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The Making of an Ordinary Saint: My Journey from Frustration to Joy with the Spiritual Disciplines
Nathan Foster was just a child when his father's classic Celebration of Discipline brought the spiritual disciplines into the popular evangelical consciousness. More than thirty years later, Nathan made his own journey into the spiritual disciplines. As he sought day by day to develop habits that would enable him to live more like Jesus, he encountered problems both universal and unique. In this engaging narrative, he draws insights from saints of old to uncover fresh ways of living for the contemporary, postmodern Christian.Through his successes, struggles, and failures, Foster invites readers on a journey of freedom, pain, frustration, and ultimately joy as he learns to rise above selfish desires, laugh at his own failures, and fall in love with God. Those who have read Celebration of Discipline will find in Nathan's book creative new ways to practice the disciplines that have been so formative in their lives. Those who are new to the spiritual disciplines will find that developing a vital, interactive, conversational relationship with God is within their grasp. As a result, the holy habits of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control are truly possible for all. Includes chapter openings and a foreword from Richard J. Foster.
210 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 30, 2014
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525 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
December 29, 2023
I like how Nathan made me think of the spiritual disciplines in a whole new way. More accessible and creative ideas to incorporate ancient disciplines into everyday modern life.
October 21, 2023
One of the best books I’ve read! It uncovers and relates the beautiful history and traditions behind the spiritual disciplines to the present. It challenges, gives the context for spiritual disciplines and then gives ways to apply it practically in the day to day.
October 19, 2024
If you’re looking for an instructional book on practicing the spiritual disciplines, this isn’t it. But if you’re looking for a memoir of an ordinary layperson trying to get closer to his God and grow in his faith, The Making of an Ordinary Saint is a good choice.
It’s a candid look at one man’s search to follow the spiritual practices modelled by Jesus and in so doing to lose the frustration that seems to be taking over his life.
Each chapter shares his attempts to focus on a different discipline, introduced by a brief explanation of that discipline. He’s honest about the struggles, the failures, the benefits, and the costs. He also includes a few “interlude” chapters warning of potential hazards. (Hazards to spiritual disciplines? Oh, yes. For example, can you say “pride”?)
Subtitled “My journey from frustration to joy with the spiritual disciplines,” this book includes a foreword and reflections by Richard J. Foster, author of Celebration of Discipline (and father of Nathan Foster).
I found the original Celebration of Discipline inspiring. Truth told: Most of what I read remained head knowledge instead of moving into my daily walk with the Lord. That’s not the book’s fault, and now that the spiritual disciplines are again on my mind I hope to be more intentional about them.
I was slow to engage with this book because the author’s frustration came through so clearly that I started feeling it too. Negative emotions transfer too easily. But his story drew me in, and his journey reminded me of the hope the disciplines offer of closeness with God.
This is not a book that will leave “regular” readers feeling they’ll never measure up. But it gives glimpses of reward that make the cost well worth paying.
One of the things Nathan Foster learned, something I think so many of us need to internalize, is this:
I’m grateful for the chance to read The Making of an Ordinary Saint, and I highly recommend it to anyone desiring a closer relationship with God. We would do well to follow it up with Celebration of Discipline and with some of the resources at Practicing the Way, the ministry related to the book by John Mark Comer. (I’ve only listened to some of their material to date and haven’t yet read the book. What I’m hearing is resonating.)
Nathan Foster is an author, professor, and the host of Life With God: A Renovaré Podcast.
[Review copy from my household library.]
It’s a candid look at one man’s search to follow the spiritual practices modelled by Jesus and in so doing to lose the frustration that seems to be taking over his life.
Each chapter shares his attempts to focus on a different discipline, introduced by a brief explanation of that discipline. He’s honest about the struggles, the failures, the benefits, and the costs. He also includes a few “interlude” chapters warning of potential hazards. (Hazards to spiritual disciplines? Oh, yes. For example, can you say “pride”?)
Subtitled “My journey from frustration to joy with the spiritual disciplines,” this book includes a foreword and reflections by Richard J. Foster, author of Celebration of Discipline (and father of Nathan Foster).
