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Rediscovering Humility
Most of us value humility . . . especially in other people. But Jesus taught that humility is central to the Christian life. Author Christopher Hutchinson invites the church to follow Christ—both individually and corporately—in this high calling.
A systematic and comprehensive treatment of this core tenant of Christianity, Rediscovering Humility is structured around the three times Jesus addresses the topic in Scripture—how it is found, embraced and applied. This insightful resource should be required reading for all seminary students so they can understand the pitfalls of leadership before they begin to pastor. Current pastors and church leaders will find Hutchinson’s critiques and suggestions helpful as they seek to create humble and healthy churches. Individuals who have lost an appreciation for humility as a central Christian virtue will be reminded of its value as the best way to grow closer to and more like Jesus.
Humble Christians create healthy churches, but in today’s world of celebrity pastors and widening platforms, our churches are more than ever imitating the prideful methodologies of our culture. Through his critiques, Hutchinson also offers suggestions for how Christians can better practice and promote humility in our time.
Offering a fresh and updated application of humility to our day, Hutchinson calls for a return to the path of humility as the one pilgrimage most necessary for Christian faith and life. By showing humility in in all its truth, beauty and goodness, it becomes a value worth seeking — if never fully found — on this side of heaven.
A systematic and comprehensive treatment of this core tenant of Christianity, Rediscovering Humility is structured around the three times Jesus addresses the topic in Scripture—how it is found, embraced and applied. This insightful resource should be required reading for all seminary students so they can understand the pitfalls of leadership before they begin to pastor. Current pastors and church leaders will find Hutchinson’s critiques and suggestions helpful as they seek to create humble and healthy churches. Individuals who have lost an appreciation for humility as a central Christian virtue will be reminded of its value as the best way to grow closer to and more like Jesus.
Humble Christians create healthy churches, but in today’s world of celebrity pastors and widening platforms, our churches are more than ever imitating the prideful methodologies of our culture. Through his critiques, Hutchinson also offers suggestions for how Christians can better practice and promote humility in our time.
Offering a fresh and updated application of humility to our day, Hutchinson calls for a return to the path of humility as the one pilgrimage most necessary for Christian faith and life. By showing humility in in all its truth, beauty and goodness, it becomes a value worth seeking — if never fully found — on this side of heaven.
240 pages, Paperback
Published June 4, 2018
7 people are currently reading
178 people want to read
About the author
Christopher Hutchinson
23 books5 followersChris grew up in Bethesda, MD, and is a graduate of Duke University ('89, A.B.), Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary ('95, M.Div), and Bethesda Elementary ('79, Milk Monitor Honors).
Prior to seminary, Chris served in the U.S. Army as a Medical Service Corps officer, including a combat tour with the 24th Infantry Division (Mech) during Operation Desert Storm, 1991.
Fired from his first church just one year out of seminary, Chris then became an Associate Pastor in Statesboro, GA, where he served for seven years. In 2004, Chris became the Senior Pastor of Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church (PCA), in Blacksburg, VA, home of Virginia Tech.
Chris and his wife, Kirstan have two wonderful, creative daughters, one a graduate student in collaborative piano, and the other an undergraduate studying art. In his spare time, Chris enjoys swimming, reading history, watching soccer, trying to contra dance with his wife, and collecting out of print books by his favorite children's author, William Pene DuBois.
Prior to seminary, Chris served in the U.S. Army as a Medical Service Corps officer, including a combat tour with the 24th Infantry Division (Mech) during Operation Desert Storm, 1991.
Fired from his first church just one year out of seminary, Chris then became an Associate Pastor in Statesboro, GA, where he served for seven years. In 2004, Chris became the Senior Pastor of Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church (PCA), in Blacksburg, VA, home of Virginia Tech.
Chris and his wife, Kirstan have two wonderful, creative daughters, one a graduate student in collaborative piano, and the other an undergraduate studying art. In his spare time, Chris enjoys swimming, reading history, watching soccer, trying to contra dance with his wife, and collecting out of print books by his favorite children's author, William Pene DuBois.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
September 5, 2021
A game changer.
I boldly entered this book harbouring the thought in the back of my mind of - ‘hey, I don’t think I’m all that bad at this old humility thing’. Boy was my face red a few pages in.
In our worldliness, we are so prone to approach this whole Christian life in all the wrong ways. Humility is a virtue so often neglected, yet it’s a virtue so inexpressibly central to the very person of Christ, and Hutchinson wonderfully displays this as the basis for his entire book.
The whole thing is jammed packed with gold. The comments on self-depreciation caught me red-handed. The middle chapters had convicting applications left, right and centre. The content on unity gave me a lot to think about. And the conservation around the humility of the church was on point. And once again, it was all whole-heartedly gospel centred - how can we not be humble in light of the grace we have been shown?
Even the layout was fantastic, and the little prayers were the cherries on the top.
Will be returning. Highly recommend.
“God’s grace is preemptive and unmerited. Believers should have hearts of gentleness, humbled by grace, instantly ready to forgive others sins.”
I boldly entered this book harbouring the thought in the back of my mind of - ‘hey, I don’t think I’m all that bad at this old humility thing’. Boy was my face red a few pages in.
In our worldliness, we are so prone to approach this whole Christian life in all the wrong ways. Humility is a virtue so often neglected, yet it’s a virtue so inexpressibly central to the very person of Christ, and Hutchinson wonderfully displays this as the basis for his entire book.
The whole thing is jammed packed with gold. The comments on self-depreciation caught me red-handed. The middle chapters had convicting applications left, right and centre. The content on unity gave me a lot to think about. And the conservation around the humility of the church was on point. And once again, it was all whole-heartedly gospel centred - how can we not be humble in light of the grace we have been shown?
Even the layout was fantastic, and the little prayers were the cherries on the top.
Will be returning. Highly recommend.
“God’s grace is preemptive and unmerited. Believers should have hearts of gentleness, humbled by grace, instantly ready to forgive others sins.”
October 25, 2021
Do not be fooled by my slack reading habits. This book is exceptional and the amount of time I have taken to read it is not due to any short comings in the book, only ones in myself.
