Description
The Christian faith is about grace, not law, yet the Evangelical Church often fails to communicate it. Gerard Kelly uses the story of the Prodigal Son to unpack the idea, explaining as he does so why he is still willing to describe himself as part of the tribe. This book explores in depth the story of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15, suggesting that this one story carries in concentrated form the DNA of the message of Jesus. Exploring this parable and the wider biblical story arc in which it is set, The Prodigal Evangelical suggests a reframing of the gospel narrative in four key words: beauty, brokenness, forgiveness and invitation. These four words describe the human condition - we are beautiful, broken, forgiven and invited - and create a telling of the Christian story that centres on the breadth and depth of the love of God. This is the narrative at the heart of evangelical faith. The Prodigal Evangelical embraces the death of Christ as essentially about forgiveness. The cross is where it becomes possible both to be forgiven and to forgive: this is the game-changing force that creates the Christian movement. In both dimensions the forgiveness offered is unilateral. The Prodigal Evangelical leads directly to Gerard's personal experience of the cross as a life-changing encounter.
The Christian faith is about grace, not law, yet the church gets it wrong. Gerard uses the story of the Prodigal Son to unpack the idea.
About the Author
Gerard Kelly is a writer, preacher-poet, mac lover, coffee drinker and twitturgist. He and his wife Chrissie have lived and worked in the UK, France and the Netherlands and are popular speakers at conferences in Europe. In 1995 they founded Cafe-net, the European missions project that became The Bless Network in 2004. In 2009 they wrote 'Intimate with the Ultimate': a book on prayer and spirituality drawn from their many years of teaching and leadership across Europe. They currently live in Basse Normandy, France, where Bless are establishing a missional community.
Reviews
"Gerard Kelly is a prophet-poet-theologian-practitioner who has always managed to sense the existential issues of the age and to speak meaningfully about them. He always calls us to faithfulness in a culture that rewards the lack of it. I am grateful." -- Alan Hirsch, author of numerous books books on missional Christianity, founder of Forge Mission Training Network and Future Travellers.
"The Prodigal Evangelical is honest, humble and hopeful. It's message exposes the deep challenges, and at times the deep chasms within evangelicalism. It's not just a book, it is a heart cry for a reclaimed evangelicalism that puts God at the centre. If you are like me then you won't feel you need to agree with everything in this book to recognise its importance. Here is a voice from within the evangelical family crying out for a conversation that goes beyond the often stark `black' and `white' shouting matches that take place within our tribes. Gerard's theology is rooted, his spirituality vibrant and his commitment to mission clearly proven. He isn't arguing for a wishy-washy liberalism that promises greater impact but delivers greater disappointment. He wants evangelicals to be the most God-loving, life-embracing, truth-honouring, hope-giving, soul-searching, community-forming, Christ-centred, Spirit-led, Father-revealing, Kingdom-declaring, forgiveness-announcing, possibility-birthing people in the world. Yet his call is not for a theology that says nothing matters. He calls for these things because he knows that truth matters. There are many areas of The Prodigal Evangelical that I am still thinking about. Gerard's arguments challenge my convictions and force me to think harder and better. His book does what all good books do - it engages my heart, captures my imagination, challenges my assumptions and stretches my thinking. I am privileged to call this man my friend, honoured to learn from him and blessed to stand alongside him in ministry and service for Christ." -- Malcolm Duncan
"Gerard Kelly is one of the great thinkers in the Church world right now. His chapter describing the human state - Beautiful, Broken, Forgiven, Invited - has so much to lift the weary soul and strengthen our heart's cry to be in relationship with the One who has never diminished us by His words or actions. Gerard's definition of the Kingdom versus the Church has such clarity, and depth enough to answer many a weary soul who struggles to untangle one from the other. Many 21st century people, Christian or not, struggle with disillusionment and cynicism regarding the meta Church and the local church, and for good reason. Gerard addresses the issues relating to how not to throw out the baby along with the tepid, grey bathwater that is filled with the flotsam and jetsam of multiple doctrines and dictates that Church has become known for. What a fantastic book - destined to be a classic of Christian literature." -- Bev Murrill, speaker, author, leadership consultant, director of Christian Growth International
