Being the Presence of Christ: A Vision for Transformation
by Daniel Vestal
Through personal transformation individuals can be agents of change in the world. We do this by practicing the presence of Christ in our daily lives, beginning change in the world with deep, spiritual change within ourselves. Daniel Vestal sets out a progressive approach to the study of scripture and prayer which encourages personal spiritual transformation. This personal growth enables the individual to practice Christ’s presence in the world around us, thus aiding in the ongoing redemption of the world.
Download the introduction or order now.
Download the free study guides for the book:
Study guide 1 - by Ronny Russell
Study guide 2 - by Kevin Meadows
Study guide 3 - by Jimmy Gentry
This book is food for all who are hungry for an inner transformation in their lives. Tapping into the ancient spiritual practices, Daniel Vestal connects biblically based mysticism with evangelism and social justice.
—Tony Campolo
Eastern University
The most precious gifts often come in deceptively small packages. Being the Presence of Christ is such a precious gift. Drawing on a lifetime of visionary church leadership, Daniel Vestal provides us with this simple yet profoundly wise guide to being the presence of Christ to one another. Vestal’s powerful little book cuts to the heart of the Christian good news and challenges us and then shows us the way to embody—not just believe—the teachings of Jesus.
—Diana Garland, PhD
Dean, Baylor University School of Social Work
In this much needed and easy-to-read primer on the good news of the Christian gospel, Daniel Vestal extends a warm invitation to experience—as he has—the transforming presence of Christ. “As we are redeemed and transformed, we become better able to be the life-changing presence of Christ in our world.” Truly good news!
—Margaret Campbell
Chair, Renovaré Ministry Team
Daniel Vestal’s book is one of the most accessible and winsome introductions to the spiritual formation paradigm for Christian living and for leading the church that I’ve read in quite a while. Daniel’s vision of Christian spirituality and the path of transformation is authentic and sound, and he presents it in a personal way that will bless anyone seeking a deeper life with God.
What makes this book uniquely valuable, however, is Daniel’s grasp of Christian spiritual formation combined with his great knowledge of congregational life and pastoral leadership. He sets the agenda for a new vision and way of being church and leading church: guiding people to receive and to practice and to be the presence of Christ in the world.
—Stephen Bryant
World Editor and Publisher, The Upper Room
Each section of this book adds another element to the challenge of
living as a Christian in the world. Daniel Vestal offers a comprehensive view on the being and doing of faith. Having worked with the author for several years, I see his life and work in the principles on these pages. This book has integrity because Daniel Vestal has struggled with the challenges he lays before us.
—David L. Odom
Executive Director, Leadership Education at Duke Divinity School