Making Disciples: Tools to Get Going in 2008

2008 is a year of new beginnings. You may have earnestly desired to make diciples but may have given up for one reason or another. You may have a program in place but desire to see greater results. I recommend reading Barna's book first and then look over the rest and pick the one that seems to fit your interest and needs.

In a previous post on my Equippers Network Blog http://equippersnetwork.blogpot.com/ I wrote an article titled 'What Does Success Look Like In Your Church?' Since each church has it's own story and distinctives your discipleship progam will have a different look and feel but the common elements that make passionate effective disciples will be much the same.

I want to challenge you to take the next step in being obedient to the great commission and "Make Disciples of all nations and people groups."

Below is a short list of books to help bring about a proper worldview and ideas for accomplishing our assignment to make disciples of all nations in Matthew 28:20 and to equip them to fulfill God's will by doing the work of the ministry, building up the body of Christ and bring them into maturity in the full measure of Christ as described in Ephesians 4:11-14.


1. Becoming a Healthy Disciple:
Ten Traits of a Vital Christian by Stephen A. Macchia

Are you becoming a healthy disciple? Discipleship is a life-long apprenticeship with the Master, Jesus Christ. He does not expect perfection, only heart and skill development. Becoming a Healthy Disciple outlines ten traits that will help you grow as a Christian. Stephen Macchia looks to John as a human example of a life lived close to Christ. He cites John's Gospel as well as the experiences of himself and others to bring the traits of discipleship into modern context and help you develop them in your own life.



2. Discipleship Essentials
A Guide for Building Your Life in Christ By
Greg Ogden

"Jesus had a big enough vision to think small. Focusing on a few did not limit his influence. Rather, it expanded it! Discipleship Essentials will help you influence others as Jesus did--by investing wholeheartedly in a few."
http://www.ivpress.com/cgi-ivpress/book.pl/code=1169



3. Transforming Discipleship
Making Disciples a Few at a Time By Greg Ogden

"Biblical, practical and tremendously effective, Transforming Discipleship provides the insights and philosophy of ministry behind Ogden's earlier work, Discipleship Essentials. Together, these ground-breaking books have the potential to transform how your church transforms the lives of its people."
http://www.ivpress.com/cgi-ivpress/book.pl/code=2388



4. Disciplemakers' Handbook
Helping People Grow in ChristEdited by Alice Fryling

"What does a healthy discipling relationship look like? What do you do together? In order to answer these and other questions, Alice Fryling gathered a team of experienced disciplemakers. Together they give us practical help in such areas as overcoming our fears about discipling others, beginning a discipling relationship, how to be a friend, learning how people change, modeling the Christian life, using Scripture in disciplemaking, how to help a friend who hurts, and helping others share their faith."
http://www.ivpress.com/cgi-ivpress/book.pl/code=1266

5. The Passionate Church
Lifeshapes Series
Author: Mike Breen, Walt Kallestad

"Church, for many pastors and leaders, has become increasingly difficult. Things that used to work, don't work anymore. The landscape of Church and culture have changed beyond recognition. Pastors everywhere wonder—Is surviving all we can hope for? Is this really Church the way Jesus intended?"
http://www.cookministries.com/catalog/index.cfm


6. Growing True Disciples by George Barna

"How are we doing in discipleship today? In this analysis of American Christians and Protestant churches in relation to discipleship, you will discover many insights into what we're doing, how we're doing, where we're going, and what new directions we might take to enhance the disciple-making ministry of the Church."
http://www.barna.org/FlexPage.aspx?Page=Resource&ResourceID=55




7. The Training of the TwelveBy: A.B. Bruce
Published by Kregel Publications / 2000.

" Jesus knew his disciples' training was crucial to the success of his ministry. Equip your church for effective service by using the Master's proven principles! Offering a dynamic model for leadership and discipleship, Bruce's timeless classic encourages leaders and laypeople to develop their gifts for God's kingdom by growing in prayer, faith, self-sacrifice, holiness, and more. 576 pages, softcover from Kregel. "



8. The Complete Book of Discipleship
On Being and Making Followers of Christ
by Bill Hull

The Complete Book of Discipleship is the definitive A-to-Z resource on discipleship for every Christian. It pulls together into one convenient, comprehensive volume relevant topics related to spiritual growth, transformation, spiritual disciplines, and discipleship in the local church and beyond. Best of all, it’s produced by The Navigators, the internationally respected organization with more than seventy years of practical discipleship ministry experience. Well organized, fully indexed, and readily accessible, The Complete Book of Discipleship will help you gain a wealth of insight from experts in the field, whether by reading it cover to cover or by finding immediate answers to specific questions.
http://www.navpress.com/Store/Product/1576838978.html
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This is a place to start and to develop a true discipleship program so that success in your church will look like Jesus!