I found the original Celebration of Discipline inspiring. Truth told: Most of what I read remained head knowledge instead of moving into my daily walk with the Lord. That’s not the book’s fault, and now that the spiritual disciplines are again on my mind I hope to be more intentional about them.
I was slow to engage with this book because the author’s frustration came through so clearly that I started feeling it too. Negative emotions transfer too easily. But his story drew me in, and his journey reminded me of the hope the disciplines offer of closeness with God.
This is not a book that will leave “regular” readers feeling they’ll never measure up. But it gives glimpses of reward that make the cost well worth paying.
One of the things Nathan Foster learned, something I think so many of us need to internalize, is this:
“… a clear and deep knowing of God’s love for me has been the key remedy I needed to untangle many of the problems I faced. …I have come to believe that God’s love is the central message of Christianity, that living the kingdom life must be born out of an active response to a deep knowing of one’s place as a much-loved daughter or son of the Author of Life.” (p. 66)
I’m grateful for the chance to read The Making of an Ordinary Saint, and I highly recommend it to anyone desiring a closer relationship with God. We would do well to follow it up with Celebration of Discipline and with some of the resources at Practicing the Way, the ministry related to the book by John Mark Comer. (I’ve only listened to some of their material to date and haven’t yet read the book. What I’m hearing is resonating.)
Nathan Foster is an author, professor, and the host of Life With God: A Renovaré Podcast.
[Review copy from my household library.]
January 12, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. Nathan's dad wrote "Celebration of Discipline", which is a modern classic of Christian spiritual formation. In this book, Nathan engages in practicing each of the disciplines covered in his dad's book over the course of a year. Nathan furthers the conversation by demonstrating ways that average people with jobs and kids and bad habits can embrace the spiritual disciplines and slowly grow more like Jesus.
I suggest reading it alongside "Celebration of Discipline" if possible.
I suggest reading it alongside "Celebration of Discipline" if possible.
August 20, 2015
The memoir meets spiritual formation literature in Nathan Foster’s The Making of an Ordinary Saint; and in case the name “Foster” has a familiar ring to it, think “Richard Foster” of the seventies-era classic Celebration of Discipline. Nathan is Richard Foster’s son, and a handful he was, apparently. Now with addiction and bitterness in the rear-view mirror, Nathan is reporting on his alternative mid-life crisis: no red convertible for him! He took on a year of celebrating the spiritual disciplines (which ultimately became a four year project).
Most significant is Foster’s demonstration that the Christian life is not a check list, and the twelve disciplines he highlights should not be treated as such. Rather they are an interconnected web of righteousness in which:
“God initiates and we respond. When music sparks the love of God within us, we sing. When nature speaks to our hearts, we give thanks . . .[W]e acknowledge God and his beauty. Prayer, fasting, and meditation allow us to tune in. Submission, service, confession and simplicity create a humble posture. Study teaches us how to tap into the frequency of gratitude. Guidance shows us where to find God.”
“In a sense there is only one discipline: an active response to a loving God. “
Nathan has overcome significant obstacles, and goes out of his way to help his readers to see that a life infused with prayer, fasting, solitude and some of the more strenuous disciplines does not necessarily come easily, even if your father is a spiritual formation guru. Intentionality was the word that kept coming to mind as Nathan shared his experiences of “drafting [in a bike race as] a perfect metaphor for community.” He took the risk, and God met him more than half-way.
Of particular value in this book are:
1. The section of Further Reading, which provides resources specifically on each of the twelve disciplines Foster examines.
2. Richard Foster’s introductory words at the outset of each chapter, which provide background and understanding of the topics.
3. The portraits of “extraordinary” saints which come at the end of each chapter, profiling an historical figure who excelled in or had exceptional insight to the practice of that chapter’s discipline.
For anyone who would become something other than incidentally Christian, this book is a kick in the seat of the pants, a chat over a cup of coffee with someone who has made the effort, and an historical and theological argument in favor of the practice of the spiritual disciplines.
