Two great books to use in discipleship
As a Christian and ministry leader, one of my favorite discipleship practices is to give out books that I have read and loved, and watch those I disciple be challenged and encouraged as they engage with and apply what they are reading to their lives. Undoubtedly, the Bible needs to be the primary book for every Christian, but as I’m sure you have experienced, reading other books is a great way to invest in your faith and help you grow as a believer.
Mark Batterson, author and pastor of National Community Church in D.C., says that on average, an author will pour about a year of their own life, wisdom, and experience into a book. So if you read ten books in one year, you have just gained about a decade’s worth of other thinkers' and writers’ knowledge and expertise, which is invaluable, and that’s only ten books! Naturally, not all books are created equal, and some are more helpful than others. Here are two of my favorites that I encourage you to read for yourself and give to those you disciple.
Bury Your Ordinary: Practical Habits of a Heart Fully Alive by Justin Kendrick
From the back cover: Many Christians wonder, I read the Bible, pray, go to church—so why am I stuck spiritually? In Bury Your Ordinary, Pastor Justin Kendrick offers a clear map for spiritual growth to help readers discover:
The one change to your routine that will give you an entirely new way of living
How spiritual growth actually happens (you might be surprised)
How your habits can either free you or keep you bound
How to hear and understand God’s voice
Seven discipleship habits that lead to explosive spiritual growth
I love that Justin Kendrick, pastor of Vox Church, covers a lot of ground in this book, touching on many core discipleship issues like daily time with God, sexual purity, sabbath, sharing your faith, generosity, and hearing God’s voice. It will be beneficial for a young Christian and challenging for those walking with God longer.
After reading this book, one of my student leaders started implementing a sabbath as a part of his weekly routine. Another student experienced a transformation in his daily time with God after applying the Bible study and prayer method taught in the book. I wholeheartedly recommend Bury Your Ordinary because of its impact on my approach to spiritual growth and those I disciple.
Habits of Grace: Enjoying Jesus Through the Spiritual Disciplines by David Mathis
From the back cover: Hear his voice. Have his ear. Belong to his body.
Three seemingly unremarkable principles shape and strengthen the Christian life: listening to God’s voice, speaking to him in prayer, and joining together with his people as the church. Though seemingly normal and routine, the everyday “habits of grace” we cultivate give us access to these God-designed channels through which his love and power flow — including the greatest joy of all: knowing and enjoying Jesus.
I love this book and have used it to teach about spiritual disciplines for the last several years. David Mathis helps the reader think about spiritual disciplines in a way that is both simple and deep, without being watered down or unnecessarily complicated. He is a great writer, and the book is quite refreshing. In Habits of Grace, Mathis teaches about the many methods of prayer, journaling, confession, worship, repentance, fellowship, and Bible intake in all its different forms.
The introductory chapter on the power of God’s grace in one’s spiritual life and growth is foundational for teaching about spiritual disciplines. Also, the chapter on meditation is one of the most practical, helpful, and concise treatments of the subject. It is a short book, making it a quick read. I have personally revisited it many times and continue to glean wisdom from it. I highly recommend this book on spiritual disciplines for new and seasoned believers alike.
Fady Ghobrial is a pastor at Arabic Baptist Church of Boston and a Ministry Fellow with Christian Union Gloria (Harvard College).
