Summary of Discipling: How to Help Others Follow Jesus, by Mark Dever

Embark on a transformative journey of spiritual mentorship with Mark Dever's 'Discipling'. Learn to nurture faith effectively and meaningfully!

Welcome to the enlightening and slightly awkward world of discipling, or as Mark Dever calls it, the "how-to manual for making followers of Jesus like you're trying to convince them to join a really exclusive club." In Discipling: How to Help Others Follow Jesus, Dever doesn't just serve you the spiritual equivalent of a microwave dinner; he dishes out a full-course meal on what it means to nurture others in their faith. So grab your notepad, because this isn't just a Sunday school brochure-it's a blueprint for your very own religious mentorship.

First things first: what on Earth does "discipling" mean? Well, spoiler alert: it's not about getting people to follow you on social media. Dever breaks down the concept into digestible bites (pun intended), explaining that it's fundamentally about spiritual growth. Think of it like gardening, but instead of tulips, you're cultivating faith in fellow humans. You're a spiritual gardener, equipped with a watering can of wisdom and a spade of scripture.

Throughout the book, Dever emphasizes the importance of relationships. Yes, whether you like it or not, you need to befriend people-preferably those who are on a faith journey. Dever suggests creating a space where you can have deep, meaningful conversations. Just remember, a priestly robe is optional, but genuine interest is mandatory.

Now, let's discuss what Dever believes to be the Five Components of Effective Discipling. Spoiler alert: this isn't an IKEA assembly guide; it's a spiritual toolkit! He layers them with a little something he calls "the Gospel," which, if you haven't noticed, is pretty important in this whole Jesus-following endeavor. These components are like the Avengers of discipleship, coming together to help your mentees fight off the evil villain of spiritual stagnation.

Dever also tackles the thorny topic of accountability. Yes, folks, this means you'll have to hold people accountable for their spiritual growth. Suddenly, being a disciple looks less like a warm, fuzzy blanket and more like a coach with a whistle. But don't worry! This isn't just a one-way street; it's a reciprocal gig. You'll be learning and growing alongside your ntentees-just like any good buddy cop duo.

As the pages roll on, Dever addresses the less glamorous aspects of discipling: the awkward conversations, the potential for rejection, and the fact that some people just might not be interested in following Jesus or you. He advises that you be prepared to face these challenges with the grace of a seasoned diplomat. After all, conversion isn't a high-pressure sales tactic-it's more about sowing seeds and hoping they sprout into something beautiful over time (and with a lot of prayer).

In conclusion, if you're looking to embark on a journey of helping others follow Jesus in a way that feels less like a chore and more like a partnership, Discipling is your guide. Mark Dever has sprinkled just the right about of practical tips, relatable stories, and a healthy dose of sarcasm to keep you entertained while you navigate this vital but often daunting task. So, put on your best mentor smile and get ready to take the plunge. Just remember: spiritual gardening can be messy, but the harvest is oh-so-worth it!

Maddie Page

Classics, bestsellers, and guilty pleasures-none are safe from my sarcastic recaps. I turn heavy reads into lighthearted summaries you can actually enjoy. Warning: may cause random outbursts of laughter while pretending to study literature.