"Stories connect. We are social beings. Life is such a journey. Gerard connects, calls and convinces us in this book that God cannot be contained yet can be intimately known. What is enlightening and enlivening here are the glimpses into what can happen when our stories are interwoven into God's story: when the prodigal turns on the spiritual Bluetooth to receive the gift of faith, life and belonging. This is a great book of deep stories." -- Fuzz Kitto, Spirited Consulting
"With wonderful honesty, humility and insight Gerard tackles many of the questions we all face. Get this vital book today it's a work for our times." -- Gavin Calver, Youth for Christ
"This book is so much more than simply another apologetic for the evangelical paradigm. It is the heartfelt confession of someone who owes their experience of God's transforming love to it and is therefore determined not to throw the baby out with the bath water. Gerard Kelly moves seamlessly between theology and testimony and his story will resonate with anyone who finds themselves torn in two by their deep affection for the tribe which gave their love for Jesus birth and their desire to alienate themselves from the toxic brand it is so often associated with today. Biblical, theological, culturally perceptive and above all disarmingly honest, Gerard Kelly casts for `prodigal evangelicals' everywhere a fresh vision of the unchanging riches of an evangelicalism released from unnecessary cultural and doctrinal baggage. A must read for anyone wondering if `evangelical' is a word worth saving! You may just be persuaded that it is." -- Revd Canon Anna Norman-Walker, Canon Missioner, Exeter Cathedral
"Gerard is a prophetic voice preparing the way of the Lord - this book will challenge and inspire you to live out the actual good news in real life. I recommend this work as a catalyst for change from the inside out." -- Danielle Strickland
"In Gerard's usual poetic way he draws us into a place of seeing ourselves for who we are and seeing Jesus for who he is. Gerard's wonderful book excites me afresh for all that God is capable of and why he is so brilliant. The Prodigal Evangelical should be read by everyone seeking a faith that truly fulfils their deepest longings." -- Cris Rogers
"In The Prodigal Evangelical Gerard Kelly focuses our eyes on the wonderful story of good news that is the beating heart of Christianity, and shows us how this story still has the power to transform human lives after two thousand years. The book is beautifully written, telling powerful real-life stories, and drawing on great art to make its simple but vital point. I hope it will be very widely read and enjoyed." -- Steve Holmes
"We are all broken people but Jesus offers a way out of that brokenness. Gerard Kelly's poignant and vulnerable journey towards home and wholeness, is compelling reading. I times it made me laugh at others I felt like weeping. I highly recommend The Prodigal Evangelical to all who have struggled with doubts and questions about faith and God." -- Christine Sine, Executive Director, Mustard Seed Associates
"In this beautiful book, I hear the sounds of dancing and music. Gerard's winsome, authentic, and hope-laden words will warm the coldest heart, and bring us back to this core truth: the good news really is very, very good. Highly recommended." -- Jeff Lucas
Book Information
ISBN 9780857216267
Author Gerard Kelly
Format Paperback
Page Count 160
Imprint Monarch Books
Publisher SPCK Publishing
The Christian faith is about grace, not law, yet the church gets it wrong. Gerard uses the story of the Prodigal Son to unpack the idea.
About the Author
Gerard Kelly is a writer, preacher-poet, mac lover, coffee drinker and twitturgist. He and his wife Chrissie have lived and worked in the UK, France and the Netherlands and are popular speakers at conferences in Europe. In 1995 they founded Cafe-net, the European missions project that became The Bless Network in 2004. In 2009 they wrote 'Intimate with the Ultimate': a book on prayer and spirituality drawn from their many years of teaching and leadership across Europe. They currently live in Basse Normandy, France, where Bless are establishing a missional community.
Reviews
"Gerard Kelly is a prophet-poet-theologian-practitioner who has always managed to sense the existential issues of the age and to speak meaningfully about them. He always calls us to faithfulness in a culture that rewards the lack of it. I am grateful." -- Alan Hirsch, author of numerous books books on missional Christianity, founder of Forge Mission Training Network and Future Travellers.
