Transformational Discipleship: How People Really Grow

by Eric Geiger, Michael Kelley, Philip Nation

A Christian’s desire to grow in faith is beautiful and biblical, best illustrated in Jeremiah 17 where Scripture describes “The man who trusts in the LORD” as being “like a tree planted by water . . . It will not worry in a year of drought or cease producing fruit.”

But how do people really grow? Transformational Discipleship describes the process that brings to life that kind of person described in the Bible. There’s no magic formula or mantra to recite here, but rather a substantive measure of research with churches and individuals who have wholeheartedly answered the call of Jesus to make disciples.

A compilation of their wisdom and stories, it surely guides church leaders and members to practice the intentional efforts needed to foster an entire culture in which people grow in Christian faith.

And they will grow, not because of human research, but by the power of the Word and of the Holy Spirit working through the church—the same way disciples have always been made. When the people of God engage in the mission of God through the Spirit of God, lives are transformed.

Genres: Discipleship, Christian, Church, Leadership, Christianity, Theology

240 pages, Paperback

First published May 6, 2012

About the author

Eric Geiger coauthored the multi-awarded national bestseller Simple Church and serves as executive pastor of Christ Fellowship, a large and growing multicultural church comprised of more than seventy nationalities near Miami, Florida. He and his wife, Kaye, have one daughter, Eden.

Reviews

[Chad Tucker · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very practical book to help us think through discipleship issues. It was extremely practical and honest about how biblical transformation takes place in the life of a disciple. It balances truth, posture, and leadership in applying the gospel to every area of our lives. I recommend this book to anyone who is passionate about living the transformed life.

[Jeremy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book on the findings of research on discipleship and how they apply to the church at large. I read this following a read of Transformational Groups and Simple Church. I appreciated the faithful approach to Scripture especially as the various elements of discipleship were introduced.

[Brett · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lot of good practical ideas. Appreciated the research that went into this book, giving statistics of Bible reading, attendance, and other "steps of maturity" really help support the ideas. Would be a good book to re-read!

[Jacob O'connor · Rating 4 out of 5]

My faith is on an upswing. It makes me regret so much wasted time. When I was younger, I was preoccupied with status. I wanted to impress people. Look at me. The more I discover about God, about Jesus, the more I want people see see how impressive He is. To this end I've been reading books like Transformational Discipleship. Don't look at Jake. Look at Jesus. See the excellence of Christ and don't waste time on trivialities. Geiger offers good advice. I'm putting it to use.


Notes:

Jeremiah 17:7-8: “the man who trusts in the lord,who’s confidence is indeed in the lord, is blessed. He will be like a tree planted by water. It send it’s roots out toward a stream, it doesn’t fear when heat comes, and it’s foliage remains green. It will not worry in a year of drought or sees producing fruit. “(1)

God shapes congregations through the shaping of individual lives (2)

1. Deficient discipleship (5)

There is a discipleship deficiency in most churches resulting in a lack of transformation (16)

The supreme proof of a true conversion is holy affections, zeal for holy things, longings after God, longings after Holiness, desires for purity -- Edwards (29)

2. Disciple to win (31)

Personal note: how ya going to bring up the 2011 finals, dawg?
Our hearts are not pure in need of protection; they are wicked in need of transformation (33)

Guilt= avah= twisted out of shape (37)

Brokenness (41)

3. Transformational sweet spot (47)

"What each one honors before all else, what before all things he admires and loves, this for him is God" -- Origen (47)

Everyone is a disciple of someone , but only disciples of Jesus are transformed (47)

"The best way to overcome the world is not with morality or self-discipline. Christians overcome the world by seeing the beauty and excellence of Christ. They have overcome the world by seeing something more attractive than the world: Christ"—Thomas Chalmers (48)

Your role is to put people in the pathway of God's transforming power (58)

Attributes of discipleship
1. Bible engagement
2. Obeying God and denying self
3. Serving God and others
4. Sharing Christ
5. Exercising faith
6. Seeking God
7. Building relationships
8. Unashamed (59)

Personal note: this list is vague to the point of sarcasm



TSS occurs when healthy leaders give truth to a disciple who is in a vulnerable position (62)

4. The gospel lense (68)

The snapshot of the gospel is God's righteousness freely given to us (73)

5. The identity lense (93)

Our understanding of our identity impacts how we live (95). Personal note: the anecdote about the teacher and the blue eyed students was striking

Becoming who we are

Leaders remind people who they are in Christ (96)

6. The discipline lense (113)

Spiritual disciplines are never the end. Jesus is (119)

7. Weakness (133)

The reality of the gospel is that God helps the helpless (142)

We practice the disciplines in order to position ourselves rightly to keep in step with the spirit (151)

8. Interdependent (157)

Discipleship leaders must slaughter individualism rather than celebrate it (159)

Discipleship is simply helping someone find and follow Jesus (163)

