FIVE STARS: Metanoia by Alan Hirsch & Rob Kelly
Book Review
I met Alan & Deb Hirsch back in 2007 in the living room of Bill Couchenour’s home. Dinner and conversation led to friendships. I have connected with Alan numerous times over the years, gleaning missional wisdom from his genius mind. Both Alan & Deb prayed with me during my journey with cancer, and always have been there, providing guidance and support. Their books have been a form of mentorship in my growth as a missional leader and follower of Christ.
"Metanoia" by Alan Hirsch and Rob Kelly is an exceptional book that calls for a profound transformation of the church and its mission in the world. This thought-provoking read challenges traditional paradigms and invites readers to embrace a radical shift in thinking and practice.
Metanoia starts with repentance, re/turning, re/orienting, and re/framing; and leads to re/newal, re/storation, re/aligning, and re/calibrating of the church and individual disciple.1
One of the strengths of "Metanoia" is its emphasis on the need for a wholehearted change of mind, soul, and will2, both individually and collectively. The authors beautifully articulate the call to a metanoia, as paradigm shift (having our mind blown), that encompasses our beliefs, behaviors, and engagement with the world. Their insights inspire a deep reflection on our current approaches to ministry and compel us to seek new ways of embodying the message of Jesus.
Hirsch and Kelly skillfully blend biblical teachings, historical perspectives, and contemporary examples to illustrate their points. Their writing is engaging, thoughtfully presenting a compelling vision for the church's role in transforming society. They emphasize the importance of rediscovering our missional calling, engaging with the marginalized, and fostering authentic community.
Any attempt to change the trajectory of any organization—and perhaps especially the church—remains a tough challenge. But there are significant signs of hope among the ashes. If we are willing to unlearn, explore new possibilities, recalibrate, reframe the current ways of thinking, and rebuild a viable organization from there, we will not only discover resources within ourselves that we never thought possible, but we will also know God in a deeper and more profound way.3
What sets "Metanoia" apart is its practicality. The authors don't stop at theoretical concepts but provide actionable steps and practical guidance for implementing change in our local contexts.
The Metanoia Journey4, as moving downward from deconstruction to the defining moment, and update through reconstruction, is a helpful tool for individuals and organizations to utilize as a discipleship pathway. The authors also connect the Metanoia Journey with the Hero’s Journey (Joseph Campbell), showing that this U-curve is a universal journey.
I found the chapters about paradigms, platforms, and practices5 incredibly helpful and the metaphor of seed —> tree —> forest applicable to my ministry context which already uses this language in our shared vocabulary.
Overall, "Metanoia" is a timely and essential book for anyone seeking a renewed sense of purpose and direction in their Christian journey. Hirsch and Kelly challenge us to embrace a metanoia, to be open to the transforming work of the Spirit, and to actively participate in God's mission of restoration and reconciliation. This book is a must-read for those who long to see the church rise to its fullest potential in impacting the world with love and grace.
Hirsch, Alan; Kelly, Rob. Metanoia: How God Radically Transforms People, Churches, and Organizations From the Inside Out (p. 67). 100 Movements Publishing.
Ibid., 80
Ibid., 90
Ibid., 101
Ibid., 115