Nancy Kane - Stages of the Soul: Gods Invitation to Greater Love

This stunning book articulates the developmental path of becoming fully alive in Jesus. The stages of growth highlight that faith is not a static, one-time and finished event, but a beautiful transformation that we join as we grow in desire. Nancy Kane has captured simply and brilliantly the essence of true maturity that is neither tedious nor dull, but life-giving and breathtaking. Nancy is the real deala woman of vast integrity and depth of passion and heart. She has not merely written a great book. She has lived what she writes. This beautiful book will help restore joy and invigorate your passion for what truly matters in life.

DAN B. ALLENDER

Professor of Counseling Psychology

Founding President, The Seattle School of Theology and Psychology

Too many Christian traditions emphasize a persons conversion to Christ and their eternal life with Him, but provide little vision for the vital years in between. Drawing from the wisdom of Scripture and the experience of faithful Christians whove walked the path ahead of us, Nancy Kanes book is an important and useful guide for the stages of growth for all who desire a life with Christ.

SKYE JETHANI

Author of WithGodDaily.com and cohost of the Holy Post Podcast

When a child is born, the good news we share with others usually includes details about the newborns size and weight. Its not that we are obsessed with statistics but because we are interested in growth. Life means growth. What is true of the body is also true of the soul. What does the souls growth look like and how does it happen? In Stages of the Soul, Nancy Kane answers this question with wisdom drawn from Scripture and years of rich experience helping others explore the state of their soul. I can think of few people better equipped to lead you on such a journey.

JOHN KOESSLER

Author of Practicing the Present and The Radical Pursuit of Rest

With wisdom and grace, Nancy Kane offers a hopeful and profoundly practical guide for understanding what transformation in Christ looks like. This book is an invitation to say yes to the love of God in ever deepening ways and to respond to the One who first loved us by living a cruciform life. No matter where you find yourself in the spiritual journey, there is much to ponder and savor here.

SHARON GARLOUGH BROWN

Author of the Sensible Shoes series and Shades of Light

No matter where we are in our relationship with God, there is always something more for us. Whats next? is the invitation of this beautiful book by Nancy Kane. There is an open invitation to find deeper joy and freedom in Jesus, and Nancy artfully shows us how to take the next step, no matter where we are. Pointing out the costs and the blessings of responding to Gods invitation to a life of love while practically guiding us toward action, Nancy has crafted a powerful book for spiritual formation and personal transformation. I imagine there will be many in the world to come who will have a rich word of thanks for Nancys Stages of the Soul.

R. YORK MOORE

National Director, Catalytic Partnerships

National Evangelist, Intervarsity Christian Fellowship

Author of Do Something Beautiful: The Story of Everything and a Guide to Your Place in It

Stages of the Soul not only captures our contemporary sensitivity for personal stories, it takes stories to another level by seeking to redeem them. Nancy Kane offers helpful insights into the way spiritual formation actually honors the complexities of our faith journeys.

ANDREW J. SCHMUTZER

Professor of Biblical Studies, Moody Bible Institute

Author of Between Pain and Grace: A Biblical Theology of Suffering

In Stages of the Soul, Nancy Kane gently but explicitly invites us to say yes to Gods invitation for a spiritual journey that leads to the intended transformation and depth for an intimate relationship with our Creator. With scholarly expertise, humility and through personal narratives, she helps the reader see and understand the loving invitation we all long for. Nancy beautifully and effectively uses Scripture and writings from several Christian writers through the centuries to explain the importance of suffering and surrender in this journey. Although, we try to avoid suffering and surrender, we learn through this book the transformative role of these in our spiritual journey with Christ. As she often states, to enter into a life with Christ is no small thing. She addresses some common ways of thinking about and practicing the Christian life but clearly explains how those may not always bring about a real and transformational relationship with Jesus Christ. The five stages presented are not formulaic but are clearly presented in ways to cultivate a greater and deeper intimacy with God if the reader is willing to say yes. I recommend this book to those who desire a deeper and more authentic relationship with God.

NADINE C. FOLINO-ROREM

Professor of Biology, Wheaton College

Rich in both biblical wisdom and stories of people, Stages of the Soul reminds us on virtually every page that spiritual formation is a love affair: divine love wants to transform us at ever-deepening levels into lovebut at every turn we subvert that transformation, hence our suffering. Nancy Kane insightfully highlights the stages of spiritual formation, the obstacles we put up, and how we can be transformed by our suffering. The reflection questions at the end of each chapter are excellent for personal prayer and group discussion. Keep this book close by to ensure progress in your love life!

ALBERT HAASE

Author of Becoming an Ordinary Mystic: Spirituality for the Rest of Us

Stages of the Soul provides a wonderful synthesis of the life-long journey of spiritual growth. Whatever stage you are in, Nancy Kane is a wise and compassionate guide who will help you reflect on where you are, overcome key obstacles, and partner with God to grow in love. I highly recommend it for anyone seeking a deeper relationship with God.

TODD W. HALL

Professor of Psychology, Biola University

Coauthor, Psychology in the Spirit

As a professor of Christian ministry leadership for forty-two years, I have had the unique privilege to shape both the mind and soul of some of the finest followers of Christ as they answered Gods call in their lives. For most of my teaching, that effort has been face-to-face in a classroom. But over the last several years, my teaching has shifted to an entirely online environment. I have found that in the online setting, one can teach ministry content, and even ministry skills. Most challenging though, is to nurture the soul. That is where Stages of the Soul fills the bill. I am very excited to use this book with my online students. Each chapter presents an opportunity for learning, reflection, interaction, and spiritual growth around one of the five stages of the soul Nancy Kane has described. Filled with both engaging narrative and deep content, this book offers the head- and heart-level guidance needed for those seeking to walk with the Savior on a lifelong journey of the soul. Additionally, the practical application helps at the end of each chapter provide small group members and online students a basis for dialog as they support each other on their journey. This is an outstanding new work in this critically important field.