As I read this revised and expanded edition of Designed
for Relationship, I was quickly struck by the concise and freeing
relational approach to God. The truths in Part One are at the core of our
lives. The relational Trinity is community at His core. God fashioned us in
this image so we could mutually love and bless each other. For me, no alternate
starting point does justice to the vastness of what God is doing.
As I read Part Two, some long-held beliefs were adjusted to
sharpen reality. Such a simple, holistic and usable approach to our Christian
journey is crucial. And T.J. MacLeslie's treatment is both Biblical and
practical. The practical spiritual exercises at the end of each chapter are
worth the price of the book as they put the learning into action for
life-change! I highly recommend this new edition of Designed for
Relationship.
— JIM FREDERICKS, Retired Missionary, Pastor, &
Businessman
What could be more important and meaningful than a truly
intimate and growing relationship with our Creator? Designed for
Relationship is packed with insightful and practical wisdom to guide us
toward nothing less. The first chapter alone, with its moving retelling of “an
old story” of God’s abounding love for us, almost brought me to tears. I look
forward to reading it again and sharing it with others.
— FRANK ERB, Pastor to the California State Capitol and
Beyond, Capitol Commission, Sacramento, California
Many years ago, TJ shared with me some of his early thoughts
on what he believed it should look like to experience intimacy with God in and
through all aspects of our humanity. I was hooked! I have not only experienced
this integrated and holistic walk with God personally but it has also colored
the way I’ve done ministry over the past two decades. I have seen many get
unstuck in their spiritual journey and begin to grow by engaging God in the
five circles of their humanity. In Designed
for Relationship, MacLeslie not only issues a compelling invitation to
personally draw near to Jesus but also offers a simple, integrated, and holistic
approach for growing in our experience of Jesus and helping others to do the
same.
— JIM RODEN, Lead Pastor, Journey Church, Tucson, Arizona,
Doctorate of Ministry Candidate
The pinnacle of God’s creative expression is found in
humanity whose high calling is to love with fullness of being. MacLeslie
invites his readers to embrace “a life of love (Eph. 5:1)” and then helps them
forward into a full-orbed exploration of the nature of such a life and how it
may be lived. Readers seeking to move beyond the limits of one-dimensional
ideas about God into the great outdoors of vibrant relationship with God would
do well to take MacLeslie as a guide.
— MARK BEAZLEY, soul care practitioner
Designed
for Relationship is an excellent guide
helping us to reflectively move towards greater intimacy with God and others
that is central to the Kingdom of God and efforts to bring it to others. I
highly recommend it!
— TIM BROWN, Area Leader, Pioneers
Designed for Relationship is just the right signpost to relational growth
and wholeness with God, ourselves, and in community. Not only has TJ MacLeslie
provided solid content for how we are formed “in the image and likeness of God”
but has included clear examples that bring it down to earth. He is able to
renew and reset our vision through an ancient and familiar story, and then
provide informational content and real-life examples that illustrate. He goes a
step further at the end of each chapter by drawing us into powerful settling
into reflective fellowship with our always-loving Father. In addition to these
valuable end-of-chapter exercises, the last quarter of the book, the
bibliography and appendices, are also gold. This is not only a comforting read
for experienced believers who need to remember who they are and Whose they are
but would also serve as a good solid guide in discipling stuck believers as
well as new ones in their journeys.
— D. I. CAMPBELL, Speech/Language Pathologist, M. A., CCC-SP
and Cross-Cultural Worker in Europe
ENDORSEMENTS FOR THE FIRST EDITION
“I have read scores of books that tell me what God is like; here is one that actually shows me how to find out for myself. This is a must read for anyone who truly desires to follow the Greatest Commandment of loving God with all that we are.”
— ROMAN SANCHEZ, Senior Pastor, Galilee Baptist Church
Denver, Colorado
“In medicine we have a tendency to treat only a patient’s body and neglect other areas that can affect a person’s health. In the Church, we often commit a similar error by applying the same spiritual remedies to all ailments. Designed for Relationship seeks to correct this error. I recommend this book for new Christians, for those who feel stagnant in their relationship with God, for Christian leaders that provide spiritual direction to others, and for anyone who is seeking to love God with their whole being.”
— DAN FLAMING, M.D.
Plano, Texas
"TJ McLeslie's Designed for Relationship offers hope to all who hunger and thirst for a deeper, more authentic intimacy with God. His 'Five Circles' concept, formed in the crucible of sometimes painful life experience and tested in the arena of Kingdom ministry, provides a holistic understanding of how God has designed us and offers practical help for taking intentional steps toward a rich and growing relationship with God. I have been spurred on to deeper intimacy with God through my friend's life, and I am confident that readers will be encouraged and inspired by his book.”
— ARTHUR PETERS, International Director, Pioneers
“If the passion in your eyes has dimmed over the years, leaving you longing for a deeper draught of God, or if you disciple others and yearn to lead them in ways that open up richer intimacy with God, then this book will prove a blessing.”
— CLIFF POWELL, Ph.D., Clinical Psychologist, The Mindspace
Sydney, Australia; author of Unloading the Overload
“This is a crucial book for all believers! No matter where you are at in your journey with God this book guides us back to the foundation we were meant to live from—the place of intimate fellowship with the living God, drawing our identity from Him, our joy from Him, our sense of fulfilment from Him. TJ MacLeslie invites us on the most exhilarating journey we could ever take.”
— RYAN SHAW, International Lead Facilitator, SVM2
“TJ MacLeslie's holistic approach to relationship with God is both refreshing and timely. I found in this book a pathway on how to face the struggle of strengthening my faith in an authentic and challenging way. This book will be a valuable aid in discipleship.”
— PHIL HIBBERT, Pastor, Bethel Baptist Church
Llantwit Major, Wales
“Designed for Relationship is a lively and creative roadmap of insights written in a personal style revealing what it takes for you to develop a healthy and dynamic relationship with God. Filled with helpful cues and inventive insights, this book will guide any thirsty soul to a fresh discovery of the heart of God and the abundant life He has promised every believer.”
— DR. JERRY RUEB, Lead Pastor, Cornerstone Church
Long Beach, California
"TJ MacLeslie brings wisdom and balance in what it means to experience relationship with God and live with Him in a more life-giving and full-orbed way. I believe this will be a great resource for leaders to whom I minister; not only for themselves but also for those they touch through ministry."
— ELLEN BURANY, Spiritual Director and Team Leader
ReNew, Church Resource Ministries
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