The Walk: Five Essential Practices of the Christian Life

by Adam Hamilton

How do we walk with Christ--daily follow him, grow in him, and faithfully serve him? In the Gospels, Jesus modeled for us the Christian spiritual life. The apostles taught it in their writings. And the Church has, through the last 2,000 years, sought to pursue this Christian spiritual life. In The Walk , Adam Hamilton focuses on five essential spiritual practices that are rooted in Jesus' own walk with God and taught throughout the New Testament. Each of these practices is intended as part of our daily walk with Christ while also being an essential part of growing together in the church. In each chapter, Hamilton explores one of these practices, its New Testament foundation, and what it looks like to pursue this practice daily in our personal life and together in the life of the church. Deepen your walk with Christ as we explore the five essential practices of worship, study, serving, giving, and bearing witness to our faith. Additional components for a six-week adult study include a comprehensive Leader Guide and a DVD featuring the engaging teachings of author and pastor Adam Hamilton. Also available are resources for children and youth.

Genres: Nonfiction, Religion, Christianity, Spirituality, Christian, Faith, Christian Living

176 pages, Hardcover

Published December 17, 2019

About the author

Rev. Adam Hamilton is the founding pastor of the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kansas. He grew up in the Kansas City area. He earned a B.A. degree in Pastoral Ministry from Oral Roberts University and a Master of Divinity Degree from Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University.

The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection has grown from four people in 1990 to more than 16,000 adult members with an average weekly worship attendance of more than 8,600 in 2011. The church was listed as the most influential mainline church in America in a 2005 survey of American pastors.

Adam has been married 30 years to LaVon. They have two grown daughters.

Reviews

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I need to start by saying that this is not a book I selected on my own. I read it for our church’s annual Lenten Study.

It’s a clear, practical overview of five key spiritual practices central to the Christian life (and particularly well connected to the central tenets of Methodism, though not limited to that denomination). For new Christians or even just committed Christians who haven’t really explored spiritual disciplines, this provides a clear primer. For me, personally, it felt a little basic and formulaic, but I still see its value. And I think it could be an excellent basis for a churchwide discipleship program.

I found the final chapter, which ties the practices to Jesus’s words from the cross, surprisingly moving. When I saw that was the focus, I really expected to feel that Hamilton was stretching the connections, but (maybe because I read it during Holy Week when the cross is on my mind), I found his points poignant and impactful.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy to read. He offers good practical ways to express your faith individually and as a congregation. I was inspired to read how his church reaches out to his community in so many ways to help those less fortunate. He really walks the walk and inspires others to be Jesus to others.

[Diana (diana_reads_and_reads) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read for the church lent study this year. I found it overly prescriptive and simplistic but there were occasional nuggets I took away. It hit way too close to the evangelical culture I purposefully left for me to be comfortable, particularly the emphasis on quantitative measures. I enjoyed the fellowship of discussion and the direction our pastor took with it. Rating it a 3 because it’s fine and not actively harmful. What a stunning review. 😂

[Krista McFerren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adam Hamilton's "The Walk"...
lays out a guide to properly orient the Christian life.

He suggests these 5 practices to follow, learn from, emulate, and aid in a walk with Christ on life's journey:
Prayer/Worship, Study, Service, Giving, Sharing in/with Community.

As with physical activity, getting in spiritual shape also takes practice; doing so will produce more fruits of the spirit.

Prayer/Worship - a simple "Thank You" or "I Love You" to God are prayers. Our souls need to worship, it is a grateful response of the creature to the creator. A Christian life should be a living hallelujah to God. (daily practice recommendation is 5x - waking, meals, retiring)

Study - Our physical world, nature, reveals God's wondrous work to be studied. The Holy Spirit speaks through one's conscience, intuition, and reason to know God's will. Scripture, the New and Old Testaments, are "the primary witness we have to God's Word that became flesh in Jesus Christ." In it, Jesus refines the commandments into love God, love others, and the Golden Rule. (beginning daily recommendation is 5 verses/day)

Service - God works in the world primarily through people. Christians are to share love, the Good News of the Gospel, to heal and help others, by doing good, promoting justice, showing kindness and love. Christians were the originators of many hospitals, orphanages, schools, ministries in order to fulfill the judgement criteria Jesus gave of: feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, clothing the naked, visiting the sick or imprisoned, and welcoming the foreigner. Good works should be the Christian's way of life. Service is therapeutic for the server as well - thus resulting in a more abundant life. We serve God by serving others and helping make Earth more like heaven. (practice recommendation is 5 acts of kindness per week)

Giving - What a person does with their money and possessions reflect their heart (spiritual) health. Christians are to be generous to God and others. This generosity brings joy and blesses the giver as well. Generosity is to be the regular rhythm of a Christian life - because of God's generosity to his people. (practice generosity to others, God, church - using the Old Testament's guide of 10%)

Sharing - Christians represent Christ to others. "Radical, selfless love can draw others to Christ." Christians are to not only be the light, but share the light. (practice recommendation to witness to 5 people and invite 5 people to church per year)

Jesus modeled a servant leader - to the point of a victorious death on a cross.
Where and who might need help today?

