Alan Hirsch sends a captivating message to the reader: the people of God carry the same potency of the gospel as early Christians but we have forgotten how to access it. This seemingly simple concept is brilliantly examined, unpacked, and supported in his book The Forgotten Ways (Brazos Press, 2006). Through this thickly-written text, Hirsch details the how's, what's, and why's of a missional church. Early in the pages, he sets himself firmly against a modern, institutional form of church that deadens the vital organization of the church. His words are compelling and controversial.
As I read the first pages of The Forgotten Ways, I texted a friend insisting that he read the book immediately. I carried the book with me to a tiny conference this fall and friends there commented on the power of Hirsch's words. Young church workers with whom I shared basic concepts of The Forgotten Ways immediately resonated with his call to the western church. I tell you these things so that you can understand that it isn't just Hirsch and Kleinbeck making up crazy ideas on the crazy farm.
At least, I don't think that's what has happened.
For this month's book club, we are going to dig into The Forgotten Ways and the thoughts shared in between its covers. Not everyone has time to read the book, but don't let that stop you from the conversation. I talked a lot, a lot, a lot, about it before I finished it. So join us. Buy the book if you can squeeze it into your December budget. I'm looking forward to hearing from you.
Alaina Kleinbeck is the DCE for Junior High and Small Group Ministries at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Saint Charles, MO. Her passion for youth and youth ministry is expressed this way: "When I set aside lofty ambitions and huge dreams of success, I simply pray that the youth in our churches will grow into a faith that is expressed in the way they live their life. I pray that the youth will know they are redeemed in Christ and will actively seek to make that truth evident in their daily lives and in their interactions with others. (But sometimes, the only thing that gets me out of bed is a cup of tea and knowing that I'm forgiven for not wanting to.)"
