None

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. "Being the presence of Christ is the way of transformation--physical, spiritual, individual, social, and cosmic. As human beings, we cannot be divided up neatly into compartmentalized categories. We are woven together as persons in a mysterious and beautiful way. We are a unity." - Introduction 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, Ph.D. Dean, Baylor University School of Social Work Daniel'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. The authenticity and soundness of Daniel's vision of Christian spirituality and the path of transformation really comes through, and he does it in a personal way that will bless anyone seeking a deeper life with God. What makes this book uniquely valuable, however, is how Daniel brings together his grasp of Christian spiritual formation with his great knowledge of congregational life and pastoral leadership. I believe Daniel sets the agenda for a new vision and way of being church and leading church, that of guiding the people to receive and to practice and to be the presence of Christ in the world. - Stephen Bryant, Editor and PublisherUpper Room Ministries