The Forgotten Ways Handbook: A Practical Guide for Developing Missional Churches

I heard Alan speak at a conference in KC in September '12 and I was very intrigued by his thinking. I actually read one of his other books first and then discovered that this one is his "Magnum Opus" and the best place to begin reading him. I have been in ministry for 30+ years and as I read, I found myself having one of two possible reactions... either I felt like a light bulb had turned on with a flash of brilliant insight or in the other reaction, I felt agreement very deep inside, as he confirmed for me something that I have believed deeply for decades. Both reactions were very powerful and life-giving for me!

This was a great book. At first it hard to read and get into, but after pushing through, it was great. I learned a lot about what the church should look like and characteristics that follow. It would state an idea of what the church should look like, then go through habits and practices to look for. I recommend a congregation or leadership corporate reading of this book, so that everyone can discuss it together and answer questions together. At the end of each chapter, keeps you thinking throughout the entire book.I recommend prayer while reading this. There are lots of things he says that will flip your world upside down. Study scripture and pray. Find these things for yourself and talk about with other leaders and the members of the church. Create this common goal and work towards that.

Loved his other book.."Untamed"this not the sameBeen unable to get into it

I was priviledged to discover Alan Hirsch in person and hear him speak before I read his book. In this way I am able to hear his voice every time I open - with anticipation and growing enthusiasm - each one of his books. 'The Forgotten Ways' is, to my mind, one of the most important missional landmarks of this decade. His practical Jewish approach makes the theology more accesible and easier to apply - the 'Handbook" even more so.

If you are looking to understand "missionalDNA" this is the book for you. Insightful, easy to digest, concepts you can walk with. Matching videos on Verge.

Amazing & thorough work on exponential movements born out of & through struggle. The world needs more little Jesus's, not a better version of "church".

Because the book itself is so dense, this handbook is a tremendous assist in giving lay people a place in which to explore, converse about and from which to develop their plans. It's made a big difference for us.

Right at the heart of being a Christian and a Disciple of Christ. The "institution of church" needs to get back to being "Christlike". Good information!!!

A little heavier than most popular books, but absolutely packed with answers as to why things are as they are and ideas for where we should be heading,

This is an excellent handbook, well written in easily accessible language. Unfortunately I have got the cart before the horse and should have read 'The Forgotten Ways' first. So for now I will stop reading while I await my copy of The Forgotten Ways (should be arriving any time now) For future readers, don't make my mistake - read them in the right order!

good book just what we needed

This provided the "How to" for "The Forgotten Ways". It provides a way from transitioning faith communities from attractional to missional discipling communities.

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