I remember being a new Christian and wondering where I should start. The Old Testament, the New Testament, the four gospels, Mark’s gospel? I had no idea what book of the Bible to start with; hence, I began reading the Old Testament and just started reading. It wasn’t until Mark’s gospel that I learned about Jesus’ life. Then there was this point at the end of Jesus’ life where he tells us to make disciples, and I thought, what is that?
Perhaps you aren’t a new Christian, but you have the same question: What exactly is a disciple? In this blog, we will explain discipleship and recommend the most profound and enlightening books that serve as beacons of wisdom on the journey. Join us as we explore the literary treasures that have the power to illuminate minds, nourish souls, and propel us toward spiritual growth.
What is the meaning of discipleship?
Discipleship encompasses the lifelong journey of becoming more like Jesus Christ. It involves learning about his teachings and embodying his character and values in everyday life. This process typically involves four key aspects:
- Learning: Discipleship begins with understanding Jesus’ teachings through studying the entire Bible, attending church, engaging in theological discussions, writing, etc.
- Relationship: Central to discipleship is cultivating a personal relationship with Jesus. This involves regular prayer, worship, and communion with God, allowing individuals to experience his presence and guidance in their lives.
- Transformation: Discipleship is about spiritual growth and transformation. It entails aligning one’s thoughts, attitudes, and actions with the teachings of Jesus, leading to inner renewal and character development.
- Mission: A crucial aspect of discipleship is living out the Great Commission, which involves sharing the message of Jesus Christ and making new disciples. This outward focus involves acts of service, evangelism, and spreading the love and teachings of Jesus to others.
Ultimately, discipleship is about following Jesus wholeheartedly, allowing his teachings to shape one’s beliefs, values, and actions, and inviting others to join in the journey of faith. It’s a lifelong process of learning, growing, and sharing the love of Christ with the world.
What are the best books on discipleship?
1. The Cost of Discipleship” by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Overview: In “The Cost of Discipleship,” Dietrich Bonhoeffer profoundly explores what it truly means to follow Christ. With uncompromising clarity, he challenges readers to embrace the radical demands of discipleship, emphasizing the importance of costly grace over cheap grace.
Opinion: This book is a timeless masterpiece that continues to resonate with relevance today. Bonhoeffer’s insights are both convicting and liberating, urging readers to confront the challenges of faith with courage and conviction.
Takeaway: “The Cost of Discipleship” reminds us that true discipleship requires sacrifice and commitment but ultimately leads to a life of profound joy and fulfillment in Christ.
Inclusion Reason: This book is essential reading for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of Christian discipleship and live out their faith authentically in today’s world.
2. Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis
Overview: In “Mere Christianity,” C.S. Lewis presents a compelling case for Christianity’s core beliefs. Through logical reasoning and profound insights, he explores topics such as morality, the existence of God, and the nature of faith, aiming to provide a rational foundation for the Christian faith that transcends denominational boundaries.
Opinion: “Mere Christianity” is a masterpiece of Christian apologetics. It blends intellectual rigor with Lewis’s characteristic wit and wisdom. His arguments are thought-provoking and accessible, making this book a timeless classic that continues to resonate with new believers and lifelong Christians of all backgrounds.
Takeaway: Lewis challenges readers to reconsider their assumptions about Christianity, inviting them to engage with the faith on a deeper intellectual and spiritual level. Ultimately, “Mere Christianity” encourages seekers to explore the profound truths of the Christian worldview with an open mind and heart.
Inclusion Reason: I am including “Mere Christianity” in this review because it is a seminal work that has shaped the thinking of countless individuals and remains a cornerstone of Christian literature. Its insights are as relevant today as they were when first published, making it essential reading for anyone interested in understanding the foundational principles of the Christian faith.
3. The Divine Conspiracy by Dallas Willard
Overview: In “The Divine Conspiracy,” Dallas Willard extensively explores what it means to live as a disciple of Jesus in the modern world. Through insightful analysis and practical wisdom, he challenges readers to reexamine their understanding of the gospel and embrace a life of authentic spiritual transformation.
Opinion: “The Divine Conspiracy” is a groundbreaking work that offers a fresh perspective on Jesus’s teachings. Willard’s insights are deeply thought-provoking, illuminating the gospel’s revolutionary implications for every aspect of life. This book can ignite a renewed passion for discipleship and reshape one’s understanding of the Christian faith.
Takeaway: Willard invites readers to participate in the ongoing “divine conspiracy” of God’s kingdom, urging them to embody the values of love, humility, and service in a world marked by self-interest and consumerism. Through intentional spiritual practices and a radical reorientation of the heart, he argues that ordinary individuals can become agents of transformative change in the world.
