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Crafting a Rule of Life: An Invitation to the Well-Ordered Way Kindle Edition

4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 239 ratings

Your personal rule of life is a holistic description of the Spirit-empowered rhythms and relationships that create, redeem, sustain and transform the life God invites you to humbly fulfill for Christ's glory. All of us have an unwritten personal rule of life. We wake at certain times, get ready for our days in particular ways, use our free time for assorted purposes and practice rhythms of work, hobbies, and worship. There is already a rule in place that you are following. Isn?t it time to give up your unwritten rule and prayerfully write one that more closely matches the heartbeat of God? In this practical workbook Stephen A. Macchia looks to St. Benedict as a guide for discovering your own rule of life in community. It is a process that takes time and concerted effort; you must listen to God and discern what he wants you to be and do for his glory. But through the basic disciplines of Scripture, prayer and reflection in a small group context you will be lead forward in a journey toward Christlikeness. The invitation is transformational, so brace yourself for sweet release. By letting go and trusting God, you will receive the gift of life in its fullest and richest form.


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Editorial Reviews

Review

"Helping people develop their own personal rule of life so that their lives truly revolve around the love of Jesus is one of the most important issues facing the church today. Steve has made a wonderful contribution in writing this practical, thorough book. I highly recommend it!"

-- Pete Scazzero, pastor and author of Emotionally Healthy Spirituality

"Whether our lives are overregulated or disheveled, a 'rule of life' may be what we need―and this book will help. It is not about 'rules' but about the end and purpose of life―to know and love God and become all he made us to be. Read it as a guide to shaping a life, neither frittered away in self-indulgence nor constrained by expectations of others, but growing into the fullness of Christ. You will find Steve Macchia to be a wise and seasoned companion on the way."

-- Leighton Ford, author of The Attentive Life

"I often talk to people who feel 'living insanity' defines them more than 'living in sanity.' But one doesn't move from the former to the latter without intention and a plan. Crafting a Rule of Life offers a practical and doable process to move your life from insanely busy and driven to the sweet sanity of ordered work and rest. Biblical and historical guides accompany you on the crafting journey. Steve's book is a wonderful tool for your journey."

-- Adele Calhoun, author of Spiritual Disciplines Handbook and Invitations from God

"In Crafting a Rule of Life Steve Macchia tackles the central question facing the intentional disciple of Jesus Christ: How do I shape the rhythms of my life so I can walk with God? Steve's gentle, wise and practical guidance will help you draw closer to Jesus on a day-by-day basis. This is not a book to miss."

-- Christopher Webb, author of The Fire of the Word

"The genius of Steve's approach is he makes ancient ways contemporary, personal and practical. Saint Benedict joins your daily commute. George Mueller helps you reconcile your bank statement. There's no need to live in a cave or meditate atop a pillar. The life you long to live can be fashioned from the life you already have."

-- From the foreword by Mark Buchanan, author of Spiritual Rhythm

"Crafting a Rule of Life is a special gift of grace for all who seek a more faithful and fulfilling way of living as a follower of Jesus Christ. Steve Macchia clearly and compellingly writes about the value of a disciplined way of living for individuals and small groups, and then offers a carefully constructed pathway to find that more faithful and fulfilling way."

-- Rueben P. Job, coauthor of A Guide to Prayer for Ministers and Other Servants and retired Bishop of the United Methodist Church

Review

"The genius of Steve's approach is he makes ancient ways contemporary, personal and practical. Saint Benedict joins your daily commute. George Mueller helps you reconcile your bank statement. There's no need to live in a cave or meditate atop a pillar. The life you long to live can be fashioned from the life you already have."

-- From the foreword by Mark Buchanan, author of Spiritual Rhythm

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B007EMDRE8
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ IVP Formatio (February 24, 2012)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ February 24, 2012
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 4668 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 193 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 239 ratings

About the author

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Stephen A. Macchia
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Stephen A. Macchia is the founder and president of Leadership Transformations, Inc. (www.LeadershipTransformations.org) and the creator of the CHAT Survey for churches (Church Health Assessment Tool, details at www.healthychurch.net). He also serves as the director of the Pierce Center for Disciple-Building and serves on the teaching team for the Spiritual Formation for Ministry Leaders Doctor of Ministry Cohort at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in South Hamilton, MA. Steve is the author of 15 books, including Becoming A Healthy Church (Baker Books Bestseller), Becoming A Healthy Disciple, Becoming A Healthy Team, Silencio, Crafting a Rule of Life (IVP), Broken and Whole (IVP), and The Discerning Life (Zondervan, March 2022 release). Visit www.RuleofLife.com for more info.

