Spiritual Awakening: A Guide to Spiritual Life in Congregations

Praise for the Book

“In this wise, gentle and insightful book, John Ackerman weaves spiritual development, organizational management, and systems theory into a seamless whole. His is the first book I have read that moves 'encouraging the development of love in management,' beyond admonishing the leadership to be loving in their approach. He describes integrating the mission of the church with the spiritual development of members and the functioning of organization. He spells out step-by-step plans for helping people on their spiritual journey while developing programming for a congregation genuinely related to the spiritual growth of members. He also integrates the quest for understanding the will of God into lay and pastoral leadership of the transformation of the organization (not of persons only). I first read this interesting book in one gulp, then went back to feast again, this time savoring its flavors and nuances.” —Speed B. Leas

“Pastor John Ackerman anchors spirituality in the particularities and specifics of the ordinary parish, which has always been the primary setting for Christian spiritual formation. Instead of sending us off on a quest for romantic spirituality, climbing a high mountain or retreating to a desert cave, he provides wise and detailed direction in the immediate context of our believing/worshiping communities.” —Eugene H. Peterson

“Spiritual Awakening is a marvelous guide to the unlocking of our spiritual selves. In the languages of religion, psychology, and business, John Ackerman has developed a wealth of routes to the soul and shown us how to express our deepest realities to God, others, and ourselves. We in his congregation have travelled these routes and have grown individually and corporately. This book is readable on three levels, as a guide to our own spiritual awakening, as a tool for helping others awaken their spirits, and as an illustration of one pilgrim's search for his own soul.” —Laura Kadwell