Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Disciple Like Jesus--Review and Giveaway!!



Discipleship.


In many evangelical circles, "discipleship" is a buzz word, and it can mean many things to different people.

Most American Christians think of discipleship in terms of programs:


Mens ministries, womens ministries, youth ministries, seniors ministries, couples ministries, singles ministries, and on, and on, and on...

However, as we face the grim reality that almost 90% of our young people walk away from their faith by the time they reach college age, we must ask ourselves,

"What are we doing, and why is it not working???"

If we examine the life of Jesus, we see clearly that for Him, discipleship was never about programs. It was a lifestyle--one that He lived day in and day out, pouring His entire life into His small group of followers for a brief but intensive three year period. (Yes, we get our children for a bit longer than that...and it's a good thing we do, seeing as we are not God Incarnate.)

WWJD--"What would Jesus Do?"--was a popular question in recent history. When it comes to discipling our children, though, a better question would be,

"What did Jesus do???"


Disciple Like Jesus by Alan Melton and Paul Dean does a fantastic job of answering this question.

The authors begin by outlining two training approaches--Jesus's training approach and The World's Training approach:


Two Training Approaches 

Jesus' Training ApproachWorld's Training Approach 
Follow Me only, a trustworthy TeacherFollow many teachers of questionable values 
With disciples all dayWith disciples in spare time  
Constantly teach bible, demonstrate how to live, glorify God (80+ hours)Constantly teach non-biblical information, (bible less than 5 hours) 
Send out adult disciples in twosSend out child disciples alone 

Priorities and Results: Two Approaches  
Jesus' Training ApproachWorld's Training Approach
Goal- Make disciples: followers of ChristGoal- Well educated adult, respected job, affluence, popularity
Goal- A few deep relationshipsGoal- Many superficial relationships
Results- Lasting eternal impactResults- Temporary self gratification
Results- 92% stay in churchResults- 6% to 25% stay in church


Then, in page after page of biblical insight, timely example, and practical application, they show you how to make changes and set priorities that will make Christlike discipleship a reality in your home and family!

I have to say that it has been a long time since I have been so deeply moved and challenged by a book. I was reminded that being home with my children and homeschooling them, while certainly good things, do not guarantee that I will disciple like Jesus. I can be in the same house as my children and still not be spending enough time with them. I can teach them the Word of God without them seeing the love of God in my life. I can educate them without discipling them.

The best part was that it didn't leave me in a state of guilt and anxiety (two pits that I am so apt to fall into). Instead, I left empowered and inspired. Each chapter gave me things that I can do practically--today!--to bring the discipleship of my children more into accordance with the example Jesus set forth for us in Scripture.

Perhaps you're not a homeschooling parent. Maybe your kids are in public school. Maybe you're a single parent, or a grandparent. Maybe you're married to an unbelieving spouse and aren't sure how this would work in your family. Maybe you are the parent of a rebellious teenager and are wondering if it's too late to make a difference. No matter where you are in your life or your walk with God, this book can help you!

I would also like to say something to pastors, teachers, and other church leaders. If you are concerned that the parents in your congregation "don't know what to do" or "won't do the job" when it comes to discipling their own children, this would be a fantastic resource to get into the hands of as many parents as possible.

On that note, I would like to announce my very first giveaway here on God Made, Home Grown!






The authors of Disciple Like Jesus have graciously agreed to give one free copy to a reader of this blog!

To enter, please leave a comment below letting me know what you think you'd like most about the book. (Visit www.disciplelikejesus.com to learn more).


For additional entries, you may do any and all of the following:

  1. Blog about this giveaway. (2 entries, leave two comments)
  2. Share a link to this giveaway on Facebook or Twitter. (1 entry each)
  3. Subscribe to God Made, Home Grown via email. 
  4. "Like" Disciple Like Jesus on Facebook or follow on Twitter. (1 entry each)
  5. Post the Disciple Like Jesus button on your blog. (find it here.)
  6. Follow me on Twitter, Google, or Networked Blogs (1 entry each)
For each additional entry, you must leave an additional, separate comment telling what you did, and posting a link if applicable.

The deadline for entering is Saturday, November 20th, at midnight (central time).


By His Grace,

Tiana


**The fine print. This is not a paid post, and the view expressed here are my own, honest opinions. Thank-you to the authors of Disciple Like Jesus for providing the two copies of the book for review and giveaway.**

29 comments:

Melissa said...

sounds like a good resource! as a busy mom, i too like practical things to do...sounds like this book does that!

Michelle said...

This sounds like a wonderful book! I really like the idea of laying out Jesus' approach versus the world's approach.

Michelle said...

Following you on networked blogs.

Michelle said...

Shared link to the giveaway on Facebook!

Michelle said...

I already follow you on Google.

Dena said...

I would love to read this! I love that it gives concrete ways to put the ideas into practice without causing more mommy guilt!

Anonymous said...

