Imitating Jesus
Love, Friendship, and Disciple-Making
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Where have all the disciple-makers gone?
I fear we’re losing the simplicity of discipleship, resulting in disciple-makers becoming an endangered species. I can’t count the number of people who have approached me over the years, wanting to help people they know meet Christ and grow in spiritual maturity, yet feeling that they’re not up to the challenge. These are solid people, grounded in their faith, and successful in most areas of life. Many of them are, or have been, leaders in their community, business, and church. But when it comes to disciple-making—a job that Christ clearly gave to all of his followers—they’re stumped.
This is what I tell every one of them: disciple-making comes down to love and friendship. Get those two basic things right, and you can make disciples.
In the chapters that follow, I’ll share some practical suggestions (e.g., 200 questions to ask your disciple, how to help your disciple discover how God has been at work in his or her life, and ways to recognize teachable moments in your disciple’s life), but above all I’ll emphasize love and friendship.
That’s what Jesus did.
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About the Book
You are the right person for this job!
It’s one of those words that seems to hold so much meaning but somehow resides just out of our reach: disciple. How do I become one? And how do I become a disciple-maker?
There’s no secret formula, nor is there a one-size-fits-all plan for disciple-making, but there are examples to follow. And there are certainly adventures to be had!
Disciple-making at its core is learning—and demonstrating—how to relate lovingly to God and to others. These pages are at once practical and packed with stories; they are big-picture-minded and strategy-filled. Read on to see how a disciple-making lifestyle will affect your view of:
- belonging
- hospitality
- relationship-building
- asking the right questions
- community
- and how to best love others
In fact, discipleship is already in the heart of every Christian. Don’t let your fear, your insecurities, or your busyness get in the way. If you know how to be a friend, you already know most of what you need to be a disciple-maker. Take one step of obedience. Just go.
About the Author
Tim Grissom is a freelance writer living in Little Rock, Arkansas, where he also serves as the senior editor for FamilyLife. Tim’s passion is to help people understand how deeply the Bible speaks to the issues of life, both big and small.
Lewie Clark is a disciple-maker. With pastoral experience in large churches, small churches, church planting, and even a stint in higher education, he has spent his life learning to love others well. Lewie's heart is to see the next generation follow Jesus, and he is currently living and ministering in Chicago, Illinois. Interact with Lewie more at www.imitatingjesus.org.