This is probably a top five all time for me. Incredibly challenging on a personal level and incredibly exciting for seeing what could be at a corporate level. Loved every page. You will be a better Christian for having read this book. Thanks Jeff
This is probably a top five all time for me. Incredibly challenging on a personal level and incredibly exciting for seeing what could be at a corporate level. Loved every page. You will be a better Christian for having read this book. Thanks Jeff
January 4, 2024
"God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble," and synonymous statements echoes through Scripture from Genesis to Revelation. It shows up in Proverbs, comes forth from the lips of Jesus, spills onto the page in James and 1 Peter, and even floats to the surface in Revelation. Humility is an important subject, and a difficult quality. Christopher Hutchinson, Senior Pastor of Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church in Blacksburg, Virginia, has given us some help in thinking about the virtue of humility in his new 252 page paperback, "Rediscovering Humility: Why the Way Up Is Down". This volume is an easy-to-read, devotional approach that is friendly and thoughtful, and meant to be useful for most anyone.
Hutchinson spends three chapters introducing humility, and then allows faith, hope and love to guide the rest of the discussion. His approach is exegetical, theological, pastoral, and devotional. "Rediscovering Humility" is chock full of timely quotations from Puritans and pastors, and swimming in stories. The author mainly hopes "that this little work will jump-start a dialogue on what humility should look like in today's church" (xviii). I think his book may well do just that.
In "Rediscovering Humility" the author doesn't shy away from important topics. Not only does the book touch on sin, salvation, sanctification, celebration and the celestial, but it sagaciously and solicitously comes at other subjects as well. To give the reader a taste of the dishes Hutchinson serves up, here are several short samples. With regard to theology and doctrine, "Christians are not claiming that they have discovered the truth themselves, but that a gracious God has revealed it to them...Closely connected to the idea of resting in Christ's accomplished work is the dictum of healthy self-doubt" (49-50). In the area of social justice, the author reminds us that the "New Testament, however, is not interested in upending social structures as a whole...The gospel has come to do greater things than to restructure current social structures" (118). Hutchinson encourages churches to lean more heavily on prayer, because a "church that does not pray much does not sense its need for God's grace much" (135). When focusing on Christian leadership, the author rightly asserts that authentic "Christian leadership needs to be relentlessly meek - consistently and self-consciously humble in all its endeavors after the model of Christ. Indeed, humility is the goal of all true Christian leadership" (144). As the author addresses unity, he notes that "God's grace in the gospel creates a gospel-wrought humility, which, in turn, leads to a gospel-driven unity" (180). And, while discussing church well-being, the author observes that "when churches are self-focused, all about their own growth and branding, then there is no rest there for God's people, no gospel. The churches have become factories, when the world needs a garden - a place to rest in Christ from one's own works, surrounded only by His beauty and grace" (213).
There was one remarkably gracious and wise consideration that Hutchinson made in the area of racism and remembering past generations. I am compelled to quote it in full: "Regarding the past, believers may look with horror upon the sins of slavery and Jim Crow, and rightly condemn both institutions. But do they really think that many believers today would have avoided the cultural pressures that captured so much of the church at that time? Would most of today's white Christians really have been among that small, persecuted minority in the antebellum American South who actively opposed slavery?...When today's believers evaluate the sins of past generations, humility and empathy are always in good order, even as we speak the truth and hold to the standards of God's Word. Christians might also consider what future generations will say about today's church when believers look back at our cultural accommodations. All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (204-5). Humility should affect our judgments of the past.
"Rediscovering Humility" ends with a list of one hundred verses on humility, and an index of Scriptural references. Both of those will make the book usable for preachers and Bible-teachers. If a topical index had been added, this volume would have been even more helpful.
All told, "Rediscovering Humility" should be snatched up in bulk and handed out to those you know. It needs to find a place on your church's book table. And it would make an ideal resource for adult classes. It's a book I happily recommend for all, and especially my fellow ministers.
NB: I have just completed a second reading of this fine book today (4 January 2024). I heartily agree with everything I said above that I wrote in 2018. I'm so convinced in the quality of this book that I have purchased copies for all of my deacons and elders and will lead them through this book in the first half of this new year (2024).
My big thanks goes to New Growth Press for the free copy of the book used for this review. There were no strings attached, no requirements to fulfill, and no obligations to satisfy. Therefore, this review is freely given and freely handed on.
Hutchinson spends three chapters introducing humility, and then allows faith, hope and love to guide the rest of the discussion. His approach is exegetical, theological, pastoral, and devotional. "Rediscovering Humility" is chock full of timely quotations from Puritans and pastors, and swimming in stories. The author mainly hopes "that this little work will jump-start a dialogue on what humility should look like in today's church" (xviii). I think his book may well do just that.
In "Rediscovering Humility" the author doesn't shy away from important topics. Not only does the book touch on sin, salvation, sanctification, celebration and the celestial, but it sagaciously and solicitously comes at other subjects as well. To give the reader a taste of the dishes Hutchinson serves up, here are several short samples. With regard to theology and doctrine, "Christians are not claiming that they have discovered the truth themselves, but that a gracious God has revealed it to them...Closely connected to the idea of resting in Christ's accomplished work is the dictum of healthy self-doubt" (49-50). In the area of social justice, the author reminds us that the "New Testament, however, is not interested in upending social structures as a whole...The gospel has come to do greater things than to restructure current social structures" (118). Hutchinson encourages churches to lean more heavily on prayer, because a "church that does not pray much does not sense its need for God's grace much" (135). When focusing on Christian leadership, the author rightly asserts that authentic "Christian leadership needs to be relentlessly meek - consistently and self-consciously humble in all its endeavors after the model of Christ. Indeed, humility is the goal of all true Christian leadership" (144). As the author addresses unity, he notes that "God's grace in the gospel creates a gospel-wrought humility, which, in turn, leads to a gospel-driven unity" (180). And, while discussing church well-being, the author observes that "when churches are self-focused, all about their own growth and branding, then there is no rest there for God's people, no gospel. The churches have become factories, when the world needs a garden - a place to rest in Christ from one's own works, surrounded only by His beauty and grace" (213).
There was one remarkably gracious and wise consideration that Hutchinson made in the area of racism and remembering past generations. I am compelled to quote it in full: "Regarding the past, believers may look with horror upon the sins of slavery and Jim Crow, and rightly condemn both institutions. But do they really think that many believers today would have avoided the cultural pressures that captured so much of the church at that time? Would most of today's white Christians really have been among that small, persecuted minority in the antebellum American South who actively opposed slavery?...When today's believers evaluate the sins of past generations, humility and empathy are always in good order, even as we speak the truth and hold to the standards of God's Word. Christians might also consider what future generations will say about today's church when believers look back at our cultural accommodations. All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (204-5). Humility should affect our judgments of the past.
