More Praise for Beyond Becoming
In his first book, Becoming a Face of Grace, Ed Khouri passionately introduces his readers to creative ways to recognize abundant grace around and within us. Ed helps us become aware of the four Ps of pleasing, performing, pain, and pleasure that may sidetrack us on the path of authentic discipleship. In this book, Beyond Becoming, Ed invites his readers to embrace the startling, life-giving revelation that “eternity starts here and now!” He powerfully guides us through the process of how to build grace-based relationships in community through the four R’s where we learn to receive, reflect, repair, and restore. In this way, we mirror the loving unity of our Trinitarian God, who creates, redeems, and sanctifies us and makes all things new! Highly recommend this book for all who seek to grow in grace and build grace-anchored communities.
Marijane R. Michalowicz, parish lay minister, volunteer, and associate of the Sisters of St. Joseph
Ed Khouri’s book Beyond Becoming is one of the best books written on how to have an effective small group. Based on a biblically sound structure, it is a roadmap to understanding ongoing personal connection with Jesus first, as well as how to cultivate deep relationship with others.
Pastor John Leach, lead pastor of Jubilee Fellowship Church
Grace-based small groups are a vital part of Christian discipleship. In Beyond Becoming Ed Khouri explains exactly why this is the case. He leads us through the biblical basis for joy-filled relationships in a small group setting and gives practical advice to help us on the journey together. The wisdom and experience that Ed communicates is never overly prescriptive, giving plenty of room for God-given creativity and diversity in how these groups operate. I am excited to see how the truths that Ed unpacks for us will impact individuals, families, churches, and communities around the world.
Treflyn Lloyd-Roberts, chief executive of Yeldall Christian Centres and general secretary of International Substance Abuse & Addiction Coalition
More Praise for Becoming A Face of Grace
My dear friend Ed Khouri has been exploring the depths of grace for as long as I’ve known him, and that is a very long time. In Becoming a Face of Grace, Ed masterfully balances a working knowledge of Scripture and neuroscience in a practical and easily applicable way. He balances understanding both why this is important and how to make it so in your life. This life-changing changing book will be more like life transforming as you take his advice and take his daily prescription.
Andy Reese, engineer, college teacher, author, speaker, and president of Freedom Prayer (www.freedomprayer.org)
Paul understood grace as a gift—an invitation for relationship as God intended and gave freely. Just as Jesus was the face of grace, Paul identified with the gift of grace. He lived it in his missional efforts to transform people from a life of bondage in sin to a life full of grace, faith, and love for one another. Ed beautifully models how we can receive the gift and become transformed into a face of grace.
Larry Clark, grace grower
Ed Khouri wonderfully weaves together biblical knowledge, personal experience, and scientific research in this passionate, multifaceted book. Not a spiritual do-it-yourself book, Becoming a Face of Grace is a heart-to-heart talk written in a spirit of humble prayer. It will prompt your spirit to reside confidently in the Spirit of God. I trust that as you read, you will thirst after transformative discipleship and experience a breakthrough encounter with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Dr. Ehab El Kharrat, founder and director of Freedom Drugs and HIV Programme, Egypt, and former president of ISAAC (International Substance Abuse & Addiction Coalition) Elder of Kasr El Dobarah Evangelical Church, Cairo, Egypt.
Ed Khouri is a sensitive and caring guide who has walked alongside many people finding their way through a tangled web of performing, pleasing, pain avoiding, and pleasure-seeking. He has written a must-read primer for anyone seeking a more authentic life enjoying the truly free gift of grace—personally and for others. Expect to be surprised!”
Jean LaCour, Ph.D., founder of ICARE, Int’l Center for Addiction and Recovery Education
It is a glorious thing for me to be taught by one of my former students. I consider it a privilege to endorse Ed Khouri’s latest book, Becoming a Face of Grace. Defining the grace of God in relational terms, Ed leads the reader into a personal relationship with God’s own face of grace, Jesus. He skillfully sets the stage for a life-transforming experience for all who seek to grow in God’s amazing grace. Sharing insights gained along his journey, Ed has become a shining face of grace to his readers.
John C. Glenn, founder and pastor of Alpha Ministries, Inc.
Becoming a Face of Grace is much more than information. It is about listening to the voice of God. It affirms who we are in Christ. It helps us remember the people who have been a part of our transformation into the fulness of Christ. A man who has experienced weakness but was transformed into God’s strength, Ed is a face of grace to many around the world, including me.
Robbie Goss, LMFT, LMHC
Seldom do I read a book where I know the writer. Ed Khouri is a man I respect and admire immensely. Becoming a Face of Grace is not just a book Ed wrote but a written account of his desire to become. Becoming the Face of Grace provides a genuine process for all Christians who want to reflect the love of God.
Gary L Cobb, founder and executive director of Broken Shackle Ranch, Inc. and Mighty Man Ministry, Inc.
If you have not understood the power of grace given to believers by God, Becoming a Face of Grace is a must read. Not only does Ed offer relatable examples in each chapter, but he masterfully provides questions to take the reader into deeper applications, providing a memorable way to understand and receive God’s gift of grace. I especially enjoyed learning how neuroscience confirms the importance of God’s Word in our mind, soul, and body. I look forward to using this as a group study resource.
