O my regular blog, "thethoughtfulpastor.blogspot.com", this book review has has more hits than any other article. The first thing I noticed was that it is from the Renovare folks, led by Richard J. Foster. His is one of my "mentors". Foster's book, Celebration of Discipline, was a gift to this 'Protestant' nearly 20 years ago and gave new life to spiritual praxis to many-it sits on my essentials shelf. Foster is a quaker and committed to a ministry of "becoming like Jesus" rather than merely churched. They have an i "Good and Beautiful God" is a part of Renovare's "Apprentice Series" and comes with an online leader guide, retreat outlines and individual instructions too. A brief bio of the author is on Amazon at .http://www.amazon.com/James-Bryan-Smith/e/B001IGOMV8 An interactive blog found at http://www.renovare.us/ also.  |
| James Bryan Smith |
I read the book during my personal time for a month and was richly blessed. In our congregation we have a weekly group, organized by the leader guide, and also members reading through individually. This is a group book in its design and intent. But, the rhythm is bearing fruit in those who are either too bashful or too busy to take part in a group. It is a wonderful guide for anyone's study. By using it in personal time, the pressure to complete the lessons and training in a week is taken away. I would like to see a Sunday School class or other group study it over several months or a year rather than the 12 week or retreat setting
The "Soul Training", which sounds better than a "discipline", is hard hitting, pointed and practical. Smith avoids the usual spiritual formation jargon and breathes a fresh sense of God's spirit into these practices! The first "discipline" to get some sleep! Who knew that a nap could be a spiritual thing. Others include making time for silence, making praise a habit, praying the scripture as a personal word, and more.
In my world, our congregations are organized into districts and our entire district is invited to take part in this study. Our county has 6 congregations of our denomination and we have arranged the lessons so they can be shared, mixed and mingled by all. We have congregations of different races and neighborhoods that have not met each other. The study gave us an opportunity to unify around Spirit led Christian praxis. I have made some changes in my life and made some friends through the book. The rest of the Apprentice series deserves a look too. My experience is very positive from both a personal and pastoral perspective. Good book and an excellent and interesting read.
Our congregation completed the 12 weeks course as the group described above. We started with 14 people in the group plus three studying personally. We ended with nine in the group and the three at home. All of the feedback was positive and we have scanned Smith's follow up study, "The Good and Beautiful Life". We will read it laterl. The good news is that the group will continue beyond this book as a Bible Study. I wished for more mixing from the other local churches but it was a good start. Our final group gathering was a communion service and each participant shared the biggest single impact that the book made. Each one had a practice to add to their daily devotional life....or something to take away. Smith planted some seeds for the future in our church. PASTORS-Look at this seriously for your congregations. It will not draw a big crowd but it will deepen the ones that come and develop Spirit led leaders.
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