Growing True Disciples: New Strategies for Producing Genuine Followers of Christ

by George Barna

Christ’s command to the church is “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations...” It is in building disciples--helping others to embrace Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, mature in him, and then lead others to do the same--that the Kingdom grows. And when the Kingdom grows, churches do, too.

In Growing True Disciples,  respected author and researcher George Barna helps pastors and leaders assess how their churches are doing in fulfilling their role as disciplemakers. And he reveals models and examples that will equip churches to dramatically increase their effectiveness. As a result, your church can begin to see more involved members who want to live out their faith in submission to God, and joyfully share their resources to fulfill Christ’s commission.

Genres: Discipleship, Christian, Religion, Leadership, Church Ministry, Church, Christian Living

192 pages, Hardcover

First published March 6, 2013

About the author

George Barna was raised and educated on the East Coast before moving to California in the early 1980s. He held executive positions in advertising, public policy, political campaigns, and media/marketing research before beginning his own company, the Barna Research Group (now The Barna Group), in 1984. The firm analyzes American culture and creates resources and experiences designed to facilitate moral and spiritual transformation. Located in Ventura, California, The Barna Group provides primary research as well as developmental resources and analytic diagnostics. The company has served several hundred parachurch ministries and thousands of Christian churches throughout the country. It has also supplied research to for-profit corporations such as Ford Motor Company, The Walt Disney Company, Visa USA, and Prudential, and has assisted the U.S. Navy and U.S. Army as well.

To date, George Barna has written more than 40 books, predominantly in the areas of leadership, trends, spiritual development, and church health. Included among them are bestsellers such as Revolution, Transforming Children into Spiritual Champions, The Frog in the Kettle, The Power of Vision, and Pagan Christianity? Several of his books have received national awards. He has also written for numerous periodicals and has published various syndicated reports on topics related to faith and lifestyle. He also writes a bimonthly research report, The Barna Update, which is accessed by hundreds of thousands of people through his firm's Web site (www.barna.org). His work is frequently cited as an authoritative source by the media. He has been hailed as "the most quoted person in the Christian church today" and is counted among its most influential leaders. In 2009, George initiated Metaformation, a new organization designed to help people maximize their potential. More information about his current projects is available from www.georgebarna.com.

Barna is a popular speaker at ministry conferences around the world and has taught at several universities and seminaries. He has served as a pastor of a large multiethnic church, has been involved in several church plants, and currently leads an organic church. He has served on the board of directors of various organizations. After graduating summa cum laude from Boston College, Barna earned two master's degrees from Rutgers University. At Rutgers, he was awarded the Eagleton Fellowship. He also received a doctorate from Dallas Baptist University. He lives with his wife and their three daughters in Southern California. He enjoys spending time with his family, writing, reading novels, playing and listening to guitar, relaxing on the beach, visiting bookstores, and eating pizza.

Reviews

[Michael Chen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lot better than I expected it to be! It's like a less theological, more program-based version of The Trellis and the Vine.

It emphasizes both depth of discipleship and practical steps to get there. If you read only one part, read chapter seven, which describes five models for church discipleship programs.

[Josh Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book! Have never read an entire book devoted to the subject of discipleship. Many of the items brought to light by the author have made me think about my approach to this very important subject.

I encourage anyone serious about discipleship to read and ponder the truths contained in this work.

[Steve Athans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Solid research and thoughts of How Churches create discipleship programs. Problem is, as Barna points out, Traditional Churches are more focused on Programs for different age groups than the Discipleship methods Christ used. We have much to learn about true discipleship transformation. What is our heart motive?

[Mark Perkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though written in 2002 much of the conclusions and findings are still applicable today.

[g clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing insights that really challenge true growth.

[Michael Vincent · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though his statistics concerning discipleship are discouraging, Barna reminds us we must continue to intentionally make healthy disciples. In the last chapters he shares in general ways what is working in 24 disciple making churches. He only gives us the names of five of these churches. He rightly emphasizes intentionality through the book. He gives "passion" as the key ingredient of the disciple. But in my thinking, he never really addresses they key to creating passion in someone's life - prayer. God has to stir the heart. However, this book is essential for all seeking to multiply healthy disciples in their churches. I wish I would have read it years ago, but very thankful I read it now.

[Brian Reagan · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you are involved in church leadership in any way, you really need this book.

If you care about the church where you attend, and want to make it better, then you need this book.

If you are tired of your Christian faith as it exists right now, and know that there should be more to your life, THEN YOU NEED THIS BOOK.

Yes, it really is that good, and it is an easy read, with some real and practical applications for churches who want to grow and be serious about carrying out Christ's mission.

[Brent · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is convoluted and misled in its entire approach. Producing genuine followers of Christ has nothing to do with statistics that your research group puts out. Every chapter of this book left my mouth gaping wide open and me saying to myself: "seriously?" Do not waste your time with Barna on this one.

Brent McCulley

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

good observations

[William Chamberlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

The dos and don't s of making disciples