If you want to know what happens when left-of-center Social Prophetic spirituality meets right-of-center Charismatic spirituality at the crossroads of power and pain, Bob Ekblad’s newest book, A New Christian Manifesto – Pledging Allegiance to the Kingdom Of God, is the book for you. In this provocative book, Bob shares his encounter of how these two spiritual streams collided in his own life to form what he describes as the “whole ministry of Jesus.” He shares his own radically disorienting, transformative journey and what it means for those he serves.
Bob explores, in practical terms, what it means to bear witness to God’s Kingdom, here and now. He explores a Gospel of personal transformation in which Jesus heals the sick, raises the dead, cleanses the lepers, and casts out demons. (Matt 10:7-10) He also explores a Gospel of social transformation in which the Kingdom of God triumphs over principalities and powers, and calls the Church to break unhealthy allegiance to the gods of materialism, legalism and nationalism. (Col 2:15) There is enough in this book to equally affirm and offend both sides of the isle – which is no small task.
What I love most about this book is the way Bob shares his story. In a word, Bob is winsome. If Bob is a prophet, he is one of the kindest and most likable prophets I know. While Bob is not altogether clear about what it means for each individual to embody the “whole ministry of Jesus,” he pursues the question with such sincerity, transparency and provocative imagery that you can’t help but celebrate God’s work in his life and the lives of those he serves.
Bob Ekblad is a contributor to Geography of Grace and has been a good friend and mentor to many of us who are called to serve at the margins. He is the author of Reading the Bible with the Damned, which has been a valuable resource for leaders who are learning the art of reading Scripture with vulnerable people.
Kris Rocke
Serves as director of Center for Transforming Mission
Bumps into Reality by accident, most of the time
Heard God laugh once
