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

by Alan Hirsch

In his bestselling missional book The Forgotten Ways, internationally known missional church expert Alan Hirsch offered a vision for the future growth of the church coming about by harnessing the power of the early church. Now The Forgotten Ways Handbook moves beyond theory to practice, offering ways for any missionally minded person to apply the ideas contained in The Forgotten Ways to their life and ministry.

This intensely practical handbook includes many helpful tools: summary sections encapsulating the ideas contained in each chapter in a popular way; suggested practices to help readers embed missional paradigms concretely; and adult learning-based techniques and examples from other churches and organizations that enable readers to process and assimilate the ideas in a group context.

EXCERPT
Make no mistake about it; the scope of the change that is required to shift to the kind of movement described in The Forgotten Ways is nothing less than paradigmatic. Every element of mDNA poses a direct challenge to the prevailing ways of doing church and mission. When taken together, all six elements of Apostolic Genius make the task seem enormous. But we don't think it is actually as difficult as it seems. And it is certainly not impossible. The Chinese church proves that a highly institutionalized form of Christianity can become a remarkable movement given the right circumstances. And we don't believe that we have to have persecution to activate Apostolic Genius. Less intense forms of adaptive challenges can, and do, force the church to respond. What we are witnessing in our own day indicates that. Because the church carries the gospel as well as the full coding of Apostolic Genius in her, the potential for world transformation is always present in us. We can always draw upon latent resources and instincts. God is able and very willing to stir his church up. In fact we see this as one of the very special works of the Holy Spirit--to awaken God's people to their calling and destiny as a movement that can and will change the world.

Genres: Church, Christianity, Religion, Theology, Christian

225 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 1, 2009

About the author

Alan Hirsch is the founding director of Forge Mission Training Network. Currently he co-leads Future Travelers, an innovative learning program helping megachurches become missional movements. Known for his innovative approach to mission, Alan is considered to be a thought-leader and key mission strategist for churches across the Western world. Hirsch is the author of The Forgotten Ways; co-author of The Shaping of Things to Come, ReJesus, and The Faith of Leap (with Michael Frost); Untamed (with Debra Hirsch); Right Here, Right Now (with Lance Ford), and On the Verge (with Dave Ferguson).

Alan is co-founder and adjunct faculty for the M.A. in Missional Church Movements at Wheaton College (Illinois). He is also adjunct professor at Fuller Seminary, George Fox Seminary, among others, and he lectures frequently throughout Australia, Europe, and the United States. He is series editor for Baker Books' Shapevine series , IVP's Forge line, and an associate editor of Leadership Journal.

His experience in leadership includes leading a local church movement among the marginalized as well as heading up the Mission and Revitalization work of his denomination. He has been on leadership team with Christian Associates, a mission agency planting churches throughout Europe. Alan is adjunct professor at Fuller Seminary and lectures frequently throughout Australia, Europe, and the U.S

Reviews

[Connor · Rating 4 out of 5]

A pragmatic, idea-soaked guide to implementing the broader ideals in “The Forgotten Ways”.

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a handbook to accompany Alan Hirsch's earlier book, "The Forgotten Ways." The handbook is suggested for the use of small groups that are involved in planting a missional church or assisting an already existing non-missional church in the transition to missional (may God bless you in that). The original book was primarily concerned with the concept of "apostolic genius" which Hirsch believes is the spiritual and sociological dynamic underlying the growth of significant Jesus movements in the Church over the last 2000 years. He points to the growth of the church in China as the best contemporary example of that. That's a point that gets a lot of play but one I'm also not entirely convinced of. I found the format of this book quite helpful. A summary of each mDNA (missional DNA) element that goes into the whole of apostolic genius is presented in its separate chapter along with suggested habits and practices for each element and a group learning process for each element. "A Note to Leaders" is a very helpful introduction to the book. I believe Hirsch is on to something in his identification of apostolic genius; however, I get uncomfortable at certain points when the whole deal begins to present as simply another take on "church growth." I think this book stands alone quite well so if you have not read the original and you're actually interested in implementation I might suggest you just start here.

[Apryl Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

An incredibly comprehensive, well-organized overview of the elements of converting a congregation to a living, breathing Christ-following community. I recognized (and preferred) reading the many books from which Hirsch draws his research. Probably due to the amazing way the Spirit has of speaking to my soul through books at the right time and place.

But this is a book to read in fellowship, and preferably under the leadership someone already familiar with this missional method. Unfortunately, one thing I've found myself struggling with while reading this is that it brings to mind the period when some returned from a conference covering this book. As a result, I couldn't shake the sense that I became a 'project' not a person. Ah well, that's part of the nature of embracing change: three steps forward, two steps back. We each make a choice to walk together in grace.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent book on restructuring (or structuring from scratch) your church around a missional mindset. It both explains why to change and how to change. The book is useful for personal or corporate study, as it also includes group study sections with questions for you to work through. If you already see the weakness in your christendom-shaped church, this is a great book to help you; however, if you need more convincing to change the way you do church try The Forgotten Ways first (or anything by Frank Viola).

[Mark Sequeira]

Another book I can't WAIT to read and work through! (Along with Frank Viola's latest "From Eternity to Here" and Neil Cole's follow up to "Organic Church," "Organic Leadership.) In the fine tradition of Roland Allen, Alexander Rattray Hay, Watchman Nee, Robert Banks, Gene Getz, Howard Synder, Jon Zens, Neil Cole, Frank Viola, and Gene Edwards comes this bombshell of a workbook based on "The Forgotten Ways." Thank you Alan. We can't wait!

[James Nolan · Rating 5 out of 5]

As we move into the 21st century I can't think of a more pragmatic book on getting a grasp on how the Lord is reshaping His church in the West. Thoughtful, challenging and practical but by no means a shallow read...now on to the book; since this is just the guide. Deep water ahead but nothing ventured nothing gained. Thank God for brothers like Alan Hirsch.

[Steve Robbins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great companion to the book. Gave a lot of practical tips and ideas on how to implement the points he discusses in "The Forgotten Ways."

[Gary · Rating 2 out of 5]

New way to do church. Makes your brain hurt to read this one. A bit over the top but makes you think.

[Simon · Rating 2 out of 5]

Fine. I read it a while ago, and have forgotten a bit of it. It was a mixed bag.

[Luke Larner · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read full of practical exercises and real-life application. A tad idealistic though.