SoulShift: The Measure of a Life Transformed

by Steve Deneff, David Drury

We want to be different, but we don't want to change. Our attempts at spiritual formation and growth are consistently sabotaged by our surface efforts that never quite get to the root of the problem. We think we know what we're supposed to do, but we're not quite sure who we're supposed to be on the other side of transformation. In SoulShift , Steve DeNeff and David Drury offer an approach to spiritual transformation that focuses less on measuring how much time we are spending on spiritual inputs--such as Bible study and prayer--and more on measuring who we are becoming in Christ. Christians at any stage of life will experience a fresh beginning in following Jesus. You will learn about seven key transformational shifts that occur in the minds, hearts, and behaviors of every true follower of Christ. And you will receive practical help for bringing about these shifts in your own life. SoulShift will move you from performance-driven religion to life-transforming relationship . . . for the rest of your life. The Measure of a Life Transformed will be followed by a series of companion Bible studies and a church resource kit that will enable pastors to implement SoulShift as a whole-church program. "David Drury and Steve DeNeff love to guide believers to a deeper walk with God. They love to reveal the power and richness of the transformed spirit. And they love to show practical ways to move our souls into alignment with our heavenly Father. Their new book, does all of that, while giving us practical ways to "soulshift" toward a Christlike life."
-- Max Lucado , pastor and bestselling author

Genres: Christian, Audiobook, Discipleship, Religion

192 pages, Perfect Paperback

First published June 1, 2011

Reviews

[Evan Hoekzema · Rating 4 out of 5]

I remember really appreciating this book, I still think it’s a great resource especially within the church when it comes to the mindset of discipleship. We talk about the importance of discipleship a lot but what does it LOOK like? How can you describe the journey to someone in such a way that they have areas of surrender that they can look forward to. I think this book does a good job giving us handles for some of those discipleship markers along the path.

[Danna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book on the spiritual disciplines using seven key transformational shifts that God places on our hearts, mind, and behaviors.

[Mark Soone · Rating 3 out of 5]

My rating of this book is based more upon how it worked for me in a small group study atmosphere. For personal reading I might go 4 stars. I love everything that Deneff writes, and is my favorite contemporary christian author...a shame that he is not more widely known outside of wesleyan Arminian circles. I have had classes with both Deneff and Drury (and his dad as well), and because of the respect I have for both of them I naturally have very high excpectations for them.

My first thought is that while I found this an enjoyable read, I did not find it to be among Deneff's best works. There are many very good and sound principles that should become a part of a believers growth in Christ, yet I did not find it as personally convicting or challanging as his earlier works as well.

In the group setting I don't want to make it sound like this book/study is not worth doing! It is certainly a viable option for most small groups to consider using. Our group started as a group of 7 individuals and by the time we were done we were 15 strong! Some of that can be attributed to the closeness of our group as well as our community mindset, but some credit needs to be given to the book itself as well as the dialouge that stemmed from the questions and conversations of the material. For the more spiritually mature though their was not a ton of practical growth points that were new or reveloutionary...however since half of our group is slighltly less learned, biblically speaking, many of them were able to draw out new concepts that should be a staple in thier lives. I would recommend this more for those groups, or groups containing those individuals.

On the plus side the book challanged us in the first real chapter to begin a small group ministry, and through our time together in this 10 week study (for us) we have begun partnering with our local homeless shelter in providing weekend meals, as well as a partnership with our local pregnancy agency.

This book is weel worth the read for all who are serious about thier walk in christ, any small groups, particularly those who are newer to the faith or not quite as grounded (I don't mean that in a derogatory way!).

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was surprisingly very practical setting the stage by the title of the Preface: We Want To Be Different, but We Don't Want to Change. Chapters address Me to You, Slave to Child, Seen to Unseen, Consumer to Steward, Ask to Listen, Sheep to Shepherd, Me to We, with guiding Biblical references and real life situations. The book is chock full of practical truths that can be worked through in anyone's life. The Consumer to Steward chapter guides the reader to make a soul shift from being a spender to a saver, from a saver to a giver, from a saver to a blesser or a generous giver. The author writes about the master giving his servants talents, expecting a return, and explains the New Testament story with unique application. The end of every chapter has a place for one's written personal reflection, and questions for reflection. I really, really liked the last chapter Learning to Fly and the Epilogue: God's Garage. Both had analogies to move the reader towards action, especially if a person feels dry and useless.
I would highly recommend this book to be used in a small group study or one on one.

[Jamin Melanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Steve Deneff and David Drury tackle an important issue in the culture of the church. We have a lot of people filling the pews who have not made the shift to be more like Christ. These two inspire them, and all of us, to be transformed into the people God calls us to be.

They address seven shifts all Christians need to make or be in the process of making. They are:

Me to You
Slave to Child
Seen to Unseen
Consumer to Steward
Ask to Listen
Sheep to Shepherd
Me to We

It was a challenging read in the sense I was challenged to change. Especially the "Ask to Listen". God and I are still working on that. I am planning on preaching on this shifts come Autumn. I pray God will work on the hearts of my people to shift in them as well.

Overall, and excellent read. I would recommend all Christians to take time and dive into the pages.

[Gina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am on the Spiritual Development team at my church and we used this book and dvd's in several test pilot small groups to see if this would be something we would want to roll out to our congregation this fall. The book is very practical in helping you identify where you are and the areas that you need to work on. It is also a good program to use to begin implementing small groups. The book is easy to read and digest and will meet folks where they are spiritually; I think it is especially good for those who are just beginning their spiritual growth as it gives them direction! We are still working on our plans to implement this in the fall and are very excited to see how God is going to use this to help us grow spiritually!

[Shirley Brosius · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book points out what may block us from leading full and abundant Christian lives. Subtle shifts in our thinking may make dramatic differences in how we live out our faith. The first chapter, “Me to You,” points out ways to shift from putting ourselves first to putting others first. Our relationship with God may deepen as we discover the difference of shifting from “Slave to Child.” In an easy-to-read-and-apply way, the book points out practices and attitudes so often overlooked in our busy everyday lives.

Closing chapters help you nail down specific steps. This is a great book for a Sunday school or small group study since it comes with a study guide.

[Jeff Elliott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally...I attended the SoulShift conference in October 2011. This book is the product of that conference. As a small church pastor I am so thrilled to have a tool that I can use to see if my sheep are making real spiritual progress. Are they being spiritually transformed? We will be working through this material as a congregation next month. I am very excited to see how God will use this material and how it will be received by our people.

This book is a must read for anyone interested in genuine spiritual transformation.

[Charles · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written and thought out. The authors have highlighted seven essential areas where all who claim to be new creatures in Christ need to really shift from their familiar ways into that new creation. Plus, they deal with the reality that no shift is ever so complete to avoid needing to revisit and shift again--which is why I will probably have to read this book again. By the way, using it in a group study is probably the best way to work through it. That is what I recommend.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very practical look at transforming your Christian walk.

[Amyjo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really nicely laid out book. Very readable and some good theology.

[Spenser White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don't read this book if you want to continue living a mediocre, safe life. Changed my interactions with God and my fellow man so much! I recommend this to any Christian.

[Andy Heer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good