Kingdom Journeys: Rediscovering the Lost Spiritual Discipline [Kindle Edition]

Seth Barnes (Author)

Book Description

Do you feel like you've been missing out on the abundant life? Most people do.

If you take a look at the life of Jesus, you see that he called his disciples to follow him - on a physical journey, not just a spiritual one.

Hundreds of books talk about our faith walk as a journey. But few delve into the subject of how a physical journey can reinvent and revitalize our spiritual journey with God.

Kingdom Journeys is about the journeys we all take, presented in a series of "initiation steps" by disciples who are taking serious the call to leave everything and simply "go."

This book is an exploration of an ancient spiritual discipline we must recover -- if we're going to truly follow Jesus.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"People do not think themselves into a new way of living, but they live themselves into new ways of thinking--a principle strongly and beautifully exemplified here. And Seth Barnes does not stop with new thinking; he leads people to action and engagement where it is needed the most."
-[Fr.] Richard Rohr, OFM

"If your Christian life seems boring, routine, and stuck in the ordinary, Seth Barnes wants to inject adventure into your journey."
-Frank Viola, author of From Eternity to Here and Jesus Manifesto

"Only read this book if you care to take a journey that enhances your current story."
-Jeff Shinabarger, Founder, Plywood People

"I do believe that Seth has captured a new way of at least rethinking about what it means to walk with God... and oh, how we need fresh though in this day and age!" 
-Bill High, President, National Christian Foundation Heartland

"I was convicted, challenged and encouraged as I read this great book. I have another new tool for Kingdom growth: Kingdom Journeys."
-Dr. Ron Walborn, Dean of Alliance Theological Seminary and the College of Bible and Christian Ministry at Nyack College

From the Back Cover

"People do not think themselves into a new way of living, but they live themselves into new ways of thinking. In this book, Seth Barnes does not stop with new thinking; he leads people to action and engagement where it is needed the most." -Richard Rohr

Kingdom journeys are a kind of spiritual discipline that Jesus gave to his disciples and that the church has known about but forgotten. It's a discipline insofar as it takes us to places we need to, but don't want to go

Having sent over 100,000 missionaries out into the world, Seth Barnes has seen first-hand how journeys can change a person from the inside out. This book is an exploration of that process and a journey in itself.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• File Size: 336 KB
• Print Length: 250 pages
• Publisher: Ashland Press (September 20, 2012)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B009EW6MUW
• Text-to-Speech: Enabled
• X-Ray: Enabled
• Lending: Enabled
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #151,048 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspired by this book! August 21, 2012

By Jonathan K. Fulk

Format:Paperback

Before you cancel your next short-term missions trip, read Kingdom Journeys by Seth Barnes. There are plenty of articles and blog posts out there today that criticize the longheld practice of short-term missions, but Seth's book gives another perspective that is biblically-grounded and supported by years of experience.

That said, this book doesn't appear to be written with the intention of arguing for short-term missions. Instead, it's clear that Seth has an understanding of a cultural phenomenon that is common in many people in their 20s, 30s, and beyond. It's the issue of restlessness. Why are we so dissatisfied with our lives, even when we are doing something that seems to be good? Perhaps it's because we are living our lives with a career-focus instead of a Kingdom-focus.

In his book, Seth explores the lost spiritual discipline of pilgrimage. He talks about the stages he has seen countless young people go through on their own Kingdom journeys, and he shares stories along the way that inspire action, encourage faith, and illustrate his point.

This book is as enjoyable to read as it is informational. If you're tired of feeling restless, or you're trying to discover meaning, maybe it's time you take a Kingdom Journey. It starts by reading this book.

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A map to a mapless journey August 2, 2012

By Jen Schwab

Format:Paperback

In 2004, I went on an epic journey. It was the turning point in my life - between who I was, and who I was to become. This book, even today in hindsight, helps me to understand what that journey was about - the phases, the impact, the emotions - how it all fit together to put me on this purposeful path with God.

If you're itching to go - this book is for you. It will give you definition and scope to what lies ahead, and clear guidance on what it takes to go on a life-changing journey.

If you're already in a strange land - this book is for you. It will give shape and clarity to the muddle of chaos and confusion that inevitably threatens to steal your joy.

If you've already had your journey - this book is also for you. It will give meaning and understanding to all the questions that linger, and help to turn an experience into a path forward.