I received this book free from Baker Publishing Group. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/wa....
Most significant is Foster’s demonstration that the Christian life is not a check list, and the twelve disciplines he highlights should not be treated as such. Rather they are an interconnected web of righteousness in which:
“God initiates and we respond. When music sparks the love of God within us, we sing. When nature speaks to our hearts, we give thanks . . .[W]e acknowledge God and his beauty. Prayer, fasting, and meditation allow us to tune in. Submission, service, confession and simplicity create a humble posture. Study teaches us how to tap into the frequency of gratitude. Guidance shows us where to find God.”
“In a sense there is only one discipline: an active response to a loving God. “
Nathan has overcome significant obstacles, and goes out of his way to help his readers to see that a life infused with prayer, fasting, solitude and some of the more strenuous disciplines does not necessarily come easily, even if your father is a spiritual formation guru. Intentionality was the word that kept coming to mind as Nathan shared his experiences of “drafting [in a bike race as] a perfect metaphor for community.” He took the risk, and God met him more than half-way.
Of particular value in this book are:
1. The section of Further Reading, which provides resources specifically on each of the twelve disciplines Foster examines.
2. Richard Foster’s introductory words at the outset of each chapter, which provide background and understanding of the topics.
3. The portraits of “extraordinary” saints which come at the end of each chapter, profiling an historical figure who excelled in or had exceptional insight to the practice of that chapter’s discipline.
For anyone who would become something other than incidentally Christian, this book is a kick in the seat of the pants, a chat over a cup of coffee with someone who has made the effort, and an historical and theological argument in favor of the practice of the spiritual disciplines.
I received this book free from Baker Publishing Group. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/wa....
December 23, 2014
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*
I have read and enjoyed Celebration of Discipline and thought The Making of an Ordinary Saint looked like an interesting complement to it. Part memoir, part in-depth study, this book reflects upon the spiritual disciplines as they relate to everyday life for the author (and the reader). I found myself feeling like I had jumped into the middle of the story and wishing that I already knew Nathan Foster from other work, as I couldn't quite engage completely with his writing. I think if I had read Wisdom Chaser first, I would have felt differently, since I would have already had more background for him and his relationship with his father.
Overall, though, I think this is a great addition to the canon of spiritual discipline work that Foster's father, Richard J. Foster, has also contributed to so greatly. It's a good introduction to the elder Foster's work and stands alone as a portrait of how a younger generation can engage ancient practices.
I have read and enjoyed Celebration of Discipline and thought The Making of an Ordinary Saint looked like an interesting complement to it. Part memoir, part in-depth study, this book reflects upon the spiritual disciplines as they relate to everyday life for the author (and the reader). I found myself feeling like I had jumped into the middle of the story and wishing that I already knew Nathan Foster from other work, as I couldn't quite engage completely with his writing. I think if I had read Wisdom Chaser first, I would have felt differently, since I would have already had more background for him and his relationship with his father.
Overall, though, I think this is a great addition to the canon of spiritual discipline work that Foster's father, Richard J. Foster, has also contributed to so greatly. It's a good introduction to the elder Foster's work and stands alone as a portrait of how a younger generation can engage ancient practices.
November 3, 2018
This was a great read. Though I found self arguing with the at-times weak theology of Nathan and his dad, the way he writes is captivating and his overall point is usually of great value. If handled with theological caution, this is a great book for a struggling christian; perhaps someone who has been burned by the church.
February 18, 2015
I enjoyed the stories in each chapter and believe they will resonate with a younger generation.
November 22, 2021
I remember reading Richard J. Foster's "Celebration of Discipline" during my seminary years. I will confess that on more than one occasion, my required texts would lead to an eye-roll and subsequent skepticism about their true value to my future in ministry.
However, I'd always found much to appreciate about "Celebration of Discipline" and have referred back to it time and time again throughout my life in and out of ministry.