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
239 global ratings

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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on February 3, 2023
    This is the most comprehensive and in-depth guide to creating a rule of life that I have encountered. It helps you create practical, Spirit-led pathways for your life. I also enjoyed that there was a devotional aspect on a person in the Bible and historical figure. I learned a few things there as well! Would encourage going through this book and reading through to the end.
    5 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on November 14, 2013
    Drawing upon experience, Scripture, tradition, and personal insight, Dr. Macchia has produced what I believe will quickly become a Christian classic. The need for not only all disciples of Jesus, but clergy especially to have prayerfully developed a rule of life is greater in this generation than ever. In our technological American culture, we are totally distracted. Ministers, pastors, and those serving the body of Christ in other capacities and callings need to hear this clarion call and invitation to solitude, silence, listening, and quiet reflection. We need to STOP! We need to answer the call of the Lord through Dr. Macchia to craft a rule of life--to construct the trellis upon which the fruit of the Spirit can grow in our lives and in which we can foster our continued spiritual formation as we're conformed to the image of Christ.

    Thank you Steve for this important work. I am using it with many leaders and pastors in New England. And I am especially using it for myself. Blessings!

    --Dr. David C Alves,
    Team Leader of Pastoral Health for the Eastern Region of Advent Christian Churches USA
    6 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on April 23, 2019
    There are not a lot of resources for creating your own rule of life and I was really hopeful for this book. Although there is some content in this book that is inspirational, I often founded it lack luster. Each chapter addresses a certain aspect in developing a rule of life, and connects that aspect to a biblical character and a historical figure. Some of these connections seemed contrived and vague. Also since the introduction refers to Saint Benedict, I expected this book to be Catholic. however many of the historical figures were evangelical ministers or the like as far as I can tell, instead of saints. Not saying ministers etc. aren’t saint. They just don’t relate very well to me. I also wished for more content on finding/developing your ‘mission,’ but that may beyond the scope of this work.
    15 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on February 29, 2012
    I remember having dinner with Steve Macchia and Rick Anderson (of Leadership Transformations) a few years back. Steve mentioned a book he was writing on the theme of developing one's rule of life. I remember thinking then that it was something we really needed. I'm glad to see that it is now available from InterVarsity Press.

    I've begun reading through and can see that it will be a very practical approach to this spiritual discipline. Since we address this practice on the first retreat of The Journey, I'm looking forward to having this book to help in that process.

    If you've ever heard about the idea of developing a rule or rhythm of life that is more rooted in Christ and in keeping with how God has uniquely made you, I'd encourage you to check this one out.
    7 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on May 23, 2022
    Christ followers can easily know our general calling from Scripture, such as Matthew 28:18-20. But this book helps us each discern God's specific gifting, preparation, and calling on "my" life. The men I'm working with though this book are all blessed to have it.
    5 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on March 27, 2023
    The book was clean. I am using it for my doctoral research paper
  • Reviewed in the United States on September 13, 2022
    Item was of superior quality! Very speedy dispatch. Quality of the wrapping was good. An immensely first-rate seller. A+!
  • Reviewed in the United States on May 29, 2016
    Well done. I enjoy the way Dr. Macchia lays out truth in both the spiritual as well as the practical. The provided examples of other peoples "rules" was very helpful. I bought a copy for everyone on the retreat.
    One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent
    Reviewed in Canada on November 28, 2023
    Very good book. Helpful.
  • Ryan
    5.0 out of 5 stars A brilliant tool for forming 'holy habits' and a holistic rhythm of spiritual disciplines
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 17, 2016
    I've read a lot of books on spiritual disciplines and the rhythms of spiritual life, but this one really stands out as something that left a lasting impression on me. I'm not great at forming new habits, but by using the guides in this book, I was able to identify the patterns and rhythms that already existed in my life and to look for opportunities to solidify (or improve) them as spiritual habits.

    The book describes itself as a contemporary approach to St. Benedict's Rule. Like many books in this genre, the focus is twofold; "being" and "doing". Part One looks at framing a "Rule of Life" in the light of my own identity; It asks questions such as; Who am I? What are my roles, gifts and passions? Part Two looks at forming holistic life rules in relation to five aspects of everyday life: Time, Trust, Temple (our physical being), Treasure (our finances) and Talents. The third and final section puts this into the context of church and community.

    This book helped me to assess the unwritten rules I already had in place and to craft something a little more purposeful and intentionally holistic. Generally, I like reading books on the Kindle, but this is more of a workbook format so I opted for the paperback version, which gave me space to make notes and to write answers to the various questions that crop up. I'm sure that it would be easy enough to read the Kindle version with a notebook to hand, but this is an interactive book, so whichever format you choose, prepare to engage with its content.

    The tone of the book is engaging and it's format well-balanced. Each chapter offers a guiding principle, a biblical reflection, and an historical insight, followed by an opportunity to apply the chapter's contents to your personal rule of life, as well as reflecting on the broader community context. This rhythmic format kept me engaged throughout. This is the perfect book for someone who likes (or wants) a bit of rhythm in their life!

    The book is suitable for individuals or groups, and I can highly recommend this as a tool for anyone looking to develop their own spiritual disciplines and 'holy habits'.
  • Sojer’s
    5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
    Reviewed in Canada on March 19, 2018
    Everyone should take the time to do this book with a church group
    Or small group
  • heatherneumann
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great textbook!
    Reviewed in Canada on November 25, 2013
    I ordered this book for a course I have enrolled in. Macchia provides clear suggestions to assist the reader to make choices to bring order to moving into a God centred life.

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