[Jarrod Johnston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy to read, as most of Hamilton’s books are.
It’s extremely practical in teaching and apply spiritual practices for the Christian life.
The idea is to back to, and reinforce, the basics for a follower of Jesus.
I look forward to sharing it with my church during the Lenten season.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect read for Lent; just finished the last chapter today (Easter Sunday after watching Adam’s message online.)

It’s easy for me to get distracted by “the world” and become spiritually flabby. The five practices Adam describes in “The Walk” are not anything new or particularly strenuous for Christians. But the book provides an excellent reminder of the spiritual benefits of these disciplines - most notably PEACE.

[Teri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book study with our pastor. Five spiritual practices for our daily journey as followers of Jesus. These are practical, meaningful and should be a part of every person who claims to be a “Christian.” If ONLY—-what a loving and peaceful world it would be!

This reading encouraged me to follow the teachings of Jesus more closely. Furthermore, instead of judgement be curious. Curious enough to ask questions and get to know the other person.

[Melanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was doing this in a Lenten bible study (though we jumped the gun and finished before Ash Wednesday). It started strong but by the end I was getting tired of it.

[Nancy Noble · Rating 3 out of 5]

Of course, I think Adam Hamilton is always wonderful, but this book really didn't grip me as much as many of his others. Too bad, because I really thought it would. But there is always good stuff to think about and consider, and strive for.

[Sue · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this book as part of a pandemic-era study group offered by my home church. I was disappointed, though I admit it's hard to separate the book from the underwhelming study group. (The most reticent group of people I have ever met. Why join a study group if you are too shy to discuss anything? The zoom format likely didn't help the comfort level of this mostly older group, either.) I would perhaps recommend this book for someone new to the Christian faith, but for this preacher's daughter, it was just too simplistic.

[Dominic Short Mejia · Rating 3 out of 5]

The value of any Hamilton book is that it collects basic, foundational information in one easily-accessible resource. However, this book does not generate many meaningful insights or "aha!" moments, whether read by oneself or discussed in a group. It is a collection of conversation starters, but deeper meaning will have to come through well-facilitated discussion with additional resources brought to bear, or through extensive personal exploration beyond what's printed on the page.

[Jacqulyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adam Hamilton's book are so very insightful. As the title implies, this work focuses on following Christ's example in daily life. This has applications for all Christians, whether Protestant or Catholic.

Hamilton breaks it down to five basics: worship (including prayer), study (listening for God including reading Scripture), serve (acts of kindness), give (generosity toward God and others), and share (witnessing in your faith).

In the final chapter of the book, Hamilton explained how Jesus practiced these even during his crucifixion, using His statements as he hung on the cross. I was especially inspired by His final words, "It is finished" (John 19:30 NRSV). He explains that "in Greek, these three words are just one word - tetelestai - a word that means completed, fulfilled or accomplished." I've always been saddened by these words. That they meant the end as he gave up his life. However, Hamilton points out "when Jesus musters the strength to shout, 'Tetelestai!' it is not defeat He is giggling, but victory." I found this particularly inspirational.

[Sean · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was nervous this would be a self-righteous preacher telling me how I should be living my life. I was surprised at how unassuming and tender this man's perspective was. Yes, he's a pastor at a Methodist megachurch in Texas, but this reads more like a set of letters from a good man who tried his best to make the world a better place written to the children he loves and respects. He discusses each of the most basic actions that christians take to keep themselves close to God despite our crazy modern lives, and offers ways of remembering them and progressing in them. But what I appreciated the most were his novel (for me) insights into Jesus' utterances on the cross, and their profound meaning with His relationship to God and to humanity.
His story toward the end about growing in his physical strength inspired me to set a daily step goal to ensure that I'm taking care of my well-being, and through that choice I have found a great deal of wonderful time to admire beauty around me and ponder my relationships with God and my fellow man.

[Jim Dobbins · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book grew on me. At first, its ideas seemed pretty obvious, and a few were kind of trite. (OK, the memory trigger of fist-on-the-right, open-palm-with-five-fingers on the left got to be pretty contrived and annoying by the third time), but as I continued reading, it dawned on me that these were some pretty common-sense things that, to repeat the expression, aren't always so common. Things like committing to simple practices of worship, or prayer, or service/kindness. Things like really thinking about what Jesus' life and sacrificial death mean in my faith life and in my practical life. Things like how the bible ties in many forms of service together. So, I'd definitely recommend this book if you're considering doubling down on your commitment, as well as starting to consider how you want to connect your faith with your actions.