Kristine Stroupe, personal ministries pastor at Grace Center, Franklin, TN
You simply can’t read Becoming a Face of Grace without being impacted and changed at a very fundamental level—at least that was my experience. It challenged and deepened my understanding of grace. That is no small thing, considering the crucial role grace plays in everything related to the kingdom of heaven. It breathed fresh life into my understanding of relationships and God’s commitment to them. It gave me permission to be human, then pulled the covers off of several relational stumbling blocks that have chronically plagued my life. And it provided encouragement and practical steps toward becoming a face of grace as a husband, father, grandfather, friend, and pastor. Thank you, Ed Khouri!
Steve Watson, lead pastor, New Life Church, Taylorsville, NC
Becoming a Face of Grace is full of wisdom. Research shows mothers begin the process of attaching to their infants as early as conception, and infants recognize their parents’ voices even before they are born. Feeding time reinforces this bond as they lovingly gaze into their infant’s eyes. In Becoming a Face of Grace, we learn to receive the kingdom of God like little children. Relational time with Jesus transforms and matures us, making us capable of discipling others. Ed Khouri skillfully describes how we become who we love through careful discussion of the Scriptures, storytelling, and current brain science. If you want to build a culture of life, read this book, engage with the activities, and become a “face of grace”!
Sharon J. MacKinnon, PhD, associate research scholar at Charlotte Lozier Institute
Becoming a Face of Grace is an excitingly readable and refreshing book that encapsulates Ed’s passion, experiences, and practical insight—interacting to warm the mind, heart, soul, and spirit within us. It will inspire you to visualize possibilities and do concrete actions. Ed encourages us to work out the grace of God—personified, now and for the rest of our lives! How exciting indeed!
Pax Tan, Lutheran and Baptist pastor Former Senior Director in Malaysian CARE with Prison, Drugs and AIDS work. Vice-president, International Substance Abuse & Addictions Coalition (ISAAC).
Imagine the transformation in our world if all seekers of goodness, beauty, and truth tapped into the living water of grace each day! In Becoming a Face of Grace Ed Khouri offers profound wisdom and a compassionate, practical path to opening our hearts to God’s grace in all our relationships! This book is a wonderful companion for living a life of grace upon grace.
Marijane R. Michalowicz, Parish lay minister, volunteer and associate of the Sisters of St Joseph.
After hearing about grace for thirty plus years, Becoming a Face of Grace helped my heart meet grace. As I stopped, quieted myself, and purposefully took notice of the faces of grace extended to me, I began to feel the reality of being special and favorite in God’s eyes. Going through it with my small group, I will never forget watching everyone’s eyes grow wider each week as we began to recognize, share, and experience our faces of grace stories together. This book will be a go-to “classic” is a go-to “classic” when looking for a well-rounded, working understanding of grace. I’m grateful to have finally met grace.
Wendy MV Winpigler, “Becoming a Face of Grace” small group facilitator, Kansas City, Missouri.
Becoming a Face of Grace is set upon the foundation of a more thorough definition of the word grace. Commonly described as “unmerited favor” in theological circles, Khouri presents a much more precise explanation. Demonstrating how grace is relational to its core, he explores what a deeply relational Christian life and discipleship might look like. I recommend reading this book and doing the exercises at the end of each chapter with a group. You and your group will come away changed.
Michel Hendricks, coauthor of “The Other Half of Church” and director of consulting at Life Model Works.
If you want to understand how beautiful grace is, dive into this book and allow the Holy Spirit to transform your perspective. Ed Khouri takes you on a journey that will captivate your mind and heart and cause you to grow closer to Jesus Christ and His Grace!
Keegan Mason, founder of Freedom Fighters of Georgia Regeneration Program.
Becoming a Face of Grace is such an important book. Ed Khouri’s relational and accessible style unpacks what God says to us through the Bible about grace-filled attachments to Him and other people. The format encourages contemplation and action in response to the truths presented. The combination of theology, neuroscience, and practical wisdom makes this a fascinating and profoundly challenging read. The potential impact and application of this teaching are far-reaching. I have already shared insights I gained through reading it with clients and addiction treatment staff, as well as my children.
Treflyn Lloyd-Roberts, chief executive, Yeldall Christian Centres and general secretary, International Substance Abuse & Addiction Coalition
If you have ever longed for something more than we have experienced in our church, our families, and most of our relationships, the good news is there is hope. There is so much more to experience, and grace has been the missing ingredient. So much more than just a good read, Becoming a Face of Grace is chock-full of rich nuggets and practical application. I loved it! It is an invitation from Jesus, the Master, to become His apprentice on a beautiful journey toward life as He always intended us to live.
Suzan Boyd, One OMC (Original Manatee County) Regional Leadership, and Restarting Facilitator Bradenton, Florida
I continue to appreciate Ed Khouri’s ability to write compellingly and simplify complex topics. Ed does not disappoint in this inspiring and remarkable work, Becoming A Face of Grace. Here is your chance to dive into the deep waters of Scripture and brain science and practice to become a face of grace! Everyone needs a face of grace in their life, and Ed tells us how to be that face of grace for others. Read this book, practice the steps, and buy copies to give people. You will not be disappointed as many good things grow from using this insightful book!
Chris Coursey, president of THRIVEtoday and author of The Joy Switch
Becoming a Face of Grace is a gem. Ed Khouri has done a wonderful job of reminding us that grace means we are God’s favorite—a unique delight to Him. Filled with helpful insights and practical tools, this book helps readers learn to hear the Shepherd’s voice and live in the freedom of a grace-based life. It is easy to read and full of wisdom. You will be glad you took the time to let Ed guide you on a deeper walk into God’s gracious presence.
Dr. Marcus Warner, author and president of Deeper Walk International