Nathan Foster is Richard's son, a somewhat typical PK who at first detoured away from more spiritual pursuits before eventually finding his way back. Now the Director of Community Life at Renovare, Nathan Foster is a licensed clinical social worker and certified addictions counselor who has, with "The Making of an Ordinary Saint," brought vivid life to his father's work by approaching it through his unique personal lens.
Richard himself is here, as well, writing both the foreword and reflections that precede each of Nathan's chapters on each of his father's disciplines. Nathan's work here is richly human, transparent in a realistic way yet also far more revealing than we're used to seeing from a good number of Christian writers.
I remember first reading through "Celebration of Discipline" and feeling drawn to those disciplines with which I felt most comfortable. It feels noteworthy that as I read "The Making of an Ordinary Saint" that I felt most drawn to those disciplines where I have the most room to grow including one that has been getting an awful lot of my reflection time as of late - celebration.
"The Making of an Ordinary Saint" wasn't a mind-blowing read for me. Instead, it was a comfortable and immersive read. It took me several days after logging it to finally actually sit down to read it. Once I did, I continued reading it until the end and had it done within 24 hours. Of course, I'll be processing it for some time to come as some chapters truly seemed to be calling me into account.
For those seeking a more personal approach to spiritual disciplines, "The Making of an Ordinary Saint" will be a meaningful and engaging read.
However, I'd always found much to appreciate about "Celebration of Discipline" and have referred back to it time and time again throughout my life in and out of ministry.
Nathan Foster is Richard's son, a somewhat typical PK who at first detoured away from more spiritual pursuits before eventually finding his way back. Now the Director of Community Life at Renovare, Nathan Foster is a licensed clinical social worker and certified addictions counselor who has, with "The Making of an Ordinary Saint," brought vivid life to his father's work by approaching it through his unique personal lens.
Richard himself is here, as well, writing both the foreword and reflections that precede each of Nathan's chapters on each of his father's disciplines. Nathan's work here is richly human, transparent in a realistic way yet also far more revealing than we're used to seeing from a good number of Christian writers.
I remember first reading through "Celebration of Discipline" and feeling drawn to those disciplines with which I felt most comfortable. It feels noteworthy that as I read "The Making of an Ordinary Saint" that I felt most drawn to those disciplines where I have the most room to grow including one that has been getting an awful lot of my reflection time as of late - celebration.
"The Making of an Ordinary Saint" wasn't a mind-blowing read for me. Instead, it was a comfortable and immersive read. It took me several days after logging it to finally actually sit down to read it. Once I did, I continued reading it until the end and had it done within 24 hours. Of course, I'll be processing it for some time to come as some chapters truly seemed to be calling me into account.
For those seeking a more personal approach to spiritual disciplines, "The Making of an Ordinary Saint" will be a meaningful and engaging read.
March 2, 2018
This book was given to me by my wife, Shari. To be honest I thought it might be a bit dry. I was wrong. It was full of life and experiences that - in many cases – I could relate.
The author makes a case for 12 disciplines. Like submission, study, being alone, submitting, study, meditation (not the same as being alone), being simple in our faith, prayer, worship, service, guidance, worship and celebration.
It was refreshing to read that the author had a lot of frustrations and that his progress/moving forward were often times pretty small and minimal. I can relate to that. I believe that all of us have similar frustrations with the pace of deepening and widening our faith. Still they do come and when they do, we need to mark the occasion and celebrate.
Some of the stories he tells are about things he learned from riding a bike. You are pretty alone much of that time and there is ample time to think. He did a lot of memorizing the Bible . . . something that has no real appeal to me. He even submitted to his children and allowed them to do what they wanted, with him.
I am reminded that we all struggle with our progress or perceived lack of it at time. But if we persist, and trust in God’s Grace, it will come. Holiness is not easily.
For those of us who try to do a better job each day of being more and more like Christ, it was reassuring to read that the author had the same frustrations, but when progress was made . . . we need to thank God for the grace that He extends.
I found his story to be encouraging and insightful, hopeful and invitational.
In this book we learn that it is possible to rise above our own selfishness, laugh at ourselves and ultimately learn to love God.
