No Price Too High: A Pentecostal Preacher Becomes Catholic - The Inspirational Story of Alex Jones as Told to Diane Hanson

by Alex C. Jones

Alex Jones was an "on-fire" Pentecostal minister in Detroit who was a completely dedicated shepherd of his flock. He greatly loved his people and they loved him. In seeking to give his flock the most genuine experience of the early Church prayer and worship services, he carefully read Scripture, the Fathers of the Church and writings of the early saints. The more he read, the more Alex came to the startling conclusion that the present day Catholic Church - and the Holy Mass - is the same exact "worship service " from the very early Church. Alex began to share his findings with his parish, and eventually Alex, and most of his parish, joined the Catholic Church. This is his incredible story of a black Pentecostal minister's challenging and dramatic spiritual journey, and the flock that followed him. Today he preaches with his usual passion about Christ - as a Catholic deacon! This book tells the story of Alex's life from his childhood all the way to his conversion to Catholicism in 2001. It simultaneously tells the story of his wife, Donna, and her spiritual journey as well, which shows how they were not always on the same path during Alex's preparation for entering the Catholic Church. Each had to be personally, deeply convinced that this momentous, life-changing and career-changing spiritual decision was God's will for them.  Illustrated with numerous photos.

Genres: Catholic, Christianity, Biography, Nonfiction, Religion, Spirituality

259 pages, Paperback

First published March 25, 2006

About the author

For twenty-five years, Alex Jones was the senior minister of two churches in the city of Detroit: Zion Congregational Church of God in Christ – the second oldest Pentecostal church in Michigan – and Maranatha Christian Church, an Evangelical/Charismatic church. In March 1998, while reading the apostolic fathers and subsequent church history in preparation for a Wednesday evening bible study, Alex Jones discovered the Catholic Church to be charismatic/liturgical, hierarchical, and Eucharistic-centered. In light of that revelation, Alex and his wife Donna began a two year journey into the Catholic Church that culminated in fifty-four members of his previous congregation, including fourteen members of his own family, entering the Catholic Church. The group began R.C.I.A. at St. Suzanne Catholic Community on September 10, 2000 and were welcomed into the Catholic Church through confirmation during Easter Vigil on April 14, 2001. Alex Jones was subsequently ordained a Permanent Deacon in the Archdiocese of Detroit on October 1, 2005. Deacon Jones received his Masters in Pastoral Studies from Sacred Heart Major Seminary on April 28, 2007 and retired from the position of evangelization coordinator for the Archdiocese of Detroit on May 31, 2007. Deacon Jones currently serves the three parishes of St. Suzanne/OLGH, St. Mary of Redford, and St. Thomas Aquinas. He and his wife Donna have three sons and ten grandchildren.

Reviews

[Dorothy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love to read conversion stories. As a cradle Catholic, I find it inspiring and reaffirming to read about people's journey to the Catholic faith. Their struggles, their research, their prayer. Alex Jones is an incredibly intelligent man and his journey to the Catholic faith was both informative and uplifting. Although it saddens me to see the negative view that the Catholic faith has to many people, and it is difficult to read how the decision to embrace the Catholic faith leads to loss of family and friends (at times), it is always heartening to see the blessings poured out to those who follow where God is leading them - even when that is where they don't initially want to go.

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Found this book completely randomly. I was looking in the MEL system for a book by a similar-sounding author and this popped up. What a great find!

This is the interesting life (and conversion) of Alex Jones, a protestant minister who grew up and ministered in inner city Detroit from the 1950s to 1980s. In the 1990s, his study of the early Church Fathers began leading him into the Roman Catholic Church, much to his own dismay. He eventually was convicted of the truth and converted to Catholicism, bring over 50 of his former protestant parishioners with him!

The book also contains a section at the end where his wife tells her version of events. She is incredibly likable and elegant.

Intriguing life and insight into the various protestant denominations. The theology is serious and solid with some footnotes (the book carries endorsements from Al Kresta & Karl Keating) but broken up in a way that the overall book didn't feel heavy or slow. The author's enthusiasm brings it alive!

Insight into life in Detroit, that I would never otherwise see. Also great insight into protestant life, that I would never otherwise see. Solid theology and spiritually inspiring.

Read in a couple days without trying - I kept picking the book back up to read more.

I live in metro-Detroit and have been an active Catholic all my life. I recognized some of the names in the book, especially from the Detroit Seminary. Reading this story was surreal and cool.

[Ann-Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I throughly enjoyed this book! Alex Jones was a Penecostal pastor who, after reading the early Church Fathers, researchers his way into the Catholic Church. Not only that, but he brings with him a fair amount of his current congregation. I enjoy just about any conversion story. This one was especially interesting due to the added aspect of him currently being a pastor. Also included in the last fourth of the book is the conversion story from his wife's prespective. I would have rated it higher (it's just clear reading it that he is a speaker, not a writer).

[Julie Davis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting story of how digging back into Church history and how the first Christians prayed led a Pentecostal preacher, his wife, and 55 others to the Catholic Church. So far, about halfway through, the part I find most fascinating is the recounting of how Jones is pulling together the historical and scriptural to gain understanding of what the early Church was truly like ... as opposed to how his Pentecostal brethren practice their faith.

[Terry · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the incredible story of a Pentecostal pastor's conversion to Catholicism. Alex Jones has everything going for him, but feels God calling him in another direction. Despite losing friends and his pastorship, he never looks back.

The book is actually told in two parts as the second part is told from the perspective of his wife Donna who also converted.

Being a cradle Catholic, myself, I am always fascinated by the stories of those who convert and this one did not disappoint.

[Christian D. D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly readable, and very inspirational conversion story by Deacon Jones and his wife Donna. Highly recommended to anyone considering a converstion to Catholicism, or even to lapsed Catholics struggling with the decision about whether or not to go back to the Church...and for anyone non-Catholic Christian who questions the Biblical validity of our faith.

[Rita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Much more in-depth story of his conversion process than the one hour audio I'd previously heard. It was nice to also get his wife's side of what was happening. I have deep respect for Rev. Jones' dedication to following the truth wherever it led and especially that he led his congregation in all he was learning.

[Eric · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ever wonder if a Pentecostal preacher could find his way back to the true Church of Christ, the Catholic cHurch? How about lead 54 parishioners with him. Alex Jones does just that in this wonderful memoir about his journey along with his family and friends. Also in this book is his wife's journey and her feelings toward her husband's conversion. Great stuff in this book.

[Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very powerful story of a Pentecostal pastor who converts to the Catholic faith. Very personal story of the difficult process that led him to Catholicism and all the sacrifices he had to make. I had the opportunity to hear Deacon Jones speak in person once and his talk was riveting. He died in January, 2017.

[Giovani Salvador · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book brought to me a complete different perspective of what is being a catholic. Not to mention the exciting journey of this on-fire pastor to become catholic. It is amazing how he, why studying former christian practices, found out that Catholic church is the only one still practicing those.

[Maureen · Rating 4 out of 5]

At times repetitive but a really good read. I return to it often to find reference points.

[Elena · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is underrated! I found it through the Formed app, and I’m so blown away by this truly incredible conversion story. The remarkable working of the Holy Spirit in Alex Jones life will stick with me for awhile. It’s a testament to God’s love and mysterious workings and also an important lesson on accepting people of all backgrounds into the Church. It really made me think of the importance of keeping the truths of the faith and also being accepting of cultural differences. A must-read!

[J-Lo Aimee A · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this book down.

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspiring story of how a Pentecostal minister fell in love with the Catholic Faith. Includes reminders of how Catholics need to welcome those who are attracted to the Faith.