"Rediscovering Humility" ends with a list of one hundred verses on humility, and an index of Scriptural references. Both of those will make the book usable for preachers and Bible-teachers. If a topical index had been added, this volume would have been even more helpful.
All told, "Rediscovering Humility" should be snatched up in bulk and handed out to those you know. It needs to find a place on your church's book table. And it would make an ideal resource for adult classes. It's a book I happily recommend for all, and especially my fellow ministers.
NB: I have just completed a second reading of this fine book today (4 January 2024). I heartily agree with everything I said above that I wrote in 2018. I'm so convinced in the quality of this book that I have purchased copies for all of my deacons and elders and will lead them through this book in the first half of this new year (2024).
My big thanks goes to New Growth Press for the free copy of the book used for this review. There were no strings attached, no requirements to fulfill, and no obligations to satisfy. Therefore, this review is freely given and freely handed on.
September 30, 2018
Humility is not a popular concept in the American Christian church. The humble mind-set no longer exists in Christian culture, Hutchinson says. (339/5784) He recognized the centrality of humility in his new life shortly after his conversion to Christianity. (219/5784) He encourages us to return to that ancient path of humility, both individually and as the corporate church.
Humility is not some personality trait we add on to our Christian life. Hutchinson writes, “I believe humility to be at the very heart of Christian faith and even to be the best paradigm of all proper thought regarding God, oneself, and others.” (283/5784)
Hutchinson explores what true humility is and is not. He helps us understand how we grow in humility (suffering is a part). He gives the characteristics of humility (speak only to bless, for example). He also looks at what humility means to the corporate body, including leaders, unity, doctrinal issues, etc.
I really liked the first part of the book as it concentrated on what humility is and how one grows in it. The latter part of the book dealt more with the church and would appeal more to pastors and church leaders. Laypeople might find that part of the book tedious, as I did.
This is a very important book and I highly recommend it. I agree with Hutchinson that American Christians seem to have lost humility as a core aspect of the Christian life. Reading this book is certainly a challenge to follow the example of Jesus and the teaching of the New Testament.
Food for thought: Be a bold nobody.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
Humility is not some personality trait we add on to our Christian life. Hutchinson writes, “I believe humility to be at the very heart of Christian faith and even to be the best paradigm of all proper thought regarding God, oneself, and others.” (283/5784)
Hutchinson explores what true humility is and is not. He helps us understand how we grow in humility (suffering is a part). He gives the characteristics of humility (speak only to bless, for example). He also looks at what humility means to the corporate body, including leaders, unity, doctrinal issues, etc.
I really liked the first part of the book as it concentrated on what humility is and how one grows in it. The latter part of the book dealt more with the church and would appeal more to pastors and church leaders. Laypeople might find that part of the book tedious, as I did.
This is a very important book and I highly recommend it. I agree with Hutchinson that American Christians seem to have lost humility as a core aspect of the Christian life. Reading this book is certainly a challenge to follow the example of Jesus and the teaching of the New Testament.
Food for thought: Be a bold nobody.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
January 6, 2021
This book was transformative. Not because it had any new revelation, but because it reminds us of the most basic truth of the old revelation. The gospel is a message of undeserved grace, one that does not leave room for our own conceit and vanity, yet these are constant companions. Pride manifests in so many ways, and here Chris reminds us to search the corners of our hearts and hand them over.
He isn't offering quick soundbites or small morsels. This is a journey that isn't meant to end, an invitation to remind ourselves to come to the table with the proper posture. I spent two years reading this book off and on since it was released (including a restart partway through).
Filled with wisdom from the saints who came before, personal stories from Chris' pastoral experience, and practical advice, there's a lot to chew on. Some parts were more filling or easier to read than others, and some parts were specific to practical advice for pastors and church order, but all of it was good. Humility is a hard subject to write on without betraying yourself, but even so Chris approaches the subject with a humble honesty, readily admitting where his experience has revealed his own pride.
As a personal disclosure, I was a member of Chris' congregation for a number of years, during which time he preached faithfully and embodied the word shepherd, helping guide my wife and I through some difficult years in our young marriage. I believe the concepts in this book are vital for any Christian and the pastoral care and personal humility that I have seen Chris demonstrate reinforce my recommendation.
He isn't offering quick soundbites or small morsels. This is a journey that isn't meant to end, an invitation to remind ourselves to come to the table with the proper posture. I spent two years reading this book off and on since it was released (including a restart partway through).
Filled with wisdom from the saints who came before, personal stories from Chris' pastoral experience, and practical advice, there's a lot to chew on. Some parts were more filling or easier to read than others, and some parts were specific to practical advice for pastors and church order, but all of it was good. Humility is a hard subject to write on without betraying yourself, but even so Chris approaches the subject with a humble honesty, readily admitting where his experience has revealed his own pride.
As a personal disclosure, I was a member of Chris' congregation for a number of years, during which time he preached faithfully and embodied the word shepherd, helping guide my wife and I through some difficult years in our young marriage. I believe the concepts in this book are vital for any Christian and the pastoral care and personal humility that I have seen Chris demonstrate reinforce my recommendation.
March 17, 2019
The author notes early on that there really aren't too many Christian books out there on humility ... and he's absolutely right. I only knew of Andrew Murray's (and hadn't read it)!
Hutchinson's addition to the short-list is an absolute gem -- and not just because he quotes Tolkien. :) (And C.S. Lewis. And Augustine. And Jonathan Edwards. ... Okay, you get my point. He quotes a lot of my favorite theologians -- an automatic win.) But thankfully, he does more than quote other people. He constantly points readers back to the Bible, and even more importantly, to Christ -- the pinnacle of humility. After all, "There can be no humility without Christ and what He did upon the Cross" (eARC location 668).
The world we live in (and Paul, and Christ, and the prophets lived in) doesn't make a humble life easy. But thankfully, Christ makes it possible at all.
Hutchinson extrapolates on how to live out humility -- through faith, hope, and love. Scripture is presented at every turn, as is heartfelt prayer, both Hutchinson's own and various collected prayers.
