Beginning Well: Christian Conversion & Authentic Transformation

by Gordon T. Smith

Overview

"Saints are made by good conversions."In this challenging and provocative book, Gordon T. Smith contends that a chief cause of spiritual immaturity in the evangelical church is an inadequate theology of conversion. Conversion, he says, involves more than a release from the consequences of sin—the goal is spiritual transformation. But there is little transformation without a complete and authentic conversion. The key is beginning well.In this age of false starts and stunted growth, maturing Christians need help reflecting on and interpreting their own religious experience. Christian leaders need to rethink the way that conversions happen. Beginning Well is a catalyst toward this end. Surveying Scripture, spiritual autobiographies and a broad range of theologies of conversion (Protestant and Catholic, Reformed and Wesleyan), the author seeks to foster in the Christian community a dynamic language of conversion that leads to spiritual transformation and mature Christian living. In the process he moves us from a short-sighted "minimalist" view to one that recognizes seven elements necessary for good conversions.This book—a stirring call to rethink the relationship between conversion and transformation—is a must read for pastors, evangelists, spiritual directors, seminary professors and others who are concerned about the nurture and development of Christian converts, and the nature of authentic religious experience.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780830822973
Publisher:	InterVarsity Press
Publication date:	08/17/2001
Pages:	239
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.25(h) x 0.80(d)

About the Author

Gordon T. Smith is president of reSource Leadership International for Theological Education (formerly Overseas Council Canada), which works with other reSource affiliates to support and enable excellence in theological education in the developing world. Formerly academic dean and associate professor of spiritual theology at Regent College in Vancouver, British Columbia, he has also taught in the Philippines and at Canadian Bible College and Theological Seminary in Regina, Saskatchewan. He is the author of Beginning Well, Courage and Calling, Listening to God in Times of Choice and The Voice of Jesus.

Table of Contents

Preface
1. Thinking About Conversion
2. The Community of Faith and the Language of Conversion
3. Autobiography: The Church's Experience of Conversion
4. The Evangelical Experience: A Historical Perspective
5. Models of Conversion in the New Testament
6. Elements of a Christian Conversion
7. Four Internal Actions of the Christian Convert: Intellectual, Penitential, Affective and Volitional
8. Three Elements That Support and Enable: The Sacramental, the Charismatic and the Communal
9. Growing Up Christian: Conversion and Second-Generation Christians
10. The Rhythms of Grace
Indexes