I found this book to be filled with insights, encouraging and provided hope. I needed that. I think you will, too.
The author makes a case for 12 disciplines. Like submission, study, being alone, submitting, study, meditation (not the same as being alone), being simple in our faith, prayer, worship, service, guidance, worship and celebration.
It was refreshing to read that the author had a lot of frustrations and that his progress/moving forward were often times pretty small and minimal. I can relate to that. I believe that all of us have similar frustrations with the pace of deepening and widening our faith. Still they do come and when they do, we need to mark the occasion and celebrate.
Some of the stories he tells are about things he learned from riding a bike. You are pretty alone much of that time and there is ample time to think. He did a lot of memorizing the Bible . . . something that has no real appeal to me. He even submitted to his children and allowed them to do what they wanted, with him.
I am reminded that we all struggle with our progress or perceived lack of it at time. But if we persist, and trust in God’s Grace, it will come. Holiness is not easily.
For those of us who try to do a better job each day of being more and more like Christ, it was reassuring to read that the author had the same frustrations, but when progress was made . . . we need to thank God for the grace that He extends.
I found his story to be encouraging and insightful, hopeful and invitational.
In this book we learn that it is possible to rise above our own selfishness, laugh at ourselves and ultimately learn to love God.
I found this book to be filled with insights, encouraging and provided hope. I needed that. I think you will, too.
June 30, 2024
This is my favorite book so far on the spiritual disciplines. I appreciate how it’s written as a person who’s experimenting with trying them out. I had both the audio book as well as the written book and went through them both; the book was worth that kind of time & thought investment. I totally relate to the author, Nathen Foster. His extreme transparency allows the reader to see faith in the nitty gritty of life and the human struggle we all have with our own insecurities, selfishness, pettiness, etc.
August 26, 2024
My book club does half nonfiction and half fiction books. I am much more interested in the fiction books so my review probably reflects that I'm not a big nonfiction reader. This book is about a man who decides to follow his father's chapters about spiritual disciplines. For me it was just ho-hum. I would rather read his father's book and follow those chapters for myself than to read about what somebody else discovered in them. But maybe his experiences will encourage others to read his father's book. And maybe that was the whole purpose of writing this book.
June 7, 2025
Richard Foster’s Celebration of Discipline is arguably THE defining book on spiritual disciplines. I would argue that his son Nathan Foster wrote arguably the best memoir of attempting to live out this disciplines with this book. The way that Nathan opens up about his personal struggles, and describes his attempts to live out the disciplines in everyday life, really helps make the disciplines come alive. I highly recommend this book for anyone who wants to pursue a deeper life with God, but struggles to make it happen.
September 26, 2017
Most books on the spiritual disciplines tend to be more practical, which is helpful. Nathan Foster, however, brings something new to the conversation: real world experience. With thoughts and narratives that are poetically written, Foster tackles the hills and valleys of the spiritual disciplines with brutal honesty. One can not help but feel inspired to follow in the same footsteps of spiritual formation after reading this insightfully beautiful account of walking in the spiritual disciplines.
November 27, 2017
Generous quotes from Richard Foster's Celebration of Discipline, narratives by his son Nathan about his creative experiments with the disciplines, and profiles of historic figures who modeled them. An enjoyable read that has given me some good ideas for spiritual paractices and insight to my own struggles. Might recommend first reading Nathan's book "Wisdom Chaser: Finding my Father at 14,000 Feet," though this can also stand on its own.
May 27, 2019
For those with my temperament, I would recommend reading Celebration of Disciplines by Richard Foster first. It gives readers a better understanding of the practices. However, Nathan Foster often gives useful and inspiring big picture thoughts to the discussion of the disciplines. I was disappointed with the endings of a few chapters, but at least it is apparent that he is trying to convey his true experiences.
March 1, 2020
If you have read Celebration of Discipline and wonder what it looks like for ordinary people in the midst of life to stumble through them, read this book. Nathan Foster writes in a narrative form about the real struggle and beautiful heartache of letting God shape us. We don't have to do any of these things for Him to love us, but through the disciplines and all our stumbling, we learn to experience the love that has been waiting for us all along.
