“‘Born again’ is a common expression that few people understand. In a compelling way Stephen Smallman helps us understand that it is the super­ natural work of the Holy Spirit. This book will prove profitable to all who read it.”
JERRY BRIDGES, author, The Pursuit of Holiness

“Steve Smallman’s stories of how God brings people to new life in Christ are exhilarating—and his refreshing insights into the process of conversion are also immensely encouraging to anyone who wants to share his or her faith.”
ELLEN VAUGHN, author of Radical Gratitude, The Strand, and, with Chuck Colson, Being the Body, The Body, Kingdoms in Conflict, Gideon’s Torch, Against the Night, and other books

“I believe this book will be profoundly helpful for youth workers or any­ one sharing the gospel. Becoming a Christian is a process, not just a one­ time conversion event. Steve Smallman biblically maps out this spiritual birth process. Too often Christian workers are frustrated with ‘new con­ verts’ because they do not seem to be growing fast enough. The truth is that many ‘new converts’ may profess with their mouth that they are believers in Jesus Christ, but their heart and mind are still trying to process the gospel. Smallman helps us understand the process of this miraculous and mysterious work of the Holy Spirit of bringing people into the Kingdom of God. Steve Smallman makes it very clear that in order for the gospel mes­ sage to be believed ‘it requires a powerful moving of God to make the gospel message come alive to a listener.’ Spiritual Birthline is a biblically based work on understanding the process of becoming a Christian. I will highly recommend this book to Young Life staff and volunteers.”
BRIAN FLETCHER, Area Director, Young Life, Chesterfield, Virginia

“Any campus ministry passionate about students’ lives being transformed will want this book in the hands of their front-line campus staff. Steve Smallman has renewed my own biblical understanding of God’s prior work in the hearts of ‘not yet believers’ while inspiring me to embrace my role as a spiritual midwife in the lives of college students.”
BRUCE ALWOOD, Southeast Regional Director, InterVarsity Christian Fellowship

“Spiritual Birthline transforms that most dangerous journey—one’s spiri­ tual pilgrimage—into safe, known territory. By applying a pastor’s heart and a willing ear to hundreds of testimonies heard over decades of min­ istry, Stephen Smallman has distilled the work of God in the soul: ‘When God calls, we come.’ In place of our too-often clichéd born-again narra­ tives, he guides us to a richer understanding that is wonderfully profound and reassuringly practical.”
MINDY BELZ, editor, World Magazine

Staff Review: Whether as a shield against any external challenge or as a rigid pattern required of all, spiritual experience is open to numerous abuses. Smallman provides a refreshing approach to the central spiritual experience of new birth that is both biblically informed and pastorally sensitive. Spiritual Birthline renews for our own day the classically Puritan practice of tracing God's activity within one's own heart.
- Matthew Harmon, Westminster Bookstore Staff, April 2006