Stability How an Ancient Monastic Practice Can Restore Our Relationships, Churches, and Communities

Nathan Oates is a brilliant student and practitioner, a souled-sage who mines the depths of Christian history and tradition bringing new worth to our times. This book is a treasure, and anyone who submits to the wisdom inside will rise healthier and holier.

Nathan Oates is a modern prophet who has written a refreshing and important book. He does more than offer a critique of modern culture. Indeed, drawing upon the Bible and visions of St. Benedict, Oates shows us ways to reject toxic consumerism and replace it with a life-giving work of restoration.

Nathan Oates leads the reader on his journey toward the transformational and upending realization that as whole-bodied creatures our formation often occurs through what is happening around us AND that staying put in those realities is God’s regular work of growth toward Christ. In a culture of constant change, this book offers the true and refreshing water that stability, rootedness, loyalty to place, and endurance is key to our humanity in Jesus.

In times of chaos, we all long for peace. But longing for peace is not the answer. Our greatest need is to know and encounter the One who brings meaning to the messes of our lives. In Nathan Oates’ book, Stability, Nathan writes with a heart of a pastor, the love of a missionary and a spiritual formation heartbeat that is often sorely lacking in our world. Understanding both stability and movement are key to authentic spiritual life and Nathan takes us on a stimulating journey that incorporates modern living, ancient monasteries and the mosaic of contemporary life. Read this book and hear the call to Stability.

Through the story of his discovery of and immersion in the practice of Stability, Nathan Oates thoughtfully addresses consumerism in the American church. Rather than spend pages critiquing patterns of church-hopping and the culture that created it, Nathan digs deep into both ancient and contemporary monastic disciplines, their historical benefits, and methods for committing to community and place. This is much-needed perspective gives readers a glimpse into how ancient practices can be implemented in their communities today. As Christian sentimentalism and consumerism fail to appeal to many Millennial and Gen Z churchgoers, Stability offers them an authentic and proven alternative in restoring Shalom with God and community.

Twenty years a Religious and on the cusp of my seventh assignment, I discovered in Nathan’s book a fresh lens through which I can consider the role of stability for a vowed life consecrated to God and marked by missionary zeal. Nathan’s work has helped me understand that for those of us whose tradition does not include a vow of stability, the stability of the heart is vital. This book is a practical guide that shows us what stability ‘looks like’ and ‘sounds like’ in the life of a missionary and how to embrace the ‘stability’ that teaches one how to move.

Tucked away in Lincoln, California is a brilliant, wise, prophetic leader who sees differently, speaks authentically, and shepherds humbly. He has the gift of bringing the ancient to life today. He is one of my most valued guides. As someone who has been at the same place for 35 years, I’ve experienced the challenges and benefits of staying…on our ministry, on my family, on my growth. I highly urge your consideration of this amazing text that will challenge you to be fully present and fully invested where you are…for the long haul.

So much of what we hope and pray for isn’t impossible, but depends on people and communities that have established roots of love and can bear fruit in due season. I’m so grateful for a pastor like Nathan Oates who sees the practice of stability as essential not only for his own well being, but for the life of beloved communities that can be good news for the world.