Sometimes the text's nuances go a bit over my head, I'll admit. But I appreciated the challenge, especially being 1 or 2 or 14 years out of college -- it was nice to find a meatier, yet still approachable, read than my usual fiction pursuits (and even many of my "Christian living" reads of late).
Absolutely recommended, and one I'll revisit for sure over the course of my Christian walk.
I received a copy of the book from Audra Jennings / Read With Audra. All opinions are my own.
Hutchinson's addition to the short-list is an absolute gem -- and not just because he quotes Tolkien. :) (And C.S. Lewis. And Augustine. And Jonathan Edwards. ... Okay, you get my point. He quotes a lot of my favorite theologians -- an automatic win.) But thankfully, he does more than quote other people. He constantly points readers back to the Bible, and even more importantly, to Christ -- the pinnacle of humility. After all, "There can be no humility without Christ and what He did upon the Cross" (eARC location 668).
The world we live in (and Paul, and Christ, and the prophets lived in) doesn't make a humble life easy. But thankfully, Christ makes it possible at all.
Hutchinson extrapolates on how to live out humility -- through faith, hope, and love. Scripture is presented at every turn, as is heartfelt prayer, both Hutchinson's own and various collected prayers.
Sometimes the text's nuances go a bit over my head, I'll admit. But I appreciated the challenge, especially being 1 or 2 or 14 years out of college -- it was nice to find a meatier, yet still approachable, read than my usual fiction pursuits (and even many of my "Christian living" reads of late).
Absolutely recommended, and one I'll revisit for sure over the course of my Christian walk.
I received a copy of the book from Audra Jennings / Read With Audra. All opinions are my own.
December 22, 2022
So, I liked this author. He has an impressive depth of research at his fingertips, quoting the Bible and also everyone back through Chrysostom and Augustine and up through Luther and Baxter and Tolkien and Lewis. He can use words like “baleful” and “reify” and has the sense to use them sparingly. I kept reading funny bits out loud to Jonathan and devoured the book in two days. I think Hutchinson did a good job pulling together and articulating the theology and practice of humility in a way that the reader can digest and take to heart. (Did I need a book on humility? Yes I needed to read about humility.) Recommend.
July 13, 2018
Refreshing, convicting and (of course) humbling! A must-read for anyone in Christian ministry, and indeed, for any Christian! The way up IS down, as the subtitle affirms. The author’s style is appropriately humble, self-deprecating and genuine, and the content is Biblical and Christ-centered. I pray this gains a wide readership, so that the church of Christ might be powerfully humbled, and humbly empowered.
July 13, 2018
I’m putting this book on my shelf right next to Andrew Murray’s classic work on Humility. I was both encouraged and challenged as I read it. Hutchinson addresses how Christ centered humility should affect many areas of our lives including how we share our faith and how we participate in our churches. I would recommend this book to anyone.
March 28, 2024
According to the cover of Rediscovering Humility, Christopher A. Hutchinson is an army veteran and Presbyterian pastor writing from a reformed theological tradition. ministry, but Hutchinson’s insights are worthy of application to these ministry practices. What is Hutchinson’s distinct thesis in Rediscovering Humility? He states his main argument numerous times in the early chapters of the book: “The study of humility is not just another self-help topic but a venture into the very center of the Christian faith” (10). While this is an ambitious claim from the author, he believes that the study of humility is not an exercise in personal betterment or healthy life practices, but it is the study of the faith and life which Jesus commanded and which many Christian writers have reflected on and worked to exemplify throughout church history. If the author’s thesis is correct about the centrality of humility, then this should lead the pastor to approach his pastoral ministry and preaching responsibility with humility and meekness. Hutchinson also reveals the church’s insights on this foundational virtue as he lists a myriad of quotes from famous pastors and theologians in the book. Hutchinson’s purpose is to recover a humble vision of the Christian life
In the introduction and part one (chapters 1–6), Hutchinson explores reasons for the diminishment of humility as the central characteristic of Christian faith in the contemporary church. Hutchinson clarifies the normative source of his view on humility: the Bible (3). Hutchinson’s thesis in chapter one is a reiteration of his overall thesis: the exaltation of humility among the other Christian virtues. Yet, he explains how humility has been decentralized, “deemphasized,” or even “dethroned” in the contemporary church (3). In chapter two, Hutchinson distinguishes “true humility” from “false humility” through the study of insufficient models of or “detours to humility” (10–11). Hutchinson lists various cases of ordinary life where humility is missing from Christian character and he puts forward his thesis that “humility in all things is the key to the map and various cases of life” (23, wording has been rearranged for clarity). Referring to his work as “a small systematic theology of humility,” Hutchinson utilizes the first part of the book to examine how the gospel truth and its transformative effects inevitably results in humble adherents to the Christian faith (32). Pastors who are tempted to pride and arrogance due to their position and work must remember the gospel message as they constantly recall “the greatness of grace—the massive height and depth and width of God’s love for them in Jesus Christ,” and “the vast moral gap that exists between God and mankind” (32). This moral gap between God and man is the driving concern of chapter four as Hutchinson explain the significance of humility in the gospel through reexamining the gospel story under the theme of humility: “Humility is thus the not-so-secret key to God’s plan of redemption” (31). Chapter five is much needed in a “relativistic” age as Hutchinson explains that a humble epistemology makes certainty in knowledge and the gospel a possibility (47). In the final chapter of part one, Hutchinson argues for humility as the foundation of holiness through an examination of Jesus’s perfect humility: “The way of growth, of sanctification, is always a godly humiliation” (65). Preachers proclaim th gospel story that makes all believers equal in Christ and humble like Christ (cf. Galatians 3:28; see also p. 32).