I can not recommend this book highly enough.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must-Read for ANY Christian... September 23, 2012

By penngirl28

Format:Paperback

There is so much that I could say about this book. It is so rare that a book resonates my own heart's desires and passions. As I read it my heart felt like I was visiting with a friend who completely understands the desire that God placed in my heart over a decade ago...a wiser and more experienced friend. And this is just what I needed to read.

The book is phenomenal and is a must-read for any Christian who feels like something is missing from life. Seth begins by presenting the problem currently present in my generation: the sense of entitlement to a comfortable life. We are consumed by a worldly desire for success, yet there is a great sense of discontentment and lack of fulfillment when we are considered to be "successful" in the world's eyes. In the Church, we force ourselves to practice Spiritual Disciplines (which are important), only to find that the change we expect to find eludes us. Seth poses that this is because we have neglected Jesus' primary teaching tool: the Kingdom Journey. Jesus did spend some time teaching with words, but His primary teaching tool was His own life and example. Jesus was constantly going and sending His disciples out, and they never returned unchanged.

I know from my own life that this is true. I constantly fail at being a "good Christian girl" in terms of many of the Spiritual Disciplines. I go to church and a Bible Study regularly, I read books in addition to reading the Bible. But none of these things have impacted me nearly as much as actually GOING and serving, especially in different cultures. When you leave the familiar, your heart is able to be changed in amazing ways because you are forced to rely on God and on the community with whom you travel.... My 10+ mission trips (ranging from 1 week to 3 months in length) have radically impacted my life and my faith, and I feel so alive while I am serving. When I am on a "Kingdom Journey", I know that this is what life is all about. I feel fulfilled and can see God at work so much more clearly. This book has awakened my desire to live like Jesus and to not live a safe, comfortable life (despite the fact that our culture drags us into such a life).

Seth masterfully mixes real life stories and Scripture to create a compelling argument for missions/Kingdom Journeys. I highlighted so many quotes and have so much to continue to ponder and live out. Some of the quotes I loved are:

"Restlessness is an itch that, if left unscratched, is a curse." (pg. 45)

"We can't be fully transformed in our own backyard. We need to journey." (pg. 47)

"Routine is normal, even healthy, but if the ruts go too deep, our spirits begin to wither." (pg. 57)

"Through discomfort, I've learned to depend on God when my natural instinct is to rely on my own skills and talents." (pg. 57)

"For a spiritual discipline to be worthwhile, it must create space for God to change us from the inside out." (pg. 62)

"You can't be remade until you first allow yourself to be unmade." (pg. 63)

"A Kingdom Journey is most effective when we abandon what we think we cannot abandon. With less, we discover the core of who we are." (pg. 82)

"In the worship of security we fling our lives beneath the wheels of routine--and before we know it, our lives are gone." (pg . 82)

"People need pain to grow. So much of spiritual maturity has to do with how we process pain. Discipline entails embracing the painful or unpleasant in the short-term in order to realize long-term gains." (pg. 87)

And those are only my favorite quotes from the first 100 pages! This book is filled with wisdom that convicts. Seth speaks biblical truth and it needs to be considered by all who truly want to live like Jesus did.

I have already written too much...buy the book. Prepare to have your perspective changed--if you are open to it. Read more ›

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars An answer to my heart's cry! September 2, 2012

By Sarah

Format:Paperback

One of the best missions oriented books I have ever read. Through sharing stories about the kingdom journey that everyone deeply desires, it motivated me to seek my own kingdom journey and find my place and purpose in God's story. The chapters on abandonment, brokenness and dependence helped me to understand my need for the 'lost spiritual discipline of kingdom journey' and how I have never been pushed to depend on God in the way Seth speaks of. Very well written with a great balance of personal experience, other's stories and motivation to embark upon a kingdom journey of your own!

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars The most comprehensive book on spiritual journeys I've ever read August 14, 2012

By Jeff Goins

Format:Paperback

Kingdom Journeys is more than a book. It's beyond a call-to-action. Quite simply (and profoundly), it's a way of life.

Seth Barnes isn't writing about missiology or theory; he's telling stories -- many from his own life and the lives of his friends, colleagues, and family members.

He goes into vibrant detail about the journey of life we all find ourselves on and how we can intentionally work through each stage of growth. Each chapter is rife with theology, personal anecdote, and strong challenges.

If you care about going on a journey (internal as well as external) that will change your life, read this book.

More About the Author

Seth Barnes is the son of a physician and a prayer warrior. He founded Adventures in Missions, a short-term mission organization, and lives with his wife, Karen, in Gainesville, GA.