I'm reading Alan Hirsch's book The Forgotten Ways (Reactivating the Missional Church)
We got the book many months back but there has been no space in my life for reading. I am now reading and loving it.
In the last few years we have read a long list of very good books. The healthy survival and growth of the church has filled many volumes that we have taken in. They have been good. But if you find yourself dreaming Church, longing for her health and engagement in the world and you really only have time for one book, get The Forgotten Ways.
Alan's question to himself was, "How did a group of 25,000 Christians in AD 100 multiply to 20 million believers by AD 310?" In pursuing the answer to this, Alan uncovers simple, profound truths that fill me with hope and excitement.
I will not delve into a proper review of the book here. I think you should read it yourself. But I will tell you some of the things I love about Alan.
I love that Alan is outrageously bright and disarmingly humble and unaffected. I love that he is not angry. I have read books through which you can actually feel the chip on the author's shoulder. I love that he is brave and hopeful and that he loves the Church with passion. I love that he is a Jewish South African who lives in Australia and follows Jesus. I love that he calls everyone "Beautiful," as in "Hello, Beautiful!" And (maybe mostly) I love that he is married to Deb. I'm a big fan of Deb Hirsch and I can't wait for her to write.
So thanks for The Forgotten Ways, Mr. Hirsch. It's a major blessing to this world.
