The Transformation of a Man's Heart: Reflections on the Masculine Journey [Paperback]

Stephen W. Smith (Editor)

Book Description

Series: The Transformation of a Man's Heart | Publication Date: May 17, 2006

Life is many things, but it is definitely not a flow chart. We prove it every day. We deeply long for change, but formulas and seminars don't get it done. The good news is, God is at work across the life span, encouraging us and empowering us to overcome the hurdles of our past, the challenges of our present and the fears of our future. The Transformation of a Man's Heart is a book of stories: twelve men write from their hearts about their own journey toward transformation. Gary Chapman, author of The Five Love Languages, shares his journey toward experiencing a transformed marriage with his wife. Ross Campbell, Christian psychiatrist and author of How to Really Love Your Child, discusses his heart's transformation in growing as a father with his children. Gordon Dalbey pioneered the men's movement in his Healing the Masculine Soul. Here he shares how our past must be transformed in order to experience all God has for us as men. James Houston, mentor and friend to many Christian leaders throughout the world, considers how his own journey toward transformation reflects the call God places on every man's heart. These and other leading men in their fields come alongside you in The Transformation of a Man's Heart, telling you their stories and pointing you toward the God who in the beginning wrote every man a happy ending. "This book is full of stories. Some will make you think. Others will make you cry. Still others will make you kneel. All will make you want to be a better man." (From the foreword by Ken Gire, author of The Divine Embrace.)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The Transformation of a Man's Heart is a fantastic book of powerful messages, communicated with great effectiveness. This is a book for those who long to change--both in heart and in character--and know that lasting change doesn't come easy. I so appreciated the honesty from this group of men, and they have become 'accountability partners' for me, encouraging deeper intimacy with God and my family. It will deepen your understanding, enrich your faith, and guide you through the transformational changes you will want to make." (Lieutenant General R. L. VanAntwerp, U.S. Army )

"Some books are compendiums of knowledge, holding promise to teach us, and these are good. Others, a rare few, are crucibles of wisdom, brimming with power to change us, and these are best. This is such a book. Steve Smith has gathered a company of warriors and sages, wounded healers all, to distill their hard-won insights about things human and things divine, and then pass it on to us. My only caution: if you're happy skimming the surface of your own life, content with dabbling in the shallows, don't read it. It's bent on taking you deep." (Mark Buchanan, author of The Rest of God )

"Finally, someone has written a book that deals with the 'real' issues that men face. The Transformation of a Man's Heart is not just another men's 'how to' book but rather a book that deals with who men are at their core and what transformation looks like from the inside out. This book is a great read for men individually and will be a wonderful tool for men to go through in a small group. If you are a man, then this is a must read." (Steve Sonderman, Associate Pastor of Men's Ministry at Elmbrook Church, Brookfield, Wisconsin, and Founder, Top Gun Ministries )

"As a connoisseur of men's books, I have never seen a better collection of insights and encouragement by men, for men. It's full of straight talk about the real stuff. For anyone who ponders the uniqueness of a man's experience of life, this is a must-read book." (Paula Rinehart, author, Strong Women, Soft Hearts )

"Warning to men who may read this: Enter into the pages of this book only if you are willing to have your heart transformed and begin to become the man that God has created you to be." (Dr. Chuck Stecker, President/Founder, A Chosen Generation )

From the Author

Q:What inspired the idea for the Transformation of a Man's Heart series?

Stephen Smith: The Transformation of a Man's Heart series was birthed out of need--not just my own need, but the deepest longing of nearly every man I have ever met. What man doesn't want to really change? Who really wants to stay the same his entire life? No one I know . . . no one I have ever met. Men need help to find their way to experience transformation. This series offers men a unique way to explore their own journey toward being transformed men. Through the stories of twelve men, the book and four unique study guides explore the masculine journey toward being Christian and male.

Q: How can men best utilize this series?

Stephen: After leading men and small groups for over twenty years, I've designed this series to offer a user-friendly way for men to be real with one another and to seek God's help in our own transformation. The series is designed for individuals, small groups or a class. It's an ideal guide for two men to use over lunch together, for a men's group to use in church, for a small group to use as a guide for spiritual growth and growth in personal relationships from honest sharing and storytelling. The framework of each study is the exploration of a man's heart and the masculine journey in a specific area, and the light of God's Word to bring understanding and insight.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 197 pages
• Publisher: IVP Books (May 17, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0830821457
• ISBN-13: 978-0830821457
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #586,260 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Stephen W. Smith is the Founder of Potter's Inn, a Christian ministry devoted to the work of spiritual formation. Stephen has pastored and planted churches in the United States and Europe.

He's the author of several books and small group guides.

Potter's Inn does four things: guides retreats; provides soul care for leaders; develops resources on spiritual formation and the care of the soul and operates a small, intimate retreat in Divide, CO, "Potter's Inn at Aspen Ridge."

Stephen is married to Gwen and has four sons and two daughters in law. Their dog Laz provides lots of laughs and love.

A long walk and a strong cup of coffee make it all worth it!

"There are only two things that pierce the soul. One is pain. The other is beauty." Simone Weil

The website for Potter's Inn is www.pottersinn.com

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Be transformed!, September 28, 2007

By 

Rich Black - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Transformation of a Man's Heart: Reflections on the Masculine Journey (Paperback)

An interesting read. It is a book that discusses how one can be transformed through various stages of life; various relationships. Its a book that takes an intimate look at your relationship with God & with others; also, how to transform your heart in the way that He would have you to be.

5.0 out of 5 stars Being a Godly Man, March 8, 2007

By 

Brian Ellis (Charles Town, West Virginia United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Transformation of a Man's Heart: Reflections on the Masculine Journey (Paperback)

A great forum for learning and discussion among men who want to be all that God has called them to be for their wives and children.