After developing a theology and biblical foundation of humility in part one, Hutchinson uses part two to discuss personal and practical examples of humility for Christian life and practice (chapter seven). He also writes about the significance of eschatology for the believer’s humble disposition (chapter eight). The author then writes on social and cultural manifestations of humility (chapter nine). Hutchinson states the thesis and outline of this section: “Humility has a real, visible form that manifests itself in everything from what believers title themselves to what they name their children; from how they make career decisions to how they spend their money; from the way churches worship to the way they spread the gospel. Humility, or the lack thereof, affects everything” (77). Hutchinson explores most of these specific examples in chapters 7–9, but the claim about humility’s holistic impact may be overstated. For instance, it is unclear how humility affects the naming of a child as such a process is not a perceivably or observably prideful act. Still, preachers may learn about the need for humble status in the church through Hutchinson’s focus pastoral titles in the church (see his later treatment in chapter eleven). The aim of the pastor in preaching the Word is not a popular status as an influential preacher or popular figure. Hutchinson’s point about humility shaping one’s career pursuit teaches the pastor that he should not pursue preaching ministry in order to ladder climb to a senior pastorate or authoritative position in the church. Pastors must pursue preaching ministry to work hard and shepherd God’s flock.
In the final part of the book, Hutchinson addresses the corporate gathering’s (chapters ten, twelve–fourteen) and pastoral leaderships’ (chapter eleven) humble responsibilities in the church’s life and gatherings. If Hutchinson’s theses about humility as the center of Christian faith and its influence on all facets of Christian action are correct, then humility is also a great need in the church service. Skeptics and nonbelievers are often turned away by the church’s hypocrisy and arrogance as pastors teach the virtue of humility for the Christian, but the church members do not reflect this characteristic. Chapters 10–14 are Hutchinson’s call for the church to practice consistent and countercultural humility in all things. In chapter ten, Hutchinson applies his understanding of humility to the fundamental practices of the church: “Very simply, believers grow in humility together under the three clear means of grace God provides: Word, prayer, and sacrament” (132). The remainder of the chapter is dedicated to these specific ecclesial acts, but Hutchinson also gives attention to humility in church discipline (138-143).
Chapter eleven is especially relevant for the pastor and expositor as the author discusses the need for humility in Christian leadership. Hutchinson describes “Christian leadership as humility” (144, italics mine). Hutchinson delivers his thesis in a negative statement: “Outward show is never true, God-focused leadership” (145). In other words, leadership that is focused on inner humility and character is God-centered leadership. The chapter is extensive, but Hutchinson addresses the multitude of ways that pride and arrogance infest pastorates and Christian leadership positions. Pastors tempted towards pride should pay attention to Hutchinson’s writing in this section of the book. In chapter twelve, Hutchinson shows the interchangeable link between unity and humility as he explains the need for doctrinal and convictional unity in the church.
The subtitle of the thirteenth chapter is “Humility and Church Image” (186), and Hutchinson explores key aspects of the church’s public image: evangelism, public worship and piety, and Christian engagement in culture. Hutchinson’s primary concern in this chapter is “what...humility looks like as the church interacts with the fallen world” (187). Humility has implications for the Christian’s personal and public life.
Hutchinson concludes the book with a reflection on the renewing and revitalizing power of humility in the church when it takes root in the hearts of church members: “However, when churches are self-focused, all about their own growth and branding, then there is no rest there for God’s people. no gospel. These churches have become factories, when the world needs a garden—a place to rest in Christ from one’s own works, surrounded only by his beauty and grace” (213). The garden imagery for the church is key to the argument of the final chapter as Hutchinson directs his statements about humility and church growth towards church planters: “This is not to argue that big churches cannot be places of humility, only that there are more important things to aim for than growth” (214). For Hutchinson, churches must let go of their desire for growth and branding as they cultivate hearts of humility through reliance on Christ. Churches that are “gospel gardens” will be the counter-cultural witness that is needed in the world. Moreover, pastors who are gospel gardeners will point to the redeeming and awe- inspiring message of Christ in their sermons and daily lives as they pursue dependence on Christ through the Holy Spirit.
What is the strength of the book for the pastor and his preaching ministry? A strength of Hutchinson’s argument that is pertinent to for preaching is the author’s statements about theological truth: “I am still holding out that there are correct answers [to theological controversy]. Some people define doctrinal humility as a kind of impenetrable vagueness, perhaps more influenced by American anti-intellectualism than sound, biblical thinking” (58). In much modern discourse about biblical and theological controversy, some Christians under the guise of humility are quick to confess the mystery of attaining correct theological answers, but Hutchinson shows the fault to this thinking and its true rootedness in anti-intellectualism rather than Christian humility. God has revealed himself to believers through the written record of Scriptures, so pastors who preach the Word may study sound doctrine and arrive at theological answers through hard study. The pastors must not worry about pridefulness or arrogance in teaching theological truth and feeling confident in biblical convictions. Yet, there are many biblical matters where a preacher can express humble uncertainty when he is unsure about the Bible’s witness on a certain matter. For the pastor and his teaching, humility may manifest itself in both confidence about Christian orthodoxy and uncertainty about biblical obscurities.
What is the weakness of Hutchinson’s book to the pastor searching for biblical applications for preaching? Unfortunately, Hutchinson’s lack of an explicit and succinct definition of humility leaves the reader with questions about Hutchinson’s view of the subject. Hutchinson promises to develop a thorough definition of humility through biblical and personal examples in the book. However, one will have trouble formulating normative principles for humility through these highly specific and contextualized examples. Moreover, certain examples of humility from Hutchinson are inseparable from his theological convictions and presuppositions—making an objective definition of humility an elusive task in Hutchinson’s work. For example, Hutchinson writes, “Humble leaders submit to one another within a congregation, and they submit to leaders within other congregations as well, both formally and informally, in both law and spirit” (160). This notion of submission to leadership in other congregations is a distinctly presbyterian conviction, and this argument has little application in Southern Baptists contexts that emphasize the autonomy of local churches. Yet, Hutchinson equates such submission to humility. How do Christians of different denominational affiliations fulfill Hutchinson’s argument for humility, and would Hutchinson accuse Christian leaders who do not submit to cross-congregational leadership as being unhumble? Hutchinson does not answer these questions. A lack of a clear, objective summary on humility prevents the reader from applying the definition to various theological and ecclesial contexts.
