Beginning Well – Christian Conversion & Authentic Transformation by Gordon T Smith

Beginning Well – Christian Conversion & Authentic Transformation by Gordon T Smith

"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 forpastors, 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.

Gordon T.Smith (PhD, Ateneo de Manila University's Loyola School of Theology) is president of Ambrose University and Seminary in Calgary, Alberta, where he also teaches systematic and spiritual theology. He is a teaching fellow at Regent College in Vancouver, British Columbia, and an ordained pastor with the Christian and Missionary Alliance. His works include Courage and Calling, Called to Be Saints, Spiritual Guidance, Examine Your Calling, and The Voice of Jesus.