Metamorpha.

Book Review


Strobel, Kyle. Metamorpha. Jesus is the way of life. Baker Books. 2007
K.S.- (Lee Strobel’s son.) Kyle describes himself as a child of the seeker generation. Not yet 30 he is pursuing a PhD in theology at Aberdeen University in Scotland. Co-founder of www.metamorpha.com an online community for spiritual formation.

Comment. Henry.
It somehow seems rather appropriate that given his age, his ‘church background’ (Willow Creek Community), being Lee Strobel’s son, this resource becomes a significant declaration from a representative of a new generation. The focus of transformation (metamorpha) as it relates to spiritual growth is very relevant. A powerful message for all of us!

The will to change arises out of the realization of the need to change. “Our visions of life shape our expectations, and our actions flow out of that vision.” (28) Rigidity of vision removes options for change. Meaningful change in our lives will be motivated by three “world view informers” (88); God’s Word, the Holy Spirit, and the community of believers. Churches and/or individuals can be compared as a “solidified model and the developmental model”. (50)

It is suggested that we “interact with the Word- as history, shepherd, and friend”. (62) An example of such an exercise is given with Mark’s approach in his gospel. It is the Holy Spirit who is the agent for change in our lives. The Spirit works “in terms of transforming relationally, formational intimacy, and life from within”. (87) This is a powerful discussion.





Family is the community unit. Community families run according to lines of faith not lines of blood. It is along these lines that relationships will develop in Christian community. They will go beyond churches into larger areas, i.e. clan, tribe, people.

“Knowing oneself is a necessary step to knowing God, and knowing God necessitates knowing oneself.” (143) Self-examination will reveal what we believe. Some specific questions are suggested to help with this process. The Holy Spirit within us is involved. “True knowledge of God always goes hand in hand with a painful self-knowledge.” Thomas Green. Developing an accurate self-view happens in community.

We need wisdom to experience the “metamopha life”. (173) We do well to accomplish this by studying the wisdom literature of the O. T. The way of wisdom is the way of Jesus functioning in every part of our life. It is the way of the Cross. Discipleship is allowing others to guide us to Christ, to find our identity in Christ. “The Christian model of discipleship always sets us at the feet of Jesus and no other.” (217)

“The first step toward being missional is turning inward.” (230) This turning is to community. According to the author kingdom living is not characteristic of most churches and/or believers in our Christian culture.

“It is only through the deconstructing work of the Spirit, through the Word, and within community that we will come to truly know ourselves and submit ourselves to the way of wisdom, which is the way of the cross.” (253)