Rhythms of Reformation

Foreword

(wrote the foreword)

Julius Rwotlonyo

“Rhythms of Reformation is a clarion call to wakefulness, a wake-up jolt to churches stumbling through the post-COVID wilderness. Like a skilled jazz improviser riffing on a familiar tune, the author takes us on a wild ride of autoethnographic storytelling, exposing the dirty little secret of our Sunday-centric, consumerist Christianity. But here’s the twist: this book isn’t just a jeremiad; it’s a gospel invitation to revival. By laying out four discipleship beats—Temple, Table, Technology, and Training—the author gives us a practical primer for rebooting the church’s discipleship machinery. This ain’t your grandma’s attractional model; this is about igniting self-initiated spirituality that sets believers free to jam with God in the midst of life’s messy rhythms. Rhythms of Reformation is less a diagnosis of the church’s pandemic-induced paralysis and more a prophetic map for charting a new course—one that burns the bridges of yesterday’s irrelevance and finds its footing in the untamed rhythms of reformation. For church leaders willing to take the leap, this book offers a Spirit-led road map for reimagining the church in this uncharted era.”

Leonard Sweet

“Garth Ball is a man with a godly passion to see discipleship restored to its rightful, preeminent place in the church worldwide. When Jesus said, ‘Go and make disciples’ (Matt 28:18–20), he didn’t mean ‘go and attract crowds’ or ‘go and build an empire.’ He genuinely intended for his disciples to reproduce his life in others, forming true image-bearers of Jesus himself. As Garth’s thesis supervisor, I witnessed firsthand his deep understanding of the church and his compelling response to the post-COVID need for a return to authentic disciple-making. This shift—from focusing on attractional models to embracing transformational discipleship—is powerfully articulated in his book, Rhythms of Reformation. This is a must-read for every pastor, leader, and Christian. Those who engage with it will be impacted, empowered, and transformed to live as true disciple-makers.”

Daryl J. Potts

“In this timely and thoughtful book, Garth offers a reflective vision of post-COVID church leadership—marked not by critique alone, but by invitation and hope. He models a team-based, vulnerable approach that resists the superhero leader stereotype. His embrace of reformation as a rhythm, a kind of semper reformanda, invites churches into ongoing Spirit-shaped renewal. Rather than returning to what was, Garth calls us to faithfully adapt to what is. At its heart is a deep conviction: that discipleship is the God-given mission for every church in every age. This is a wise, pastoral work for leaders navigating the shifting realities of our time.”

Ryan Kerrison

“In this timely and thoughtful work, Garth Ball brings a pastoral and prophetic burden to bear on one of the most urgent questions facing the twenty-first-century church: What is God saying to us in the aftermath of the global disruption of COVID-19? Drawing from reflective practice, experiential learning, and dialogue among trusted practitioners, he presents a courageous call to reformation. Reformation is a weighty and provocative word—one that speaks of necessary change, purification, and realignment so the church might once again reflect its God-given purpose. Throughout church history, faithful leaders have recognized the apostolic task of returning to biblical patterns of leadership and mission, seeking alignment with the original mandate of Scripture. With an apostolic mindset and prophetic edge, Garth explores the sociological, psychological, and spiritual terrain of our moment, offering fresh insight into the transition the church is undergoing. This work is a valuable resource for leaders and practitioners who long to navigate this season with clarity, conviction, and courage. I commend it wholeheartedly.”

Phil and Julie Oldfield

“Rhythms of Reformation is a timely and prophetic call to the church to move beyond consumerism and Sunday-centric models into the vibrant, Spirit-led rhythms of true discipleship. Garth Ball lays a practical and Spirit-breathed foundation for leaders who desire to cultivate Kingdom culture, not just host events. His framework—Temple, Table, Technology, and Training—offers a compelling vision for building ecosystems that multiply disciples and reestablish Christ at the center. This book is a critical resource for pastors, pioneers, and reformers who know the Church must not go back to business-as-usual. Read it, wrestle with it, and reform with it.”

Glenn Bleakney

“In Rhythms of Reformation, Garth offers a compelling and deeply practical framework for navigating the challenges faced by the church today, especially in our post-pandemic world. He masterfully utilizes Richard R. Osmer’s four tasks of practical theology, an approach that allows for an engaging exploration of the current discipleship landscape and the urgent need for a new reformation and culture within the church. This book is more than just theological reflection; it’s a guide to cultivating a ‘self-initiated spirituality’ and building ‘future-proof’ churches that will endure for generations. Garth respectfully examines past church models and practices while prophetically calling for a stronger, more intentional return to biblical discipleship—an essential shift for any leader serious about fulfilling the Great Commission. I highly recommend Rhythms of Reformation to every leader and church worker. Don’t just read it; wrestle with its truths, process it with your team, and apply its wisdom to see genuine, transformative growth in your church and ministry.”

Brett Barclay