Deep-Rooted in Christ. The Way of Transformation, published by InterVarsity Press, is the first book I’ve read by Joshua Choonmin Kang. I don’t imagine it will be my last.
Throughout the book, Kang uses the metaphor of our spiritual lives being like the life of a tree. As healthy trees and other thriving living plants require nourishment and the right kind of conditions, so our lives require the best possible spiritual conditions and disciplines to be in place if we are to be able to live the abundant life that God desires us to have. Kang skillfully writes about such conditions and practices.
Here are two passages taken from the book:
“Our spirits are living; they need care, attention and cultivation. Then they’ll bring forth healthier, more gracious results.”
“How do our souls grow? Our souls thrive on silence. When does our spirituality build a deeper root system? When we make space for silence; in the quiet they revel and grow.“
The book is broken into 52 short readings of three to four pages. The combination of Kang’s simple writing style and the profound truths about which he writes makes this book a very easy read. It would probably be best read one section at a time with additional time spent meditating on the scriptures that are referenced and on the truths found in the section. I, however, found his material so easy to read and so interesting and relevant to my vocation that I read the book in four sittings. Surely I’ll be rereading the book again at a much slower pace very soon.
And as I finished the book I found myself saying, “If I could implement what he (Kang) has written about, my life would be more fruitful and I’d be so much more effective as a disciple for Christ.”
Kang’s target audience is those in ministry. He writes about his insights of biblical truths that will help people grow in their faith and that will subsequently help them be more effective in ministering to others.
Deep-Rooted in Christ is a valuable read. For that reason, I’ve suggested it be on the recommended reading list for prospective life coaches who are enrolled in the Christian life coach training and certification program at Christian Coach Institute. As well, churches might want to consider using it as a book study for their lay ministers.
I was first exposed to Deep Rooted In Christ while studying under Dr. BJ Jun at George Fox Evangelical Seminary. I really appreciated the book and wondered if it would be an effective resource for small groups and/or weekly devotionals. The book is divided up into 52 chapters. Typically, a small group study lasts 6-8 weeks. I shared the idea with a men’s small group at our church. The group of men decided to read and discuss one chapter each week during their meeting. Needless to say, these men remained engaged and excited about Deep Rooted In Christ for 52 weeks. The results have been transformative in the lives of these men. I know personally as I participated in the study each week.
Our experience with Deep Rooted was more than just a book study. We put the book into action by applying the principles and spiritual disciplines we discussed each week. A huge thanks to Pastor Kang for packing so much wisdom, backed by scripture, into each chapter. Our 52 weeks together in Deep Rooted transformed us individually and as a community.