Despite this major weakness, Hutchinson does give direct attention to humility in the preaching situation. Hutchinson wisely cautions the reader against certain preachers: “Some pastors consider themselves ‘the man of God,’ and their authority must go unquestioned. Others claim to get ‘a word from God,’ which must be heeded, even though no one else heard it” (159). Hutchinson warns against authoritarianism and tyranny of the pastor in the pulpit. The pastor who claims to hear divine words from God may become puffed up because of this privilege, or he can abuse this power so that the congregation will obey all his teachings. Humble pastors will preach and teach the Word which all Christians may read, study, and hear as a community. Hutchinson reminds the pastor that he should not be concerned about receiving a special, personal revelation from the Lord. The pastor is responsibility is to “preach the word” delivered by the Apostles rather than a personal word received directly from God. Preparation for the preaching event is marked by reading, studying, and learning about the theological significance and history of the Scriptures rather than sitting, waiting, and listening for a divine experience. Nevertheless, preaching preparation is still a spiritual exercise that requires great dependence upon the Holy Spirit.
In conclusion, Hutchinson has composed an accessible and popular-level resource on the topic of humility in a tone that is both gospel-centered and encouraging as the author points out the fundamentality of humility for Christian living. Christian authors from various ministry backgrounds have produced works on humility, and Hutchinson adds to the vast literature through his pastoral and reformed perspective. Church members and pastors alike can appreciate the content of the work, but believers from non-presbyterian backgrounds will find some of Hutchinson’s applications of humility to be disagreeable. Nevertheless, Hutchinson’s arguments about humility are relevant for the faithful, humble proclamation of the Bible before the people of God. In an age of evangelicalism marked by pastoral prestige, power, and popularity rather than humble obedience and faithful preaching, pastors should receive Hutchinson’s convicting and clarifying teaching.
In the introduction and part one (chapters 1–6), Hutchinson explores reasons for the diminishment of humility as the central characteristic of Christian faith in the contemporary church. Hutchinson clarifies the normative source of his view on humility: the Bible (3). Hutchinson’s thesis in chapter one is a reiteration of his overall thesis: the exaltation of humility among the other Christian virtues. Yet, he explains how humility has been decentralized, “deemphasized,” or even “dethroned” in the contemporary church (3). In chapter two, Hutchinson distinguishes “true humility” from “false humility” through the study of insufficient models of or “detours to humility” (10–11). Hutchinson lists various cases of ordinary life where humility is missing from Christian character and he puts forward his thesis that “humility in all things is the key to the map and various cases of life” (23, wording has been rearranged for clarity). Referring to his work as “a small systematic theology of humility,” Hutchinson utilizes the first part of the book to examine how the gospel truth and its transformative effects inevitably results in humble adherents to the Christian faith (32). Pastors who are tempted to pride and arrogance due to their position and work must remember the gospel message as they constantly recall “the greatness of grace—the massive height and depth and width of God’s love for them in Jesus Christ,” and “the vast moral gap that exists between God and mankind” (32). This moral gap between God and man is the driving concern of chapter four as Hutchinson explain the significance of humility in the gospel through reexamining the gospel story under the theme of humility: “Humility is thus the not-so-secret key to God’s plan of redemption” (31). Chapter five is much needed in a “relativistic” age as Hutchinson explains that a humble epistemology makes certainty in knowledge and the gospel a possibility (47). In the final chapter of part one, Hutchinson argues for humility as the foundation of holiness through an examination of Jesus’s perfect humility: “The way of growth, of sanctification, is always a godly humiliation” (65). Preachers proclaim th gospel story that makes all believers equal in Christ and humble like Christ (cf. Galatians 3:28; see also p. 32).
After developing a theology and biblical foundation of humility in part one, Hutchinson uses part two to discuss personal and practical examples of humility for Christian life and practice (chapter seven). He also writes about the significance of eschatology for the believer’s humble disposition (chapter eight). The author then writes on social and cultural manifestations of humility (chapter nine). Hutchinson states the thesis and outline of this section: “Humility has a real, visible form that manifests itself in everything from what believers title themselves to what they name their children; from how they make career decisions to how they spend their money; from the way churches worship to the way they spread the gospel. Humility, or the lack thereof, affects everything” (77). Hutchinson explores most of these specific examples in chapters 7–9, but the claim about humility’s holistic impact may be overstated. For instance, it is unclear how humility affects the naming of a child as such a process is not a perceivably or observably prideful act. Still, preachers may learn about the need for humble status in the church through Hutchinson’s focus pastoral titles in the church (see his later treatment in chapter eleven). The aim of the pastor in preaching the Word is not a popular status as an influential preacher or popular figure. Hutchinson’s point about humility shaping one’s career pursuit teaches the pastor that he should not pursue preaching ministry in order to ladder climb to a senior pastorate or authoritative position in the church. Pastors must pursue preaching ministry to work hard and shepherd God’s flock.
In the final part of the book, Hutchinson addresses the corporate gathering’s (chapters ten, twelve–fourteen) and pastoral leaderships’ (chapter eleven) humble responsibilities in the church’s life and gatherings. If Hutchinson’s theses about humility as the center of Christian faith and its influence on all facets of Christian action are correct, then humility is also a great need in the church service. Skeptics and nonbelievers are often turned away by the church’s hypocrisy and arrogance as pastors teach the virtue of humility for the Christian, but the church members do not reflect this characteristic. Chapters 10–14 are Hutchinson’s call for the church to practice consistent and countercultural humility in all things. In chapter ten, Hutchinson applies his understanding of humility to the fundamental practices of the church: “Very simply, believers grow in humility together under the three clear means of grace God provides: Word, prayer, and sacrament” (132). The remainder of the chapter is dedicated to these specific ecclesial acts, but Hutchinson also gives attention to humility in church discipline (138-143).
Chapter eleven is especially relevant for the pastor and expositor as the author discusses the need for humility in Christian leadership. Hutchinson describes “Christian leadership as humility” (144, italics mine). Hutchinson delivers his thesis in a negative statement: “Outward show is never true, God-focused leadership” (145). In other words, leadership that is focused on inner humility and character is God-centered leadership. The chapter is extensive, but Hutchinson addresses the multitude of ways that pride and arrogance infest pastorates and Christian leadership positions. Pastors tempted towards pride should pay attention to Hutchinson’s writing in this section of the book. In chapter twelve, Hutchinson shows the interchangeable link between unity and humility as he explains the need for doctrinal and convictional unity in the church.
The subtitle of the thirteenth chapter is “Humility and Church Image” (186), and Hutchinson explores key aspects of the church’s public image: evangelism, public worship and piety, and Christian engagement in culture. Hutchinson’s primary concern in this chapter is “what...humility looks like as the church interacts with the fallen world” (187). Humility has implications for the Christian’s personal and public life.
