I purchased this book per the recommendation of two Christian book reviewers that I really admire. My reason for reading this book is that I wanted to learn how to better disciple those who are younger than me in my local assembly. I got lots of practical help with that in this book, but I got insights that go way beyond just that!
Overview
Discipling is a short book in the 9Marks church series. In this book, Dever gives the foundational building blocks of biblical discipleship. This book is easy to read and quite foundational. Topics include The biblical mandate to disciple, the biblical model of discipling, practical advice for a successful discipling relationship (this is the bulk of the book), as well as discipling as a Church culture. At the end of the book, Dever's colleague writes about how he models the traits of a successful discipler/leader in his church. It's a good guidebook.
Dever defines discipleship as: "Helping others follow Jesus". This book is centered around that idea and its goal is to help you do that better.
Why read This?
This book is an excellent resource for all Christians. All Christians are called to make disciples as per the great commission. Every Christian holds a certain amount of influence on those around them, thus, they have the God-given responsibility to disciple fellow newer believers. This book contains principles that a mature Christian is probably familiar with already (but that doesn't mean it's not a useful reminder!), but to those just starting off in ministry, this will be crucial learning.
A culture of discipleship is sorely missing from many Churches today, at least, in my own experience. No one is really investing in one another's lives. Everyone comes to Church meetings, hang out and makes some small talk, and then goes home to do their own business. Older people are too awkward with younger people, thinking that they won't understand them, so they never raise up future leaders. Young people are too prideful and disrespectful to seek out a relationship with older folks so they can learn. The same really goes for people who are different from one another.
Dever points out that this won't do. Churches need to have discipleship relationships. Not just one extroverted guy doing it, no, EVERYONE should be involved in one another's lives. This is how the baton is passed on. Too many Churches don't disciple their congregation, so when the pastor and the administration pass on, no one is ready to take charge. The biblical mandate is for us to be raising up people all the time for ministry and leadership! We really, really need this in Churches today, we are FAILING at loving one another!
This book will help you set the framework for your personal discipleship relationships. It will give you valuable insight into your own mindset, actions, cost, and reward for your discipleship relationships. Dever's advice is very sound and biblical. They are also spoken from experience, and Dever's good reputation is evident.
Potential Pitfalls
Reading about things is great, and gaining knowledge is great, however, you are responsible for putting it all into action. If you come from a Church that is not very good at discipling, this can be discouraging. You may try to start something, but you may face indifference and rejection. When that happens, don't fret, remember that it all starts with God, but then it goes to you. You can't control anyone but you do control your own will.
Additionally, be sure to stay in your own lane. Don't become too prideful, discipleship requires humility (Dever also points this out). Don't be overconfident, be honest with yourself. Don't feel pressured to disciple if you think you are not prepared, spend your effort, then, to prepare yourself! Honestly, any further warning that I may have for you are already addressed in the book, so read it!
Commenti