This sounds like an amazing book...at least you promo it that way! I was most convicted by this:

I can be in the same house as my children and still not be spending enough time with them. I can teach them the Word of God without them seeing the love of God in my life. I can educate them without discipling them.

I spend too many days pushing thru tasks & to-do lists, and then at bedtime, I look down at my precious kids and wonder how I missed cherishing them, blessing them, loving them.

Would love to learn more about the idea of not just loving, teaching, & training them...but also discipling them.

Thanks for your continual encouragement & conviction, Tiana!

http://freeagentmommy.typepad.com/blog/2010/11/the-princess-and-the-pee.html

Darcy Carmichael said...

I think the practical applications would be the most helpful for my husband and I.

Darcy Carmichael said...

I posted about the giveaway on my blog!

Darcy Carmichael said...

I posted about the giveaway (with a link here) on my blog!

Darcy Carmichael said...

I follow through networked blogs

Anonymous said...

This sounds like a wonderful, helpful book.
Erica
bellazdada@aol.com

Anonymous said...

I liked it on facebook
Erica
bellazdada@aol.com

CasualCrafter said...

I would love to be entered! I like the idea of practical suggstions, and inspiration.

Amy said...

Sounds like a great book!

Let's see if you have the baby before this giveaway is over. :)

Amy

Munger Mom said...

Would love the comparison and practical.

Shelly said...

Would love to read this book. Can't get too much Jesus. Especially as a foster parent.

Shelly said...

I liked the book on facebook.

Shelly said...

I'm subscribing via email, too.

Lisa @ Me & My House said...

Sounds great Tiana. Your review made me want to read it.

Lisa @ Me & My House

Anna B said...

I would love this! :-) My favorite part would be looking a Jesus' discipleship style.

Amy W. said...

I was just reading your review of this book on the Disciple Like Jesus blog and then I read my AR digests this morning and saw that you are doing this giveaway. I would LOVE to have this book, I think I would like the practical ideas the best...seeing what it should really look like.

Thanks for the opportunity to enter this great giveaway!

Amy
amosobadiah(at)msn(dot)com

Amy W. said...

I like Disciple Like Jesus on facebook!

Amy
amosobadiah(at)msn(dot)com

Tracy McNichol said...

This may sound weird but I feel like I've just known about Jesus my whole life I'm not sure how to start to explain Him to my kids. I would love this resource.

Anonymous said...

Sounds like a great book. I think I would really appreciate the practical aspects of bringing discipleship into the family.

Mrs. H
fourkids@columbus.rr.com

Anonymous said...

I'd love practical ideas

lish b

Anonymous said...

I need to make some changes in certain aspects in our household, and not really sure where to start, so I think the things you described about this book might really help me to do that.
Stephanie
rsdarndt@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

I liked Disciple Like Jesus on Facebook
Stephanie

Anonymous said...

I shared a link on FB also.
Stephanie

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About Me

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I'm a Stay-at-Home, Christian, "crunchy" mama. I have been blessed with the calling to be a godly wife and mother. I am passionate about bringing up my children in the discipline and instruction of the LORD, through home education and discipleship. Helpmeet to my best friend and soulmate, Christopher since 1/29/2000, and mama to four little blessings, including a tiny, precious, newborn baby girl.

My Writing Elsewhere...

Fixing Your Heart on Titus 2

Did you pray for your
husband today?
Monday--His Work
Tuesday--His Integrity
Wednesday--His Mind
Thursday--His Purpose
Friday--His Health
Saturday--His Protection
Sunday--His Faith

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My Wired Style

My Wired Style
Success is not learned. It is discovered and nurtured. What was your child born to do?
Thank goodness I was never sent to school...Beatrix Potter quote at DailyLearners.com
Education is not the filling of a bucket, but the lighting of a fire. W.B. Yeats quote at DailyLearners.com

Our Curriculum 2010-2011

Bible--Child's Story Bible by Catherine Vos, Apologia Biblical World View Book 1, "Who is God and Can I Really Know Him?"
Catechism-- "Training Hearts, Teaching Minds" by Starr Meade
Phonics--Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons
(Kindergarten), Year 1 Booklist (1st Grade)
Handwriting--Bible Copywork, made using Educational Fontware
Spelling-- All About Spelling Level 1 (1st grade)
Math--Math-U-See Primer (Kindergarten) , Math-U-See Alpha (1st grade)
World History--Simply Charlotte Mason's Genesis Through Deuteronomy and Ancient Egypt
American History--The Light and The Glory For Children Series
Art--Interest-led projects and handicrafts
Geography and Missions-- "Hero Tales" by Dave and Neta Jackson, as well as various other missionary biographies, incorporating globe and map study
*We will be studying music and phy-ed., participating in a writing club and nature club, as well as attending various field trips, with our church's homeschool group.*

Disciple Like Jesus

Disciple Like Jesus

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Raising Homemakers

Quiverfull Family

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