Hutchinson concludes the book with a reflection on the renewing and revitalizing power of humility in the church when it takes root in the hearts of church members: “However, when churches are self-focused, all about their own growth and branding, then there is no rest there for God’s people. no gospel. These churches have become factories, when the world needs a garden—a place to rest in Christ from one’s own works, surrounded only by his beauty and grace” (213). The garden imagery for the church is key to the argument of the final chapter as Hutchinson directs his statements about humility and church growth towards church planters: “This is not to argue that big churches cannot be places of humility, only that there are more important things to aim for than growth” (214). For Hutchinson, churches must let go of their desire for growth and branding as they cultivate hearts of humility through reliance on Christ. Churches that are “gospel gardens” will be the counter-cultural witness that is needed in the world. Moreover, pastors who are gospel gardeners will point to the redeeming and awe- inspiring message of Christ in their sermons and daily lives as they pursue dependence on Christ through the Holy Spirit.
What is the strength of the book for the pastor and his preaching ministry? A strength of Hutchinson’s argument that is pertinent to for preaching is the author’s statements about theological truth: “I am still holding out that there are correct answers [to theological controversy]. Some people define doctrinal humility as a kind of impenetrable vagueness, perhaps more influenced by American anti-intellectualism than sound, biblical thinking” (58). In much modern discourse about biblical and theological controversy, some Christians under the guise of humility are quick to confess the mystery of attaining correct theological answers, but Hutchinson shows the fault to this thinking and its true rootedness in anti-intellectualism rather than Christian humility. God has revealed himself to believers through the written record of Scriptures, so pastors who preach the Word may study sound doctrine and arrive at theological answers through hard study. The pastors must not worry about pridefulness or arrogance in teaching theological truth and feeling confident in biblical convictions. Yet, there are many biblical matters where a preacher can express humble uncertainty when he is unsure about the Bible’s witness on a certain matter. For the pastor and his teaching, humility may manifest itself in both confidence about Christian orthodoxy and uncertainty about biblical obscurities.
What is the weakness of Hutchinson’s book to the pastor searching for biblical applications for preaching? Unfortunately, Hutchinson’s lack of an explicit and succinct definition of humility leaves the reader with questions about Hutchinson’s view of the subject. Hutchinson promises to develop a thorough definition of humility through biblical and personal examples in the book. However, one will have trouble formulating normative principles for humility through these highly specific and contextualized examples. Moreover, certain examples of humility from Hutchinson are inseparable from his theological convictions and presuppositions—making an objective definition of humility an elusive task in Hutchinson’s work. For example, Hutchinson writes, “Humble leaders submit to one another within a congregation, and they submit to leaders within other congregations as well, both formally and informally, in both law and spirit” (160). This notion of submission to leadership in other congregations is a distinctly presbyterian conviction, and this argument has little application in Southern Baptists contexts that emphasize the autonomy of local churches. Yet, Hutchinson equates such submission to humility. How do Christians of different denominational affiliations fulfill Hutchinson’s argument for humility, and would Hutchinson accuse Christian leaders who do not submit to cross-congregational leadership as being unhumble? Hutchinson does not answer these questions. A lack of a clear, objective summary on humility prevents the reader from applying the definition to various theological and ecclesial contexts.
Despite this major weakness, Hutchinson does give direct attention to humility in the preaching situation. Hutchinson wisely cautions the reader against certain preachers: “Some pastors consider themselves ‘the man of God,’ and their authority must go unquestioned. Others claim to get ‘a word from God,’ which must be heeded, even though no one else heard it” (159). Hutchinson warns against authoritarianism and tyranny of the pastor in the pulpit. The pastor who claims to hear divine words from God may become puffed up because of this privilege, or he can abuse this power so that the congregation will obey all his teachings. Humble pastors will preach and teach the Word which all Christians may read, study, and hear as a community. Hutchinson reminds the pastor that he should not be concerned about receiving a special, personal revelation from the Lord. The pastor is responsibility is to “preach the word” delivered by the Apostles rather than a personal word received directly from God. Preparation for the preaching event is marked by reading, studying, and learning about the theological significance and history of the Scriptures rather than sitting, waiting, and listening for a divine experience. Nevertheless, preaching preparation is still a spiritual exercise that requires great dependence upon the Holy Spirit.
In conclusion, Hutchinson has composed an accessible and popular-level resource on the topic of humility in a tone that is both gospel-centered and encouraging as the author points out the fundamentality of humility for Christian living. Christian authors from various ministry backgrounds have produced works on humility, and Hutchinson adds to the vast literature through his pastoral and reformed perspective. Church members and pastors alike can appreciate the content of the work, but believers from non-presbyterian backgrounds will find some of Hutchinson’s applications of humility to be disagreeable. Nevertheless, Hutchinson’s arguments about humility are relevant for the faithful, humble proclamation of the Bible before the people of God. In an age of evangelicalism marked by pastoral prestige, power, and popularity rather than humble obedience and faithful preaching, pastors should receive Hutchinson’s convicting and clarifying teaching.
September 29, 2024
There's real depth here, but instead of being impressed by a deep burrowing into the hidden pride of the heart, I am struck by the breadth of this book. Hutchinson does an excellent service of showing the centrality of humility in the Christian life, but the shining contribution of this book is its application of the foundational virtue to a wide variety of issues in life and especially the ministry of the church.
Great value for the young Christian here, but a special treat awaits the Pastor and churchman who desires God's glory above all in the church.
Great value for the young Christian here, but a special treat awaits the Pastor and churchman who desires God's glory above all in the church.
June 28, 2018
Every Christian should make it a point to read - no to submit to - a book about humility. When Jesus Himself is demonstrated to be humble and in a day of celebrity pastors, there is much we can apply, consider and be censured on as we approach the teaching about humility.. humbly. Chris is a friend and local pastor. I am thankful for his work. Reading it has encouraged me, nurtured me and re-minded me of the joy of humility. He makes the point well that I cannot pursue and become humble without pursuing and becoming more like Jesus.
And before you're tempted to pat yourself on the back for reading a book on humility, take this quote from Chris to heart: "The goal is to grow in humility, not in brilliance."
And before you're tempted to pat yourself on the back for reading a book on humility, take this quote from Chris to heart: "The goal is to grow in humility, not in brilliance."