May 11, 2021
Hands-on Practical, Foster’s Book lays out how to incorporate in your daily life the spiritual disciplines of Submission, Fasting, Study, Solitude, Meditation, Confession, Simplicity, Service, Prayer, Guidance, Worship, and, finally, Celebration ... dwells on one discipline per week ... book includes an excellent Bibliography ... absolutely what the doctor ordered for anyone seeking to improve their personal spirituality ...
February 24, 2024
This book took me 4 months to read, because I needed to ponder and savor it. It has changed my life and how I live it. I am much more intentional and joyful because of it. I love everything Nathan does… his interviews, podcast, books. He’s authentic and has a voice that draws you in with its sincerity and gentleness. Reading about him going through the spiritual disciplines had me rooting, even crying for him. His splashes of humor had me laughing out loud - such a talented writer!
June 2, 2024
The spiritual disciplines are often portrayed as big things that take a lot of work (and to be fair, they are that). However, I enjoyed this book for it's look at the other side of them. You can put them into practice in many small ways. A lifetime of small obediences will add up. The vulnerability in the stories shared was moving and this book inspired me to make small steps towards some of the spiritual disciplines.
May 4, 2025
Great read .. need to go again !
This author takes you on a road trip of experiences that will help transform your own life if you will allow it to . As well as being a delightful read I knew I needed to take some of the words of wisdom to heart and really dive in to some of these if not all of the spiritual disciplines . The honesty in the fasting stands out . I needed to hear that . Thank you Richard .
This author takes you on a road trip of experiences that will help transform your own life if you will allow it to . As well as being a delightful read I knew I needed to take some of the words of wisdom to heart and really dive in to some of these if not all of the spiritual disciplines . The honesty in the fasting stands out . I needed to hear that . Thank you Richard .
November 23, 2018
Enjoyed the candid and vulnerable writing. The author has followed his father's book 25-30 years later with personal stories of struggling and succeeding in adding the spiritual disciplines to his life. The perspectives of the disciplines and the honesty with his sharing made this a really good follow up to Celebration of Discipline which impacted me many years ago.
August 10, 2020
This gave me some fresh perspective and encouragement with spiritual disciplines or 'intentional exercises of grace' as Nathan Foster likes to refer to them. Drawing on his father's writings (Celebration of Discipline), the author earth's it all into his own life with honesty, humour and openness.
Well worth reading.
Well worth reading.
December 17, 2021
This book was so encouraging. As one who is wanting to do spiritual disciplines, but feels like a failure most of the time, this book took the pressure off, offering grace to do things imperfectly. The author offers examples of his own path and how the disciplines can look different for every person. This book is a keeper and one I will read more than once.
August 16, 2017
An amazing book for anyone who has any idea about the Spiritual Disciplines and anyone who doesn't. It's a very genuine book in Nathan's struggles in trying to live out the disciples and it makes the book far more enjoyable and relatable.
November 23, 2018
Enjoyed this book. The author has followed his father's book 25-30 years later. His candid, vulnerable writing is encouraging as he tells of his struggle and successes with incorporating the spiritual disciplines in his life.
January 31, 2021
A great companion to his Father’s classic book. To the theological and practical of his Dad’s words, the author adds the personal narrative of a real person navigating the spiritual life. A very encouraging read!
April 17, 2021
This book makes living the Christian disciplines look doable for people who have families, jobs and live in the modern world. Most of the writing on this subject is done by monks but this is a university professor with a wife and two children. It is a delight.
May 25, 2021
This book wasn't what I expected (more how-to) but I enjoyed reading along as he fumbled through the disciplines. I also now have his dad's "Celebrations" book on my to-read list about spiritual disciplines.
April 4, 2022
Another text from Christian Spiritual Formation course. I found this both practical and realistic, showing both the challenges and practical ways to approach the disciplines, how they work and how they can teach a person about themselves, their weaknesses and still strengthen one's walk with God.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews