"A genuine treasure and superb work in spiritual formation." -- Richard J. Foster, author of Celebration of Discipline
Following in the tradition of Richard J. Foster's A Celebration of Discipline and Dallas Willard's Divine Conspiracy, the former president of Renovaré calls all Christians to recenter the Christian life around what has always been its core: following Jesus.
"Change" is at the heart of Christian life. As Christians, we are called to be disciples of Jesus, to actively follow his teachings and become more like him. But the church has lost sight of what has always been its center, Christopher A. Hall argues. In A Different Way, he reminds us that faith is not meant to be merely rigid and static and so guides us back to Christianity's spiritual foundation, helping us reconnect with Jesus and live the life he calls to live.
Filled with personal stories that encourage introspection, thoughtful meditations on spiritual formation, and profound wisdom, A Different Way is an interactive book that encourages reflection through daily journaling and Bible passages to read and consider. With thoughtful introspection and Bible study, we can begin our spiritual journey of actively following the way Jesus teaches us to live.
This book offers a roadmap for that journey, helping you recenter your life around timeless spiritual disciplines:
- Reject Distorted Views of God: Move beyond a "fun house mirror" faith by smashing false images of God and rediscovering the God who looks like Jesus.
- Essential Spiritual Practices: Explore the foundational disciplines of prayer, Bible study, silence, and confession, not as rigid rules, but as invitations into a deeper relationship with God.
- The Call to Simplicity: Learn how to seek first the kingdom, freeing yourself from anxiety, comparison, and the "tyranny of things" to find joy in a life of focus and trust.
- A Legacy of Wisdom: Journey with a trusted guide from Renovaré, in the rich tradition of Richard J. Foster and Dallas Willard, through personal stories and profound insights that bridge faith and everyday life.
About the Author :
Christopher A. Hall previously served as the president of Renovaré, as the chancellor, provost, dean of Palmer Theological Seminary at Eastern University for twenty-four years, dean of the Templeton Honors College, distinguished professor of theology, and director of academic spiritual formation. He earned a B.A. from UCLA in history, an M.A. in biblical studies from Fuller Theological Seminary, a Th.M. from Regent College, and a Ph.D. from Drew University. He has served in the pastorate in France and in Canada, and was a member of the editorial board of Christianity Today. He and his wife Debbie reside in Philadelphia and have three children and two grandchildren.
Review :
"A Different Way is a genuine treasure and superb work in spiritual formation. I kept turning the pages and discovering sparkling gems of wisdom. Mining deep into Christian history, Hall brings insights into living in the way of Jesus that is exceedingly relevant to our times. I highly recommend it." - Richard J. Foster, Author of Celebration of Discipline and Learning Humility
"Both timely and critical: calls us back to the very roots of following the way of Jesus Christ. Christopher himself is that rarest of writers: with a razor-sharp mind with a soft and tender heart. I commend him and his message to you without reservation." - Pete Greig, Founder of 24-7 Prayer International, author of Red Moon Rising and Dirty Glory
"Dr. Chris Hall is one of the wisest, most grounded Christians I know. He dares us to live as if Jesus meant the stuff he said." - Shane Claiborne, author of The Irresistible Revolution and Rethinking Life
"What Hall shares here is gold passed through the fire of cruciform faithfulness into the shape of our human God." - Cherith Fee Nordling (PhD), Professor at the Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies at Regent College
"You have in your hands a rare treasure! Hall describes vividly for us the vision of 'a graced life of faithfulness to Jesus, and love for God and neighbor' in a way that evokes within us a passionate desire to reach out for it." - Trevor Hudson, author of Seeking God
"If you long to learn how to walk in step with Jesus, I can think of no better guide." - Carolyn Arends, recording artist, author, and Renovaré director of education
"If you are looking for a signpost that points you back to or further along the Jesus way, truth, and life, you might expect it to look a bit unlike what you've seen before. It'll point to A Different Way." - Steve L. Porter, Executive Director, Martin Institute for Christianity and Culture (Westmont College);Professor of Spiritual Formation and Theology (Biola University);Editor of the Journal of Spiritual Formation & Soul Care.
