Transforming Conversion: Rethinking the Language and Contours of Christian Initiation

by Gordon T. Smith

This volume offers much-needed theological reflection on the phenomenon of conversion and transformation. Gordon Smith provides a robust evaluation that covers the broad range of thinking about conversion across Christian traditions and addresses global contexts. Smith contends that both in the church and in discussions about contemporary mission, the language of conversion inherited from revivalism is inadequate in helping to navigate the questions that shape how we do church, how we approach faith formation, how evangelism is integrated into congregational life, and how we witness to the faith in non-Christian environments. We must rethink the nature of the church in light of how people actually come to faith in Christ. After drawing on ancient and pre-revivalist wisdom on conversion, Smith delineates the contours of conversion and Christian initiation for today's church. He concludes by discussing the art of spiritual autobiography and what it means to be a congregation.

Genres: Theology, Christianity, Evangelism

225 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 1, 2010

About the author

Gordon T. Smith is the president of Ambrose University and Seminary in Calgary, Alberta, where he also serves as professor of systematic and spiritual theology. He is an ordained minister with the Christian and Missionary Alliance and a teaching fellow at Regent College, Vancouver, British Columbia. He is the author of many books, including Courage and Calling, Called to Be Saints, Spiritual Direction, and Consider Your Calling.

Reviews

[Mark Kennicott · Rating 5 out of 5]

When speaking of conversion, Christians are often guilty of painting finish lines at starting points. In Transforming Conversion, Gordon T. Smith challenges modern revivalist approaches to evangelism and argues for a more robust and biblically faithful picture of what it means to come to faith in Jesus, convincingly arguing for a paradigm shift that sees conversion as a process rather than a punctiliar event. Smith writes, "How we think and speak of conversion matters deeply, for conversion is the genesis, the point of departure for the rest of our Christian life" (p. 1).

Smith unpacks conversion throughout the book, inviting the reader to consider just what it means to respond to the saving work of Jesus in a transformative way. Honestly, this should be required reading for every minister of the gospel. Too much Christian evangelism focuses on people making decisions instead of people becoming disciples. Smith's work challenges the notion that the gospel is about dying and going to heaven and paints a picture of the robust New Testament call to discipleship that brings heaven to earth through the power of the Holy Spirit. An essential read!

[Gary Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Few things matter as much to the effective spread of the Gospel as a biblical understanding of true conversion. Gordon Smith is well-versed in myriad traditions, and he admirably combines the clear teaching of Scripture with wisdom gained from the church's application over the past 2,000 years to arrive at a workable and even practical model for how to effect, describe, facilitate and foster true Christian conversion. I love the way he combines the necessity of Scriptural teaching with an emphasis on the real presence of Christ. Smith has a way of bringing in the best of all worlds. I'd love to see a church take this seriously and see how it works in practical application.

[Nate Duriga · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a highly valuable work that deserves a read. Smith looks at the way the church has viewed conversion through history and across traditions in a way that expands the perspective beyond the punctiliar view that has dominated modern evangelicalism. He sheds light in the conversation theologically and through the examples of conversion narratives. His conclusion paints a picture of the church's identity that reminds us what a "convert" is meant to be joining, which puts the goal of conversion in perspective.

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

A more fleshed-out and in-depth view of what salvation and conversion are beyond the incomplete and simplistic call to "invite Jesus into your heart." Necessary, uplifting, challenging, and insightful, this book should be read, or at least the contents discussed, by anyone involved in formal, and maybe even informal, faith formation in young and old.

[Brad · Rating 3 out of 5]

Smith argues for a recalibration of an evangelical theology of conversion that moves away from the revivalistic, crisis conversions produced in the “altar call” and towards a congregationally-mediated process of education and discernment culminating in baptism.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great thoughts. Read it for a course but will read again.

[Christopher Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for anyone in ministry. The final chapter alone is worth the price of the book.