Discipleship & Spiritual Formation

Helpful books on discipleship and spiritual formation:

(books in chronological order.)

Emotionally Healthy Spirituality (2006), by Peter Scazzero

The book boils down to a simple, if not underestimated point, “It’s impossible to be spiritually mature while remaining emotionally immature.” Having looked at this idea in the context of churches, Scazzero now considers the implications for individuals and their reflection of Jesus. I didn’t find myself agreeing with everything, but it is another important read as it highlights a blockage in Christian growth that not many people are aware of.

Simple Church (2006) by Thom Rainer and Eric Geiger

I think this book is potentially one of the most important books out recently. It’s a must read if you want to give your church mission focus. As Amazon.com describes, “Simple Church clearly calls for Christians to return to the simple gospel-sharing methods of Jesus. No bells or whistles required, so to speak.

Based on case studies of four hundred American churches, authors Thom Rainer and Eric Geiger prove that the process for making disciples has quite often become too complex. Simple churches are thriving, and they are doing so by taking these four ideas to heart: Clarity. Movement. Alignment. Focus.

Each idea is examined here, simply showing why it is time to simplify.”

The Passionate Church: the art of lifechanging discipleship (2005)

by Mike Breen & Walt Kallestad. Breen uses shapes such as circles, triangles etc (called lifeshapes) to illustrate important truths about discipleship. Diffferent and interesting.

Revolution (2005) by George Barna.

An interesting view of the latest trend in contemporary America concerning the longing people are having for radical discipleship.

Renovation of the Heart — Putting on the Character of Christ (2002)

by Dallas Willard. Willard is always good to read. This book is one of the less easy to read of his, but it is symptomatic of the growing interest in focusing on reflecting the character of Jesus. Worth considering.

Secrets of the Vine (2001) by Bruce Wilkinson

His famous and very practical book discussing the parable of the vine (John 15) and what it means to abide in Jesus.

Praying God’s Words (2000) by Beth Moore

A simple book but I think intensely practical in teaching how to use scripture to shape the way we think about life and live it.

The Divine Conspiracy (1998) by Dallas Willard

Dallas Willard’s (thick) book on Jesus teaching and the Sermon on the Mount and it’s discipleship implications is a masterpiece of making what we always thought we knew come alive with fresh meaning. In his introduction he begins, “My hope is to gain a fresh hearing for Jesus, especially among those who believe they already understand him.” And Willard certainly does that. Highly recommended.

Character is Destiny (1998) by Russell Gough

I think this is a brilliant book. It’s practical and useful useful. It’s written simply that anyone can read, yet has quite profound insights on the basics of character and its importance within our culture. Russell Gough is professor of ethics and philosophy at Pepperdine University and while it is not an overtly Christian book, Gough is a Christian himself, and comes to the issue from a Christian perspective.

The Gospel According to Jesus (1994,1988), by John MacArthur

I read this soon after graduating from college and it really made a big impression on me. MacArthur is characteristically blunt as he writes about the need to follow Christ wholeheartedly. His book is an answer to the question, “What does Jesus mean when he says, ‘Follow me’”. The book was a response to the Lordship debate some years ago.

According to Plan (1991), by Graeme Goldsworthy.

For those familiar with the Great Controversy theme in the writings of Ellen White, Goldsworthy provides a complementary theological model for viewing Jesus as the chief point of reference in the Bible, and for looking at him for understanding in the unfolding of God’s purposes. It is very theological but written in simple terms so that everyone can understand it. It really has help me in providing a solid biblical framework for thinking about Scripture as a single story.

Celebration of Discipline (1978,1988,1998) by Richard Foster

A classic book in the area of spiritual disciplines and a good starting point for reading in this area.