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Went through this book as a part of a Lent small group at the church I work at. The author was a member in my small group which made it pretty interesting. Just like the title says, the book was a great introduction to the essential foundations of the Christian life and was great for reorienting and inspecting my own life during the Lent season. I love Fosters Celebration of Discipline, and this felt like a more accessible and relatable book of the same purpose to bring inspiration and encouragement to engage in the Christian life. I can think of many times I would have used it in leading small groups in the past and look forward to using it in the future!

[Jo Oehrlein · Rating 3 out of 5]

Encouraging people to engage in 5 spiritual disciplines
* Prayer
* Study of scripture
* (Serve) Acts of Kindness
* (Give) Generosity
* (Share) Inviting others to attend church

Hamilton gives numeric goals for each of these with the idea that without quantification these things are just good intentions.

Each chapter is a mix of Scripture, explanation, stories, and experience.

He says that at Church of Resurrection these 5 disciplines are part of the membership covenant -- how the people fulfill their pledge of upholding the church with their prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness.

[Carol Fischer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book really helped me make more of a habit of reading my Bible, and praying. Serving and thinking of others has become more a part of who I am. Great book to do with a group for accountability. I’ll most likely lead another group in this study. It lays a tremendous foundation for growing closer to Jesus and helps to easily incorporate Jesus into everyday living. I led a group of 21 people through this study for Lent. We are choosing to continue meeting monthly to keep ourselves accountable and to truly make these foundations of faith lifelong habits.

[Jtp · Rating 4 out of 5]

just completed leading a 6 week study on this book with my church....as a lifelong walker, I relate to the analogy of exercise and "learning to walk before you run".....found the writing and the video accompaniment deceptively simple....central truths around worship, Scriptural knowledge, generosity, sharing of time and talent and service to our fellow man.....timely truths in this age and always....

[Savanna Becker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was perfect for our book club at church to read during Lent this year, although it could really work at any time as well. The five practices Hamilton chooses to discuss are wonderful, and his writing style is very pastoral - you can tell by reading that he is a seasoned pastor and preacher. I also loved his use of the five fingers on each hand to challenge readers to pursue each of the practices in a habitual way.

[Judy Troyan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this for a bible study class at my church. I love the way Adam Hamilton presents the Bible and its multitude of characters in different ways. Also, the class viewed the DVD which came with the book, and it added a lot of depth. He is a great teacher and I would love to attend his church in Kansas City some day!

[Book Nerds In MN · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 4th Adam Hamilton book I've read in small groups at our church. I've given the other three 5 stars, but this one fell just short of that. He writes very well, but the whole thing with the 5 fingers related to faith disciplines just seemed a little bit too copycat from other things very similar like the Faith 5 or Five Finger Discipleship, The Word Hand, etc....

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

Simple but engaging book about developing and growing spiritual habits. Hamilton is an easy writing and always has excellent points (and stories to illustrate his points). This wasn't particularly new topics for me, but it was worth reading and a good reminder to be in the habit of prayer, worship, serving, sharing, and giving.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 simple steps to get you started on your faith journey. I love how these steps apply to our everyday living. Hamilton directly relates these steps to Jesus’s last words on the cross and gives biblical examples. Really enjoyed this book as it wasn’t over the top like other religious texts and it’s relatable.

[Casseroll · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great reminders on how and why to read the Bible, attend church and connect with your community. A reminder to connect with others to further Jesus’s message of loving your neighbor, which improves your health as well.
This was also a quick listen/short read.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our Wednesday evening study group at church used this book in our sessions before Lent. I would recommend it either for a Lenten study or for the weeks prior to Lent.
Never an unsatisfactory book from Adam Hamilton!

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. It was clearly written and easy to relate to the information in it. Hamilton creates a good formula for the reader to follow to use as a guide for a spiritual walk through life. Almost anyone can relate this information to his or her situation in some way.

[Megan McCully · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was chosen by our church as our Lenten bible study. Unfortunately, I was only able to attend one class before Coronavirus prevented our face to face meeting. Easy and quick read. Good goals for our daily to yearly spiritual journey.

[Robert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great practical advise and direction for living the Christian life and enriching your walk! The five practices are ones that Christ challenged all of us to do and Hamilton puts them in very easy terms and ways to remember to practice them. Thanks for a great study and practical approach!

[Gilbert C. Hanke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for those new to faith and those with a history of faith.

Practical, and challenging, and if applied, change the direction of myself and the church I attend. Simple cues to remember five essentials.

[AngelaGay Kinkead · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adult Sunday School. Used for Lenten Study and the emphasis on practices for the Christian Life was right for that season. Participants really enjoyed it and continue to quote from it often and talk about how they continue to apply what they learned.