Welcome to Forerunner Books!

Forerunner Books was founded in 1991 by a small group of American converts to Orthodoxy who had found the fullness of the Christian Faith and wished to share what they had learned with the world. From the very beginning, God allowed that the Forerunner would become a haven for troubled youth and other souls who were seeking God's presence in their lives. The "Desert Father's Kaffee House" was incorporated into the bookstore, and on any given night of the week, young people (and the young at heart) could be found under the neon "Open" sign, sipping coffee, enjoying the incense, and listening to the soft chants of the Church over a stereo system. Discussions and debates were welcomed on the subjects of the Early Church Fathers, and Orthodox Church history and theology. In time, the monks of St. Herman of Alaska Brotherhood in Platina, California involved the Forerunner in the original "Death to the World" zine and through that ministry, many souls were reached and the Gospel was preached on the streets of Reno, Nevada.

Since 1991, the Forerunner has been a missionary outreach effort and non-profit organization seeking to fulfill the Commandment of Christ: "Go ye into all the world and preach the Gospel to all nations." Indeed, many "nations" have been reached through the Forerunner. Converts from every walk of life, every nationality, every language, and every imaginable culture have been received into Holy Orthodoxy. In 2000, the Forerunner was received as a parish church into the Serbian Orthodox Church of America. St. John the Baptist Serbian Orthodox Mission Parish was officially born, and very quickly the Forerunner Bookstore ran out of room for all the parishioners to attend services.

A new rental location was found in 2005 and then in 2007, the parish was honoured to receive the gift of a free standing chapel for it's use, thanks to the good heart of the servant of God, Nick Buick. Today, the parish has it's own location in Reno, and the Forerunner enjoys its own building.

The Forerunner is still staffed by it's founder, Nina, who is supported by the clergy and laity of the parish of St. John the Baptist Serbian Orthodox Mission. Coffee and tea are still lovingly served, chants are reverently sung, and people continue to share in our mission and our joy.

Glory to God that we have reached our 20 year anniversary! May God grant that we will be able to serve Him, for many years to come.

We hope that you will "come and see" what we offer and have fellowship with us. We look forward to serving you, in Christ Our Lord.