January 9, 2019
Pastor Hutchinson begins Rediscovering Humility with the admission that it is a work of which he is "exceptionally proud," immediately setting the humble and slightly humorous tone for the rest of the study. He then goes on to describe why he wanted to write a book on humility - it's not something the church talks about very much, but there is a need for such discussion.
On almost every page, Pastor Hutchinson writes about the source and example of our humility: Christ. Rediscovering Humility is not an easy book to read. It is incredibly convicting. I'm still looking around and seeing all the ways that I am prideful that I never noticed before. It will take hours, if done with a spirit of self-examination and a desire for understanding. But it is worth it to know God and yourself better.
On almost every page, Pastor Hutchinson writes about the source and example of our humility: Christ. Rediscovering Humility is not an easy book to read. It is incredibly convicting. I'm still looking around and seeing all the ways that I am prideful that I never noticed before. It will take hours, if done with a spirit of self-examination and a desire for understanding. But it is worth it to know God and yourself better.
November 29, 2022
Beware: this book will offend you in the beginning, but mesmerize you towards the end! Such a challenging and convicting piece of writing!
October 1, 2018
Humility is the call of the Christian life but a great challenge to live out. What is true humility and what does it look like? What would it mean for our church gatherings to be humble in their message, practice and outreach? How about with the wider church and how we live in the world?
Christopher Hutchinson’s insightful book Rediscovering Humility builds a convicting case that humility is key to the believer’s life. He starts with Christ who shows us what true humility looks like, and we that we receive the grace of the gospel only by coming humbly to Jesus.
He exposes the prevalence of pride and challenges us to consider being “bold nobodies” for Christ. We display personal humility through how we love others, and need to be willing to settle at the bottom of totem pole.
More broadly, he challenges the church to consider how a humble body of Christ could look. Addressing church gatherings, wider denominational relationships and how the church interacts with the world, he brings a compelling case that humility has been lost in many areas and the church should urgently seek to find it again.
Hutchinson has included numerous quotes, as well as some wonderfully Christ-exalting responsive prayers, expanding the book’s overall impact. He has given the Christian community a valuable, biblical insight into the humility of Christ and our humble response as part of the body of Christ.
Christopher Hutchinson’s insightful book Rediscovering Humility builds a convicting case that humility is key to the believer’s life. He starts with Christ who shows us what true humility looks like, and we that we receive the grace of the gospel only by coming humbly to Jesus.
He exposes the prevalence of pride and challenges us to consider being “bold nobodies” for Christ. We display personal humility through how we love others, and need to be willing to settle at the bottom of totem pole.
More broadly, he challenges the church to consider how a humble body of Christ could look. Addressing church gatherings, wider denominational relationships and how the church interacts with the world, he brings a compelling case that humility has been lost in many areas and the church should urgently seek to find it again.
Hutchinson has included numerous quotes, as well as some wonderfully Christ-exalting responsive prayers, expanding the book’s overall impact. He has given the Christian community a valuable, biblical insight into the humility of Christ and our humble response as part of the body of Christ.
May 12, 2024
P. Chris was my pastor at the church I attended during college in Blacksburg and although I wasn't personally acquainted with him all too much, my impression and memory of him is that he is a humble man, always more in awe of the greatness of the gospel than in himself. This book is an echo of the sermons and messages P. Chris would give, that were most focused on the beauty and hope of Christ, and our position as God's creatures on earth, saved by nothing of our own merit but by his grace alone. The entire book's foundation is Scripture and I loved the different quotes and prayers from believers of different time periods that were sprinkled through each chapter. The language was not unnecessarily complicated and it was very straight to the point with good application points. I don't say this about many Christian books, but Rediscovering Humility is a book I think I need to read once every year. In my discipleship to Jesus, growing in humility and obedience has been extremely difficult and I'm grateful for this much-needed reminder to pursue being "bold nobodies" in the world.
August 11, 2021
“I believe humility to be at the very heart of Christian faith and even to be the best paradigm of all proper thought regarding God, oneself, and others. Humility is the greatest prerequisite to faith in Christ and its most telling result. It is the alpha and omega of the gospel at work in God’s people. Humility ought to be the most prominent centerpiece of any Christian worldview.”
It is thus that Hutchinson lays out his thesis in the early going of his first chapter. The remainder of the work ventures wide and deep, both biblically and practically. I found myself amazed at the breadth of the study, often having to refer back to the table of contents to find my “You are Here” in the lengthy list of perspectives that are needed to do justice to humility’s central role in our faith. I left in complete agreement with Hutchinson’s thesis and believe I will return to this book many times in the future.
It is thus that Hutchinson lays out his thesis in the early going of his first chapter. The remainder of the work ventures wide and deep, both biblically and practically. I found myself amazed at the breadth of the study, often having to refer back to the table of contents to find my “You are Here” in the lengthy list of perspectives that are needed to do justice to humility’s central role in our faith. I left in complete agreement with Hutchinson’s thesis and believe I will return to this book many times in the future.
October 1, 2019
Excellent book!
May 2, 2022
Awesome. Biblical, convicting, inspiring.
August 7, 2022
rtc soon!
May 12, 2019
Taken as a whole book, this was a pretty good read and really challenged my heart at various points. I used this book as part of my devotional time over the past number of months and appreciate the indepth analysis the author gives to this much needed subject. I am certain that those who read this book with a heart attitude of, "Lord, teach me what I need to learn in this reading," will be encouraged, admonished, and helped to grow in the area of humility. Other books on humility, such as: "From Pride to Humility," by Stuart Scott; "Humility: The Forgotten Virtue," by Dr. Wayne Mack; "Humility: True Greatness," by CJ Mahaney; and "Humility," by Andrew Murray, are all a step ahead of this book in quality, but certainly, I could see a reader being greatly helped by Rediscovering Humility. Two weaknesses, neither of which would be huge in my mind are: 1) The author believes in Replacement Theology whereby the church has replaced Israel. He lost me at this point in many ways, as I find that theological perspective offensive, although this line of thinking was not a major thrust of any section of the book; 2) The length of the book would most likely be a deterrent to some who are not avid readers and need something shorter and easier to read.
Overall, the book was an encouragement to my soul.
Overall, the book was an encouragement to my soul.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews