by Erin Ensinger

Christians love big words. We toss around terms like “redemption,” “justification,” and “sanctification” – terms that leave unbelievers scratching their heads. Or how about “discipleship?” Sure, we use that expression all the time, but can we define it clearly and simply? Too often we think we can check off the discipleship box because we attend Bible study, complete a service project, or try to act like our pastor. Discipleship, according to Dr. Thomas Golding is much harder but also more rewarding.

In Discipleship: Following Jesus, Golding defines discipleship as “following Jesus, becoming a student of the perfect teacher as we learn his way of life.” As we draw close to Christ, we learn to think, act, and love as he did. Then we help others follow Christ along with us.

Golding traces the pattern of discipleship throughout the Gospel of Mark, but first he starts in Genesis. He explains how the Creator God planned discipleship from the moment he made man in his own image. In Genesis God commanded humanity to be fruitful and multiply in order “to fill the earth with people who look like him.” Because Adam and Eve sinned, their descendants filled the earth with a distorted image of God. But Jesus’ death and resurrection provides hope for a new world where believers conform perfectly to his image.

In Mark’s Gospel, Jesus chooses a special group of men to be with him. “Simply being with Jesus is one of the most important parts of discipleship,” Golding asserts. He also points out three steps all disciples take to follow Jesus:

• • Recognize who Jesus is. The disciples first needed to believe that when they saw Jesus, they also saw God. “And not only that, they saw a perfect demonstration of what God intended for every human being who ever lived,” according to Golding.

• • Understand Jesus’ mission. The disciples recoiled from the idea of a king who served instead of ruled, who died instead of conquered. They didn’t understand when Jesus said his kingdom is not of this world.

• • Remain faithful when Jesus’ mission leads through suffering. Jesus’ death clued the disciples in to their own fate. Because Jesus suffered, they too would suffer. Suffering reveals two kinds of disciples. Disciples like Judas turn away or even become enemies of Christ. Disciples like Peter fail, find forgiveness, and learn faithfulness.

Twenty-first century disciples should also expect to flounder at times. Jesus’ disciples struggled, yet over time they became pillars of the church, authors of the Bible, and examples to generations. “Jesus could always do a better job by himself than by using flawed human beings, but he chose to train others and pass this method on to us,” Golding encourages.

Golding moves helpfully from theology to practicality as he encourages seasoned believers to make new disciples. He advises leaders to start small with just a few believers who seem ready to follow Jesus more closely. Then he offers specific strategies for Bible study, prayer and Scripture memory together. As the new disciples grow, they can begin serving with older believers, taking on more responsibility over time.

Golding casts an inspiring vision by sharing stories of discipleship from his time as a pastor in the U.S. and Australia and also as principal of Adelaide College of Ministries in South Australia. Golding concludes, “Potentially, we might stay busy with all kinds of activities in the church, but Christ commanded us to make disciples. He promised he would be with us along the way.”

Discipleship: Following Jesus provides valuable encouragement for disciples in all stages of their journey. Would-be disciples hear the Gospel message embedded throughout the book and are invited to respond personally to Jesus’ call. Long term disciples who feel weary from the trudge find fresh hope in stories of Jesus’ forgiveness and sustaining strength. Disciples longing to effectively disciple others find a simple starting point and practical strategies.

Where are you on the discipleship path? Pick up a copy of Discipleship: Following Jesus and answer the call for a closer walk that draws others closer to the Savior too.

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To download or purchase the book in English, click here.