"With humor, transparency, scholarly insight, the gifts of a winsome storyteller, and a heart lovingly opened to the kingdom of God, Hall invites us to cast off our distorted views of God. You will laugh and cry and meander a bit too. It is the equivalent of an annual checkup for the soul!" - Juanita Campbell Rasmus, Speaker, Author of Learning To Be and Finding Your Center After the Bottom Falls Out
"What a marvelous summary of the Christian faith! What a compelling invitation into the Christian life!. Following Hall's recommendation, I read, I paused, and I reflected. I am a better Christian as a result. - Evan B. Howard, Professor of Christian Spirituality at Fuller Theological Seminary and author of Praying the Scriptures
"Hall's new book is a breath of fresh air in the spiritual formation literature, for it grounds its direct and practical wisdom in the fundamentals of Christian theology in a way that few other books do." - Steven D. Boyer, Professor of Theology, Eastern University and co-author of The Mystery of God
"This book is a warm welcome letter inviting all readers into a life with Jesus. Hall offers a winsome way in for the curious nonbeliever and a refreshingly honest voice for those who already believe. Drawing on the spiritual practices of Christians throughout history, Hall shows us with beautiful realism what a Christ-shaped life can be like." - Rebecca DeYoung (Calvin University), author of Glittering Vices
"I hope this wonderful book touches many hearts like it has touched mine!" - Richard J. Mouw, PhD, President Emeritus, Fuller Theological Seminary
"If you are searching for God and looking for an expert guide to an encounter with Jesus that resists our caricatures and understands our struggles, I highly recommend engaging A Different Way." - Rev. Joel Elowsky, Ph.D., Director of the Center for the Study of Early Christian Texts, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis
"Deeply moving, authentic, helpful, edifying, and transformative, full of grace and truth. This is must reading for truly following Jesus in a different way, with love and joy." - Siang-Yang Tan, Senior Professor of Clinical Psychology, Fuller Theological Seminary, Senior Pastor Emeritus, First Evangelical Church Glendale, and author of Counseling and Psychotherapy: A Christian Perspective.
"A Different Way is ultimately a presentation of what authentic conversion to Jesus Christ looks like in our day. I am grateful to Hall for giving us this treasure which I intend to share with many." - Bishop Edward J. Weisenburger, Tucson, AZ
"Very few people can weave the wisdom of ancient church leaders, contemporary theologians, pastors, and poets into a cohesive travel guide for deepening one's alignment with the way of Jesus. A Different Way offers a thoughtful and reflective companion for those eager to take this life-changing journey." - Bruce Main, Founder of UrbanPromise International, author of Why Jesus Crossed the Road
"Hall's personal stories and honest vulnerability bring to life deep theological concepts with the clarity of a seasoned teacher, the heart of a compassionate mentor and the voice of a familiar friend." - Duffy Robbins, D.Min, author of Ministry of Nurture and This Way to Youth Ministry
"A spiritual manifesto on the transformational ways of God. Hall's story is woven throughout this deeply personal and profoundly theological treatment of the way of Christ. We are brilliantly introduced to the God-ordered way: prepare to pause and reflect?on the profound work of God every step of the way." - Stephen A. Macchia, founder and president of Leadership Transformations, Inc. and director of the Pierce Center at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, author of Crafting a Rule of Life and?The Discerning Life.
"Hall has a vast knowledge of spiritual formation, practical theology, desert spirituality and life. This is a transparent, praxis-filled book that draws from the wisdom of a well-lived life." - Gary W. Moon, M.Div., Ph.D. Founding Executive Director Martin Institute and Dallas Willard Center, Westmont College;Author, Apprenticeship with Jesus, and Becoming Dallas Willard
"Too often, we can become lost, distracted, and confused, drawn down unhelpful paths, forgetting the way forward. In this helpful and practical guide, Hall returns us to the path of Jesus, showing how to stay the course through well-worn spiritual disciplines, which ultimately inspire love." - Bishop Robert Barron, founder of Word on Fire and bishop of Diocese of Winona-Rochester
"A gift and a revelation. Hall is searingly honest and has known deep wounds in life. It is because of this and his great learning that he is able to help us find the deep way of Jesus. I cannot imagine anyone not being helped by this guide." - John Ortberg, author of Water-Walking and The Life You've Always Wanted
"A close friend of Jesus and seasoned traveler on the good way, Hall offers readers glimpses of stunning vistas and offering wise counsel on how best to navigate the journey into an ever-deepening friendship with Jesus. Standing as we are at a crossroads, Hall provides desperately needed guidance for our times." - Miriam Dixon, author of Meditations on the Birth of Jesus
"For those who have lost hope that a meaningful life is possible, this book is for you. Highly readable and engaging, Hall draws from his extensive experience to deliver a hands-on guide to the beauty and wonder of a different way." - Michael Glerup (PhD.), Executive Director of The MacMillan Center, Yale University
