Working from the Inside Out: A Brief Guide to Inner Work That Transforms Our Outer World

by Jeffrey Haanen

Many today are experiencing social isolation, deep anxieties about the future, and various difficulties in the workplace. For too many of us, work seems tedious, painful, or meaningless. And we don't know what to do about it. Working from the Inside Out pulls back the veil on the deep emotional and vocational challenges faced by the majority of workers and shows how work can become a way to love God, serve our neighbors, and demonstrate the gospel to the world. Bringing together emotional, relational, vocational, intellectual, and civic health through the seamless thread of vocation, Jeff Haanen offers a way out of the disintegration of our culture and toward a reintegrated life lived in response to God's voice. The inner work of transformation leads to external transformation of our relationships and our work, and that good work influences our cities and the culture around us. Living from the inside out can change our work and heal our world.

Genres: Self Help, Nonfiction

160 pages, Paperback

Published December 12, 2023

Reviews

[Jake Preston · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5. God is a worker. And since we are made in his image, we are designed to work. Yet many people feel lonely, anxious, and purposeless in their work. Some feel that their work is only purposeful because it provides a paycheck. And while work is toilsome as a result of the Fall, God's good design for our work has not ceased. In fact, Jesus's work, his inauguration of the kingdom, has launched a new day upon which we can base our understanding of vocation.

Haanen rightly argues that in order to recover work's intended goal and bring some level of healing to societal ills, we must begin with inward transformation. Inner transformation then leads to outward impact and civic renewal. He recommends a number of steps toward that end such as thinking theologically about work, aligning our lives and worldview with God's story as revealed in Scripture, and embracing embodied community, among others. The most important question we can ask is "Who are we becoming?" Each step is practical and I'm already thinking about ways in which I plan to apply his framework.

Haanen is a brilliant thinker and has clearly thought deeply about this topic, but what struck me is that he's also very personal and relatable. He is vulnerable in sharing how he has often fallen short and experienced the anxiety and disconnect of our current cultural moment. And he shows us a path toward a recovery of our calling as redeemed human beings as we seek to imitate the way of Jesus, sacrificially loving our neighbors and bringing healing to a hurting world.

Beyond even this book, it is clear the Church as a whole has failed to teach an adequate theology of work. It ultimately arises due to a deficient understanding of salvation. The focus on "saving souls," heaven as an eternal destination, and the notion that work is only meaningful if evangelism happens at the water cooler has helped to create a hierarchy where pastoral ministry and "spiritual" work (mission trips, volunteering, etc.) are viewed as the only work that really matters. We must recover a theology of work that affirms its inherent dignity. We work because God works. Through our work, we have the opportunity to participate with God in bringing his kingdom to bear on the world in anticipation of the kingdom's consummation. This gives meaning to the work of a janitor, a teacher, a manufacturer, a financial advisor, and a pastor.

This book is a very helpful starting point for a vital conversation and would be great to study in small groups or book club. I'm invigorated by Haanen's message and hope others will feel the same after reading. Highly recommend.

[Andy Littleton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick “Faith and Work” read that draws from the missional theological tradition of Lesslie Newbigin and Mike Goheen and pairs it with the principles of spiritual formation. Balanced, succinct, and well executed!

[Bill Pence · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author of this helpful book is the founder of the Denver Institute for Faith & Work, and author of An Uncommon Guide to Retirement, a book I have read twice. He tells us that many of us deeply enjoy our work, and yet we also feel lonely, anxious, tired, misunderstood, and undervalued at our jobs. Work can feel creative, impactful, and important. Yet it can also feel like toil.
The book is about asking honest questions about our lives and our work. It’s also about seeking a path of transformation that binds together our interior lives, our exterior lives, and our communities.
The author believes that faith lived out in our working lives is built around five principles: seek deep spiritual health, think theologically, embrace relationships, create good work, and serve others sacrificially. These five principles are a way forward for all of us working to integrate faith and work. And the order of transformation matters, as well as the inclusion of all five of the principles.
The author often contrasts professional versus working-class perspectives. He shares many helpful stories to illustrate his points throughout the book. Among the subjects discussed in the book were secularism, spiritual disciplines, self-awareness, long-term change, theology, relationships, healthy organizational culture and sabbath. Instructions are provided on how to download a free study guide for the book.
Below are some of my favorite quotes from the book:
• Vocation is a moment-by-moment relationship with God, for the benefit of our neighbors, and through our daily work.
• Our workplaces shape our desires, our desires shape our habits, and our habits shape our characters.
• It’s not the outcome of our work that God is most interested in. It’s who we become in the process.
• Healthy organizational culture is not formed by values written on a wall but instead by people with healthy relationships who know themselves and one another.
• Each moment of the day, whether with coworkers or kids, is lived from a single, comprehensive calling to respond to God’s voice in all areas of life.
• Work is meaningful because it is the form in which we make ourselves useful to others.
• Good work alone won’t make you happy, but it is one of the key ingredients to being happy with your life.
• What gives us spiritual satisfaction from work is the opportunity to use our talents to love our neighbors as ourselves.
• Meaningful work is found not in success or financial reward but in sacrificial service.

