Robby Gallaty has added a valuable addition to the growing list of resources calling believers back to fundamentals in his new book Growing Up: How To Be A Disciple Who Makes Disciples. In ten fast-paced chapters Robby builds a road map that begins with the Great Commission and ends at the juncture of disciplee becoming the discipler.
Right from the start Robby anchors his book in the Word of God. Understanding the need for discipleship comes from an understanding of the Word of God concerning this subject. Consider for example the Apostle Paul’s exhortation to Timothy:
“And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses
entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.”
2 Timothy 2:2
The process of producing a “faithful” disciple who will replicate the process of teaching and training was modeled by Jesus and involved in the least:
- Jesus ministered while the disciples watched.
- Jesus included the disciples by allowing them to assist him.
- The disciples ministered and Jesus assisted them.
- Jesus observed as the disciples ministered to others.
Apparent in Jesus’ approach is that at the heart of discipleship is a relationship. Relationship plus opportunity results in maturity. This is one important principle we can derive from studying the Master’s Model of discipleship.
On this foundation Robby moves quickly through the necessary progression of:
- Training ourselves in godliness (Chapter 4)
- The importance of prayer (Chapter 5)
- Developing good study habits (Chapter 6)
- Obedience as the hallmark of a disciple (Chapter 7)
- The abundant fruit from memorizing Scripture (Chapter 8)
- The proof that discipleship has taken root – evangelism (Chapter 9)
- The absolute necessity of spending time studying the Scriptures (Chapter 10)
This first book in what will be a trilogy, delivers a powerful message – churches everywhere can reclaim the ground lost through lack of teaching/training, indifference, or fear of engaging our friends, co-workers, and families by simply returning to the instructions of Jesus – Go, baptize, teach.
Fittingly, the book captures Robby’s heart as expressed on the first pages of acknowledgement as he dedicates this book to his two sons with these words – “May Jesus’ last words be your first work.”
We have work to do disciple. Let it begin now and let it begin with you and me.
Visit Robby Gallaty’s ministry website – Replicate Ministries – for more great resources. http://www.replicateministries.org