Inclusion Reason: I am including “The Divine Conspiracy” in this review because it offers a comprehensive vision of Christian discipleship that addresses the pressing concerns of contemporary society. Its profound insights and practical guidance make it essential reading for anyone seeking to live out the teachings of Jesus in today’s world.
4. The Pursuit of Holiness by Jerry Bridges
Overview: In “The Pursuit of Holiness,” Jerry Bridges provides a compelling call to embrace a life of godliness and spiritual growth. Through practical insights and biblical wisdom, Bridges guides readers on a journey toward deeper intimacy with God, emphasizing the importance of personal discipline and reliance on the Holy Spirit.
Opinion: “The Pursuit of Holiness” is a timeless classic that speaks directly to the heart of every believer. Bridges’s writing is clear, insightful, and deeply rooted in Scripture, making this book a valuable resource for spiritual growth. His emphasis on pursuing holiness as a lifelong journey challenges readers to reevaluate their priorities and commit themselves wholeheartedly to God’s transformative work in their lives.
Takeaway: Bridges highlights the essential role of personal discipline in pursuing holiness, urging readers to actively engage in spiritual practices such as prayer, Scripture meditation, and obedience to God’s Word. He reminds us that holiness is not an abstract ideal but a practical reality that can be pursued and attained through intentional effort and reliance on God’s grace.
Inclusion Reason: I am including “The Pursuit of Holiness” in this review because it offers a compelling and practical guide to living a life that honors God. Its timeless principles and practical insights make it essential reading for anyone seeking to deepen their relationship with God and grow in spiritual maturity.
5. Celebration of Discipline by Richard J. Foster
Overview: In “Celebration of Discipline,” Richard J. Foster explores the classical spiritual disciplines as pathways to deepening intimacy with God and experiencing spiritual transformation. Drawing from the rich heritage of Christian spirituality, Foster presents a comprehensive guide to practices such as prayer, fasting, meditation, and simplicity, inviting readers to embrace these disciplines to cultivate a vibrant and authentic spiritual life.
Opinion: “Celebration of Discipline” is a profound and transformative book that has had a lasting impact on countless individuals seeking to grow in their relationship with God. Foster’s insights are both practical and profound, offering readers a roadmap for spiritual growth grounded in the Christian tradition’s wisdom. His emphasis on the importance of disciplined spiritual practices resonates deeply with readers, inspiring them to embark on deeper intimacy with God.
Takeaway: Foster encourages new believers and lifelong Christians to view the spiritual disciplines not as burdensome obligations but as joyful invitations to encounter God in profound ways. By engaging with these practices with openness and intentionality, readers can experience a deeper connection with God and discover the abundant life that Jesus promised.
Inclusion Reason: I am including “Celebration of Discipline” in this review because it is a seminal work that offers timeless wisdom for cultivating a vibrant and authentic spiritual life. Its practical insights and profound teachings make reading essential for anyone seeking to deepen their relationship with God and grow in spiritual maturity.
6. Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life by Donald S. Whitney
Overview: In “Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life,” Donald S. Whitney provides a comprehensive guide to cultivating a deeper relationship with God through intentional spiritual practices. Drawing from Scripture and the wisdom of the Christian tradition, Whitney explores a wide range of disciplines, including prayer, fasting, meditation, Bible study, and worship, offering practical insights and guidance for incorporating these disciplines into daily life.
Opinion: “Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life” is an invaluable resource for believers seeking to grow in their walk with God. Whitney’s clear and accessible writing style and his deep understanding of Scripture make this book both informative and inspiring. He emphasizes the transformative power of spiritual disciplines in shaping our character and drawing us closer to God, providing readers with practical tools for cultivating a vibrant and meaningful spiritual life.
Takeaway: Whitney underscores the importance of discipline and intentionality in the Christian life, urging new believers and lifelong Christians to prioritize their relationship with God above all else. By committing to regular prayer, study, and worship practices, believers can experience a deeper sense of intimacy with God and a greater awareness of His presence in their lives.
Inclusion Reason: I am including “Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life” in this review because it offers a comprehensive and practical guide to spiritual growth and discipleship. Its emphasis on the importance of intentional spiritual practices aligns closely with the Bible and provides valuable insights for a lifelong or new believer in deepening their relationship with God.
