Publisher's Synopsis
The Discipling Church is a practical application "disciple-making" guide that defines and clarifies how every Christian can become a true disciple of Jesus Christ. This text was prepared primarily for church leaders, but has been written in such a way so that it may "equip" every Christian and every Christ seeker. "Christianity without discipleship is always Christianity without Christ" (Dietrich Bonhoeffer). The Lord Jesus Christ is the very cornerstone of our faith. From the truth found in God's Word, we have purposefully embedded within the pages of this book the essential elements necessary to carry on the Great Commission of Jesus Christ - namely, to "Make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19, NIV)? We believe in the fact that the world and everything in it has been made by Him, for Him, through Him, and in Him. We take His words, His teachings, His attitudes and His commands as being that of the one true God of the universe - with nothing missing and nothing broken. Evangelism is that work of bringing people face to face with their need for and experiencing a new birth experience in Christ. Salvation, in its most narrow understanding, is a moment-in-time experience by a person of the new birth or conversion to Jesus Christ. At this point in time, the believer receives new life and is "born again" and experiences what the Bible calls, redemption, reconciliation, and justification. God immediately and suddenly brings transformation into his or her life. However, the reality of discipleship is the growth of that new life which comes after the moment of salvation. Discipleship is a lifelong process of applying the gospel and the truth of the Word of God into the believer's life, with the ultimate objective of becoming and being Christ-like every day. As you make your way through the Table of Contents, you will quickly discover that "The Discipling Church" is divided into two practical primary sections. Section One: A practical panoramic overview relative to the fundamental precepts of what discipleship is combined with why and how we, as Christians, must go and make disciples. This section was researched, developed, and written for those who are in church leadership, those who are the church (the Body of Christ), and those who are still Christ seekers. Section Two: An inspired collection of useful and timely discipleship tools, resources, and solutions. Upon reaching the completion of this book you will be equipped and have the necessary essentials to go forward with Jesus' Great Commission: to make disciples. All misconceptions, confusions, rationalizations, and objections will have been addressed leaving you, the reader and learner, with one all-important, eternal question: Will you obey? Prayerfully consider your answer for it has eternal ramifications.
