Book cover for A Different Way: Recentering the Christian Life Around Following Jesus by Christopher A. Hall

A Different Way

Recentering the Christian Life Around Following Jesus

2023 Released
304 Pages
5-6 Hours
★ 4.23 128 ratings
Paperback Available April 1, 2028
HarperOneISBN 9780063207561

“A genuine treasure and superb work in spiritual formation.” — Richard J. Foster, author of Celebration of Discipline

Following in the tradition of Richard J. Foster’s A Celebration of Discipline and Dallas Willard’s Divine Conspiracy, the former president of Renovaré calls all Christians to recenter the Christian life around what has always been its core: following Jesus.

“Change” is at the heart of Christian life. As Christians, we are called to be disciples of Jesus, to actively follow his teachings and become more like him. But the church has lost sight of what has always been its center, Christopher A. Hall argues. In A Different Way, he reminds us that faith is not meant to be merely rigid and static and so guides us back to Christianity’s spiritual foundation, helping us reconnect with Jesus and live the life he calls to live.

Filled with personal stories that encourage introspection, thoughtful meditations on spiritual formation, and profound wisdom, A Different Way is an interactive book that encourages reflection through daily journaling and Bible passages to read and consider. With thoughtful introspection and Bible study, we can begin our spiritual journey of actively following the way Jesus teaches us to live. 


This book offers a roadmap for that journey, helping you recenter your life around timeless spiritual disciplines:


  • Reject Distorted Views of God: Move beyond a "fun house mirror" faith by smashing false images of God and rediscovering the God who looks like Jesus.
  • Essential Spiritual Practices: Explore the foundational disciplines of prayer, Bible study, silence, and confession, not as rigid rules, but as invitations into a deeper relationship with God.
  • The Call to Simplicity: Learn how to seek first the kingdom, freeing yourself from anxiety, comparison, and the "tyranny of things" to find joy in a life of focus and trust.
  • A Legacy of Wisdom: Journey with a trusted guide from Renovaré, in the rich tradition of Richard J. Foster and Dallas Willard, through personal stories and profound insights that bridge faith and everyday life.

Christopher A. Hall

Christopher A. Hall previously served as the president of Renovaré, as the chancellor, provost, dean of Palmer Theological Seminary at Eastern University for twenty-four years, dean of the Templeton Honors College, distinguished professor of theology, and director of academic spiritual formation. He earned a B.A. from UCLA in history, an M.A. in biblical studies from Fuller Theological Seminary, a Th.M. from Regent College, and a Ph.D. from Drew University. He has served in the pastorate in France and in Canada, and was a member of the editorial board of Christianity Today. He and his wife Debbie reside in Philadelphia and have three children and two grandchildren.

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