned from it. It is our hope at healing-habits that this literary gem get into the hands of people to help them in their spiritual journeys. -Tuchy                           Excerpt FELLOWSHIP IN THE SPIRITUAL SENSE, MEANS THE INTIMACY WHICH SPRINGS UP BETWEEN HUMAN BEINGS WHO ARE AGREED AS TOUCHING A SPIRITUAL IDEAL WHICH THEY ARE WORKING OUT TOGETHER. SECOND ONLY TO THE HUNGER FOR GOD COMES THE HUNGER FOR COMRADESHIPWITH OTHERS WHO ARE HUNGRY FOR GOD

Professional Reviews
powerful reading
Powerful Reading, February 19, 2009
By Deana - See all my reviews

I am not a very religious person but this book was different that any other book I have read on religion. Other religion books are pushy in a way that they tell you that you HAVE to believe in God and you HAVE to go to church. This book was nothing like that. It tells about love and compassion. I truly enjoyed this book.

"Orange marmalade, my friends is a good deal easier to make than Christians."

Beyond the interesting message in this book the reader must appreciate the lovely turning of phrases. The formal yet still approachable voice of the author.

Rev. Shoemaker presents his insight on church, spirituality and society in a manner that will have the reader reading and re-reading passages just to mull them over one more time. I enjoyed this book because it kept making me pause and follow tangents of though within my thinking. I also liked the blank pages for readers to scribble notes and thoughts. I know that I will be picking this book up again to delve deeper into both the authors thinking and my own.

Creating trhe fellowhsip of Human experience
Creating the "fellowship of human experience", February 5, 2009
By G. Reba (Panama City, FL) - See all my reviews


A true fellowship is one that consists of changed individuals working as a whole through a generalized guidance shared by all. Such is a truth put in the forefront of "The Conversion of the Church", which in no uncertain terms brings the magnifying glass of self examination to each and every person. Whether you are a dedicated Church member, a pastor, a priest, or a stray member of the "flock", Rev. Shoemaker suggests that the only way to bring about change is to start from within. Once our own sources of questions, doubt, and general ill-feelings are dealt with through sharing with another "kind soul", we are able to effectively assist others in their times of need. It is this very sharing of a common burden that makes the human experience more real to each of us and allows us to form bonds that are open, honest, and whole-hearted.

For a look at how one might make a change in your own community, whether they be secular or not, take a look at the ideas raised in this publication and you may see a an easier way to create the society you dream to see.

Religious Insight
Religious Insight, February 4, 2009
By M. Gillyard "DaConciousChick" - See all my reviews


Rev. Samuel M. Shoemaker is the pastor of the Calvary which is a church located in New York. Shoemaker has touched a lot of people lives including peers in the same profession. Shoemaker counsels his congregation members and he's ask a lot of questions about life. This book is like a manual to some of the question that people have about life. This a very interesting book because Shoemaker gives his take on society, the Church, and the people.

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