[Cameron Pascua · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is beautiful. It paints a beautiful picture of what it can look like to follow Jesus not only in the workplace but in life in general. However, not only does it paint a beautiful picture, but it gives the readers the tools to allow God to shape and form us (corporate “us”) into that beautiful picture. This book made me feel seen in my current situation as a post-college professional figuring out what successfully following God looks like in adulthood. By way of addressing many of the struggles I have faced or am facing, this book has felt like personal discipleship (of course, this book is not replacement of actually personal discipleship, but it sure will fuel many of the things I talk about in my own discipleship relationships). However, despite all of the amazing things I’ve already said, I believe the most beautiful and “kingdom of God” aspect of the book is the fact that Haanen does not solely rely on his own knowledge and expertise but constantly brings in the wisdom of others. Chapter after chapter, I found myself writing down little gems of wisdom that I surely will take with me for years to come. I suggest this book to anyone who wants to grow as a Christian in adulthood or to anyone who simply wants to know what a life of following Jesus means. I will say, for me, it took me a couple of chapters to get hooked. But, once I got hooked, I found wisdom that I could’ve never imagined I would have found. Though brief, I feel this is quite a comprehensive guide to a Jesus-centered life as an adult.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Working from the Inside Out" by Jeff Haanen is like having a wise friend guide you through the transformative journey of inner work. In this brief yet powerful guide, Haanen seamlessly weaves together personal anecdotes, practical exercises, and timeless wisdom to illuminate the path to self-discovery.

The author's conversational tone makes complex concepts accessible, and his friendly approach feels like a supportive companion on the quest for personal growth. Haanen skillfully explores how inner transformation can ripple outward, influencing our external world.

What sets this book apart is its emphasis on practicality. Haanen doesn't just preach theory; he provides tangible tools and exercises that readers can easily incorporate into their daily lives. Whether you're new to inner work or a seasoned explorer, this book offers fresh perspectives and actionable insights.

"Working from the Inside Out" is a gem for those seeking a balanced blend of spiritual wisdom and practical guidance. Haanen's warmth and sincerity shine through, making this book a valuable companion for anyone ready to embark on the journey of self-discovery and transformation.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are feeling unfulfilled in your chosen work, you are not alone. I think you will get the extra spark you need to make life more fulfilling and helping others, at the same time. This book was a perfect blend of motivation and scripture. It was broken up into three main sections:.,, disintegration, reintegration, and change. The symbols and special sections on professional versus working class perspectives were most helpful and his illustrations brought down home the examples you most needed to make your life better. After the pandemic lots of folks struggle finding meaning. This book will help you to find that path, and pride in your work. Give it a try and you won’t regret it. Remember 2 Corinthians 12: 9-- My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.

[John Siverling · Rating 5 out of 5]

There have been many books written in the last decade on the topic of vocation, but Jeff's brings a fresh inspiration to re-imagining work for all of us. It's a needed reminder for both professional and working class people alike of the intrinsic value of creative work within God's purpose for each of us. We all need the reminders Jeff shares to Seek Deep Spiritual Health, Think Theologically, Embrace Relationships, Create Good Work, and Serve Others Sacrificially. Importantly, the book gives practical ideas to turn concept into reality.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

The wisdom and guidance in this book is what I wish I would have had when I was graduating college and starting my career as a young professional. It is also the book that I, as a more seasoned business leader and fledgling entrepreneur, need to cut through the hardened layers that can calcify the soul. With every turn of the page, another piece was chiseled off, providing a fresh reminder for me of the calling I have as a Christian in the work God entrusted to me. I’ve been challenged, convicted, and blessed.

[Angel Cronan · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was surprised to see so many good reviews for this book, which made me excited to read it. But honestly the author’s thoughts were all over the place with so many different citations, it just felt convoluted and disengaging. He can’t state a point concisely. The message of the story is how we’re workers of God. That is true. But every paragraph seemingly referenced a new book or figure. I felt like I was mainly reading references nonstop. Save your time. This book is difficult to even finish. So boring.

[Chris Horst · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Working from the Inside Out, Jeff Haanen takes on what takes us on. Navigating who we are becoming as we navigate the complexities of how we work is a unique challenge in the cultural moment where we find ourselves. For followers of Jesus, reckoning with our work offers us the great opportunity to discover our Creator's vision for what a healthy relationship with our work can look like.

[Janet Dean · Rating 4 out of 5]

Haanen made insightful connections among our work lives, personalities, mental health, and spiritual lives. The idea of being a reservoir instead of a canal out of which we work and serve was particularly helpful. However, the material about social justice felt disconnected and forced - as if he desperately wanted to work that in somehow or the editor made him do it.

[Christian Barham · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had a strong beginning and strong ending, but lacked depth in the middle. If you want a quick read teaching you how to balance your faith and your work, then this is a great choice—however, if you’re willing to spend more time with a book that has more depth and spiritually moving ideas, I would recommend Garden City by John Mark Comer instead.

[M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a good read.

[Carla Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick, easy, and engaging read. Everything was great . . . except for the couple of references to the Enneagram and Richard Rohr quote. Sigh.