7. Orthodoxy by G.K. Chesterton
Overview: In “Orthodoxy,” G.K. Chesterton embarks on a captivating journey through the landscape of Christian thought, exploring the essence of faith with wit, wisdom, and profound insight. Through a series of engaging essays, Chesterton wrestles with the paradoxes and mysteries of Christianity, offering a compelling defense of traditional Christian orthodoxy against the backdrop of modern skepticism and doubt.
Opinion: “Orthodoxy” is a literary masterpiece that continues to captivate readers with its profound insights and sparkling prose. Chesterton’s unique blend of humor, intelligence, and spiritual depth makes this book a delight to read, while his passionate defense of Christian orthodoxy resonates with clarity and conviction. His ability to articulate complex theological concepts in accessible language makes this book a timeless classic that speaks to readers of all backgrounds.
Takeaway: Chesterton challenges readers to embrace the wonder and mystery of the Christian faith, inviting them to view the world through the lens of faith rather than skepticism. His exploration of paradoxes and contradictions within Christianity reminds readers that true faith is not about having all the answers but about embracing the mysteries of God with humility and awe.
Inclusion Reason: I am including “Orthodoxy” in this review because it is a seminal work that offers a compelling defense of Christian orthodoxy and a profound exploration of the mysteries of faith. Its timeless wisdom and engaging writing style make it essential reading for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of Christianity and grapple with the big questions of life and belief.
8. The Imitation of Christ by Thomas à Kempis
Overview: “The Imitation of Christ” is a timeless spiritual classic that offers profound insights into the Christian life and the pursuit of holiness. Written by Thomas à Kempis in the 15th century, this book is structured as a series of meditations and reflections on the teachings of Jesus Christ, emphasizing the importance of humility, self-denial, and intimate communion with God.
Opinion: “The Imitation of Christ” is a testament to Christian spirituality’s enduring power. Kempis’s words resonate with a depth of wisdom and insight that transcends the centuries, speaking directly to the human soul’s longing for union with God. His emphasis on interior life and the cultivation of virtue remains as relevant today as it was during his lifetime, making this book a timeless treasure for believers seeking to deepen their relationship with God.
Takeaway: Kempis challenges readers to follow in Christ’s footsteps, embracing a life of humility, obedience, and devotion. Through prayerful reflection and intentional spiritual practices, believers can learn to align their lives more closely with Jesus’ teachings and experience the transformative power of His grace.
Inclusion Reason: I am including “The Imitation of Christ” in this review because it is a foundational work of Christian spirituality that has inspired countless believers throughout history. Its profound insights and practical wisdom make it essential reading for any new Christian seeking to grow in their faith and emulate the life of Christ.
9. The Great Omission by Dallas Willard
Overview: In “The Great Omission,” Dallas Willard addresses a critical issue facing modern Christianity: the neglect of Jesus’ central teachings on discipleship. Willard argues that many Christians need to pay more attention to the transformative power of living out the teachings of Jesus in daily life, resulting in a shallow and ineffective expression of faith.
Opinion: “The Great Omission” is a wake-up call for believers to reevaluate their understanding of what it means to follow Christ. Willard’s insights are profound and convicting, challenging readers to move beyond mere intellectual assent to the gospel and embrace a life of radical obedience and transformation. His call to reclaim the lost art of discipleship is both timely and urgent, reminding us that true faith requires more than just attending church services—it demands a total reorientation of our lives around the teachings of Jesus.
Takeaway: Willard emphasizes the importance of intentional spiritual practices and a deepening relationship with God in the discipleship process. By immersing ourselves in the life and teachings of Jesus, we can experience profound transformation and become agents of God’s kingdom in the world.
Inclusion Reason: I am including “The Great Omission” in this review because it addresses a crucial gap in contemporary Christianity and offers a compelling vision for reclaiming the true essence of discipleship. Willard’s insights are challenging and inspiring, making this book essential reading for anyone seeking to live out their faith authentically and purposefully.
10. Knowing God by J.I. Packer
Overview: In “Knowing God,” J.I. Packer invites readers on a transformative journey into a deeper understanding of God’s character and nature. Through profound theological insights and practical wisdom, Packer explores the fundamental truths of the Christian faith, illuminating the beauty and majesty of God’s attributes and inviting readers into a richer and more intimate relationship with Him.
Opinion: “Knowing God” is a masterpiece of Christian literature that has profoundly impacted the lives of countless believers. Packer’s clear and engaging writing style and deep reverence for Scripture make this book both accessible and profoundly inspiring. His exploration of the various aspects of God’s character—from His sovereignty and holiness to His love and grace—offers readers a compelling vision of who God is and how we can know Him more deeply.
