Beginnings: Understanding How We Experience the New Birth

by Stephen Smallman

Everyone has a spiritual journey. Where did yours begin?



You may recall a particular moment of change. You may feel as though you’ve been a Christian forever. You may not yet believe. How does conversion work? What does it mean to be “born again”?



Stephen Smallman unpacks these questions by looking at John’s gospel as well as biblical, historical, and contemporary case studies, showing how the Holy Spirit’s work can be traced in the lives of new believers.



As we study the stories of others and consider our own, we will discover a new way of relating evangelistically to the people around us—not as spiritual salespeople but as spiritual midwives called to assist in the birth.



With a birthline chart and lesson plan for a six-week course, this book will be a help and encouragement to anyone exploring what it means to become a Christian.



“In place of our too-often clichéd born-again narratives, Smallman guides us to a richer understanding that is wonderfully profound and reassuringly practical.”

—Mindy Belz, Editor, WORLD



“Beginnings . . . gave me an interpretive framework of [the] new birth that was not only more accurate, all-embracing, and truthful but, more importantly, God-centered.”

—Rico Tice, Founder, Christianity Explored



“In a compelling way Stephen Smallman helps us understand . . . the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit. This book will prove profitable to all who read it.”

—Jerry Bridges, Author, The Pursuit of Holiness



Stephen Smallman has served for over forty years in pastoral ministry and was the executive director of World Harvest Mission (now Serge). He currently teaches for CityNet Ministries of Philadelphia and is an assistant pastor of New Life Presbyterian Church in Glenside, Pennsylvania.

Genres: Theology

174 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 15, 2015

About the author

Stephen Smallman has served for over forty years in pastoral ministry and was the executive director of World Harvest Mission (now Serge). He currently teaches for CityNet Ministries of Philadelphia and is an assistant pastor of New Life Presbyterian Church in Glenside, Pennsylvania.

Reviews

[Jeanie]

One of the buzz words of Christianity is being born again. What does that mean? How does the understanding of being born again help us walk in the Christian faith? These questions and more will be answered in this essay. There are many misconceptions about being born again and we can miss the gospel in the process. Being born again and conversion is not the same thing. We seem to focus on the “experience” and make comparisons with others then become discouraged in the process. Our being born again comes from the Holy Spirit working in our hearts. This is a process and it is a lifelong process.

Stephen Smallman takes the analogy of baby’s birth to explain with clarity our new birth in Christ. Being a pastor, he also uses illustrations of people coming to faith thru a new birth and conversion. Some of these illustrations are helpful in identifying our own experience as well.

Our misconceptions of conversion can hinder how we invite others to Christ as well. Are we hunters of men or fishers of men? Do we know the difference? Knowing the difference can make all the difference in how people respond to the Gospel as well.

A kingdom mindset is important as well. Kingdom perspective needs to be part of discipleship even before conversion (kindle location 1959) this part of the book was so insightful to me. Having a kingdom mindset gives us purpose as we share the gospel and disciple others. The Kingdom of God is being under the rule and reign of Christ. In the new birth and the working of the Holy Spirit, we have something greater.

My huge thanks to the publisher P & R Publishing and NetGalley for an ARC to read and review.

[Ken Berger]

This book gives great insight into everyone's spiritual journey. the Lord is doing a lot in every life before they say the sinner's prayer and this book sheds light on that. A must-read for all evangelicals. The author new Chuck Colson and pastored many prison fellowship inmates.

[Zachary Adams]

I really appreciate Smallman’s point throughout the book that conversion is not always a moment or particular experience, but often is a long, drawn-out process.

Because *how* we conceive of conversion defines how we partake in evangelism, an unhealthy obsession with “your moment of conversion” has resulted in skewed approaches and perspectives on discipleship and the spiritual life.

Smallman wants to de-emphasize the pressure to make a decision to “accept Jesus,” and instead uses the metaphor of being a spiritual midwife. We help the (super)natural process along, whatever stage it is at, knowing that it is the Spirit who brings about the growth and the person who responds. It’s less about a decision and more about the direction one is facing. Some people turn around (repent) immediately, others turn in a long arch. Both are valid and important experiences.

I did not agree with all of Smallman’s theology (he’s pretty Calvinistic), but I really appreciated his approach to the beginning of the spiritual life (which does not begin at the moment if conversion) in the book as a whole.

3.5/5 stars!

[T Jones]

I read this as part of the C.S. Lewis Institute Fellows Program. I found this to be really helpful to understanding the different types of experiences people have in coming to faith in Jesus Christ. Not everyone can point to a specific date to when they became a Christian, nor is everyone's experience of conversion a drastic one, but if you are a Christian, you should be able to look back in your life and see that there has been a process of God working in your life, drawing you into relationship with Him.

[jessica]

I want to officially give this book 4.5 stars, but Goodreads doesn’t allow that… So so much useful information and great points. I was constantly passing on quotes and referring to it in conversation with my husband. Definitely recommended reading for pretty much any Christian, especially those actively involved in ministry.

[Bethany]

This book was full of amazing testimonials of how God works. Comparing this with birth in life with a very interesting side by side and in depth study on each of the sections. I enjoyed this book and feel as though it definitely helped me grow in understanding as well as appreciation for my own story as well as the differences in those around me.

[Tina Williams]

One of the best explanations of the "process" of new birth in Christ. We don't all follow the same course. Some conversions are short and dramatic and others are long slogs of searching with each resulting in a changed heart.

[Joshua Kelso]

Amazing! This book confirmed something I had wondered myself but never heard anyone confirm. It also gave me a framework for which to see peoples conversions and what to do about where someone is at.

[Jennifer Wells]

Really enjoyed this book, including the Appendix! So much good insight in this book walking a person through the different phases of spiritual conversion. I honestly didn’t like the whole midwife idea, but I still took a lot away from the book.

This book reminded me the linkage between repentance, faith, and baptism. This book clarified what the Great Commission truly means. “We need a Crock-Pot ministry, not a frying plan ministry. Many people need to be slow-cooked, and we need to take our time with them in the same way that God does. As pastors, we need to be fishers of men, not hunters of men.”

Lastly, this book reminded me of the criticality of discipleship right after conversion. I texted Liz right away to thank her for investing herself into me that way in high school! I had no idea at that time how much I needed it and our time together was fundamental to my spiritual growth. My journey continued by being discipled by Jeanette in college. ❤️ “Jesus tells people to follow him and learn from him, which is a reference to ongoing discipleship.”

[Josh Baker]

This is the first book I've ever read that directly addresses what the New Birth is like for people raised in the church. Very helpful for me.