"The Prodigal Evangelical is honest, humble and hopeful. It's message exposes the deep challenges, and at times the deep chasms within evangelicalism. It's not just a book, it is a heart cry for a reclaimed evangelicalism that puts God at the centre. If you are like me then you won't feel you need to agree with everything in this book to recognise its importance. Here is a voice from within the evangelical family crying out for a conversation that goes beyond the often stark `black' and `white' shouting matches that take place within our tribes. Gerard's theology is rooted, his spirituality vibrant and his commitment to mission clearly proven. He isn't arguing for a wishy-washy liberalism that promises greater impact but delivers greater disappointment. He wants evangelicals to be the most God-loving, life-embracing, truth-honouring, hope-giving, soul-searching, community-forming, Christ-centred, Spirit-led, Father-revealing, Kingdom-declaring, forgiveness-announcing, possibility-birthing people in the world. Yet his call is not for a theology that says nothing matters. He calls for these things because he knows that truth matters. There are many areas of The Prodigal Evangelical that I am still thinking about. Gerard's arguments challenge my convictions and force me to think harder and better. His book does what all good books do - it engages my heart, captures my imagination, challenges my assumptions and stretches my thinking. I am privileged to call this man my friend, honoured to learn from him and blessed to stand alongside him in ministry and service for Christ." -- Malcolm Duncan
"Gerard Kelly is one of the great thinkers in the Church world right now. His chapter describing the human state - Beautiful, Broken, Forgiven, Invited - has so much to lift the weary soul and strengthen our heart's cry to be in relationship with the One who has never diminished us by His words or actions. Gerard's definition of the Kingdom versus the Church has such clarity, and depth enough to answer many a weary soul who struggles to untangle one from the other. Many 21st century people, Christian or not, struggle with disillusionment and cynicism regarding the meta Church and the local church, and for good reason. Gerard addresses the issues relating to how not to throw out the baby along with the tepid, grey bathwater that is filled with the flotsam and jetsam of multiple doctrines and dictates that Church has become known for. What a fantastic book - destined to be a classic of Christian literature." -- Bev Murrill, speaker, author, leadership consultant, director of Christian Growth International
"Stories connect. We are social beings. Life is such a journey. Gerard connects, calls and convinces us in this book that God cannot be contained yet can be intimately known. What is enlightening and enlivening here are the glimpses into what can happen when our stories are interwoven into God's story: when the prodigal turns on the spiritual Bluetooth to receive the gift of faith, life and belonging. This is a great book of deep stories." -- Fuzz Kitto, Spirited Consulting
"With wonderful honesty, humility and insight Gerard tackles many of the questions we all face. Get this vital book today it's a work for our times." -- Gavin Calver, Youth for Christ
"This book is so much more than simply another apologetic for the evangelical paradigm. It is the heartfelt confession of someone who owes their experience of God's transforming love to it and is therefore determined not to throw the baby out with the bath water. Gerard Kelly moves seamlessly between theology and testimony and his story will resonate with anyone who finds themselves torn in two by their deep affection for the tribe which gave their love for Jesus birth and their desire to alienate themselves from the toxic brand it is so often associated with today. Biblical, theological, culturally perceptive and above all disarmingly honest, Gerard Kelly casts for `prodigal evangelicals' everywhere a fresh vision of the unchanging riches of an evangelicalism released from unnecessary cultural and doctrinal baggage. A must read for anyone wondering if `evangelical' is a word worth saving! You may just be persuaded that it is." -- Revd Canon Anna Norman-Walker, Canon Missioner, Exeter Cathedral
"Gerard is a prophetic voice preparing the way of the Lord - this book will challenge and inspire you to live out the actual good news in real life. I recommend this work as a catalyst for change from the inside out." -- Danielle Strickland
"In Gerard's usual poetic way he draws us into a place of seeing ourselves for who we are and seeing Jesus for who he is. Gerard's wonderful book excites me afresh for all that God is capable of and why he is so brilliant. The Prodigal Evangelical should be read by everyone seeking a faith that truly fulfils their deepest longings." -- Cris Rogers
"In The Prodigal Evangelical Gerard Kelly focuses our eyes on the wonderful story of good news that is the beating heart of Christianity, and shows us how this story still has the power to transform human lives after two thousand years. The book is beautifully written, telling powerful real-life stories, and drawing on great art to make its simple but vital point. I hope it will be very widely read and enjoyed." -- Steve Holmes
"We are all broken people but Jesus offers a way out of that brokenness. Gerard Kelly's poignant and vulnerable journey towards home and wholeness, is compelling reading. I times it made me laugh at others I felt like weeping. I highly recommend The Prodigal Evangelical to all who have struggled with doubts and questions about faith and God." -- Christine Sine, Executive Director, Mustard Seed Associates
"In this beautiful book, I hear the sounds of dancing and music. Gerard's winsome, authentic, and hope-laden words will warm the coldest heart, and bring us back to this core truth: the good news really is very, very good. Highly recommended." -- Jeff Lucas
Book Information
ISBN 9780857216267
Author Gerard Kelly
Format Paperback
Page Count 160
Imprint Monarch Books
Publisher SPCK Publishing