Takeaway: Packer challenges the lifelong and new believer to move beyond a superficial knowledge of God to a deeper, more personal relationship with Him. Through prayer, study of Scripture, and contemplation of God’s attributes, believers can cultivate a rich and vibrant spirituality that transforms every aspect of their lives.
Inclusion Reason: I am including “Knowing God” in this review because it is a timeless classic that offers profound insights into the Christian faith and the nature of God. Its practical wisdom and deep theological truths make it essential reading for anyone seeking to grow in their knowledge and love of God.
11. Desiring God by John Piper
Overview: “Desiring God” by John Piper is a seminal work that explores the foundational principle of Christian hedonism—finding joy and satisfaction in God Himself. Piper argues that pursuing pleasure in God is not only permissible but essential to the Christian life. Through biblical exposition and personal anecdotes, he challenges readers to prioritize their delight in God, viewing Him as the ultimate source of true and lasting happiness.
Opinion: “Desiring God” is a groundbreaking book revolutionizing readers’ understanding of the Christian faith. Piper’s passionate advocacy for the pursuit of joy in God is both refreshing and convicting, offering a compelling alternative to the pursuit of worldly pleasures. His emphasis on the supremacy of God’s glory and the satisfaction found in Him alone resonates deeply with readers, inspiring them to reorient their lives around the pursuit of intimacy with God.
Takeaway: Piper encourages readers to embrace a radical devotion to God, where every thought, action, and desire is directed toward glorifying Him and finding joy in His presence. By cultivating a deep and abiding relationship with God, believers can experience a profound sense of fulfillment and purpose that transcends the fleeting pleasures of this world.
Inclusion Reason: I am including “Desiring God” in this review because it offers a powerful and transformative vision of Christian living centered on pursuing joy in God. Piper’s insights are both biblically grounded and eminently practical, making this book essential reading for anyone seeking to deepen their relationship with God and experience the fullness of joy found in Him.
12. Radical by David Platt
Overview: In “Radical,” David Platt challenges readers to reexamine their understanding of what it means to be a follower of Christ in light of the radical demands of the gospel. Through compelling storytelling and biblical exposition, Platt confronts the comfortable and consumeristic mindset prevalent in Western Christianity, calling believers to embrace a radical commitment to Jesus that prioritizes obedience, sacrifice, and mission.
Opinion: “Radical” is a provocative and deeply convicting book that has stirred the hearts of countless readers to reevaluate their priorities and lifestyle choices in light of their faith. Platt’s passionate plea for radical discipleship cuts to the heart of the gospel message, challenging readers to move beyond complacency and self-centeredness to embrace a life of sacrificial love and service. His message is both challenging and inspiring, urging believers to align their lives with the radical teachings of Jesus and make a tangible difference in the world.
Takeaway: Platt emphasizes the urgency of living out our faith in radical obedience to Christ, both individually and collectively, as the body of Christ. By surrendering our lives completely to Jesus and embracing His mission to make disciples of all nations, believers can experience the abundant life and eternal significance of following Him wholeheartedly.
Inclusion Reason: I am including “Radical” in this review because it offers a timely and powerful challenge to Western Christianity’s status quo. Platt’s message resonates with the longing for authenticity and purpose that many believers feel, offering a compelling vision of what it means to follow Jesus in today’s world truly.
13. The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence
Overview: The Practice of the Presence of God” by Brother Lawrence is a spiritual classic that offers timeless wisdom on cultivating a deep and intimate relationship with God amid everyday life. Through a series of letters and conversations, Brother Lawrence shares his insights and experiences of living in constant communion with God, finding joy and peace in His presence regardless of circumstances.
Opinion: “The Practice of the Presence of God” is a gem of Christian literature that continues to inspire and uplift the lifelong and the new believer with its simple yet profound teachings. Brother Lawrence’s humble and unassuming approach to spirituality speaks directly to the heart, inviting readers to embrace a life of prayerful awareness and conscious dependence on God. His emphasis on cultivating a continual sense of God’s presence offers practical guidance for anyone seeking to deepen their spiritual life and experience God’s love and grace in tangible ways.
Takeaway: Brother Lawrence’s teachings remind us that we can encounter God’s presence in every moment and every task, whether mundane or extraordinary. By turning our hearts toward God in prayer and practicing mindfulness of His presence throughout the day, we can experience a deeper sense of peace, joy, and fulfillment in our relationship with Him.
Inclusion Reason: I am including “The Practice of the Presence of God” in this review because it is a timeless and invaluable resource for believers seeking to deepen their intimacy with God. Brother Lawrence’s teachings offer practical wisdom and spiritual insights that can transform how we approach prayer, worship, and daily life.