Common unity (169). Interesting. Common beliefs, etc




9. Outward (175)

"Every Christian is either a missionary or an imposter" (175) Spurgeon

10. Leaders (201)

11. A transformed disciple (219)

[Logan Streondj · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well I guess they tried, but somehow they put the disciples first and Jesus last, so it was all kinda backwards and lame. Their approach was the common Lutheran/Protestant one of self pity, lip service, and ignoring the power of Jesus's teachings. Their focus seemed to more becoming like Jesus's disciples than Jesus himself. I guess the lack of Jesus in the name should have tipped me off. Certainly the weakest part of the book was in the middle, where they have abandoned all hope and faith in the power of Jesus and instead the author lives a life of weakness and suffering in the footsteps of Paul and Peter. Instead of inheriting the Peace and Joy that Jesus gave us. The last part was the best, as it at least mentioned some things Jesus said, even though it didn't really go into them or how they are to transform our lives. No where could I find a love for all God's creation, and instead it ended with ingroup favoritism, certainly not enough to inherit the kingdom. So overall a neutral work of some lost souls who are well at least seeking the way. I hope they've found it by now. Maybe if they focus more on Jesus's teachings, and less on self pity then there will be more progress in love for the Father and his creation.

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book starts out really strong. It has a good explanation about why we need transformational discipleship and about how it is lacking in many churches today. Unfortunately, I feel like the author fails to come up with any really solid/compelling/new solution to the problem after they very eloquently explain the problem.

[Abby Nall · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book tries to approach discipleship from a scientific research perspective, which was very weird for me. The use of the term "Transformational Sweet Spot" or "TSS" further weirded me out. The best thing I can say about the book is that nothing in it contradicts Scripture. But nothing in it really elucidates Scripture either. A very meh read.

[Jeff · Rating 2 out of 5]

I like the transformational framework but this book could have been 1/3 the length.

[Sadie · Rating 1 out of 5]

overstated

[Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Foundational and Transformational

Pointing to God’s love and purpose for the Christian life, I found their study and guidance incredibly useful along each chapter of the way. Must apply and read to us all as disciples. Thank you authors.

[Robby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read by Eric Geiger and crew. The authors did a great job addressing a unique topic and do so by initially discussing the Gospel as the reason behind all they write in the contents of this book.

The Transformational sweet spot: We are given a chart as readers explaining where individuals are developed the most as people. These overlapping circles include; truth, leaders, posture.

Truth: Every author explains that truth or information is not sufficient to change people rather it is the application of this truth to the hearts of individuals as it uniquely applies to them. They go on to describe the many ways the Gospel applies to individuals you are leading.

Posture: A great quote by Eric Geiger (forgive as i am paraphrasing) "the heart of an individual grows the most when pressure is applied to the greatest degree." The authors go great lengths to help us examine the posture and heart of individuals we lead.

Leaders: A thorough explanation of the type of leaders you want as well as addressing the simplest of truth in leadership is offered in great detail. Transformational Discipleship addressed some of the basics of leading leaders and does so quite well.

I enjoy this book and give it 4 out of 5 for its Gospel centrality and its helpful insight into finding, developing, and caring for leaders. I would however preferred for there to have been some heavy practical steps in each of these areas. Where the topics and the hows were address from a 30000ft view, I would have loved some stories and practicals as it plays out at the ground level with the people we are leading.

Great read!!! A must, I would say.

[Robert Sutherland · Rating 3 out of 5]

We are told by Jesus to make disciples, but what does that mean? The authors present not a model but a framework in which this is done.

Based on extensive but barely cited research, they refer to the "transformational sweet spot," the goal of which is not only increased knowledge or conformed behavior, but heart transformation to be more like Jesus. It's about growing in love. How does this happen? When TRUTH is presented by HEALTHY LEADERS to a believer in a VULNERABLE POSTURE. This is the framework of the book.

Truth is viewed through the gospel, our identity in Christ, and spiritual disciplines. Posture is weakness, interdependence, and facing outward. Healthy leaders correctly teach and model the truth in an environment of transparency.

The conclusions seem reasonable but I would like to see more of the data referenced and quoted. For such a supposedly epic scale of research, barely any statistics are available. This was my biggest disappointment in the book. The other is that in order to evaluate oneself, you must purchase a $9.95 Transformational Discipleship Assessment. Seriously? After spending $15 on the book, I don't get one included? That was poorly executed and left a bad taste in my mouth.

[Josh Bush · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another book that is obviously written by pastors because all of their explanations are round about and long winded. However, when distilled down to its main theme and outline of what is necessary to effectively disciple others, it is a good and relevant book.

The authors describe how transformational discipleship best happens at the intersection of truth given by healthy leaders when someone is in a vulnerable position. The chapters expand on each part of that sentence, providing definitions for terms and principles for evaluating our own efforts at discipleship.

I doubt anyone already in leadership positions will read this and find all of it missing from what they already do, but many will be able to find one or two things they need to emphasize more in how they lead others. The text has the potential to help focus the transformation of disciples into better leaders by providing a simple framework for discussing how to effectively disciple others.

[Cory · Rating 5 out of 5]

Transformational discipleship

When I took this journey about four months ago, the things I was expecting to get from this book is knowledge already have pertaining to discipleship. I will say that most people have a misconception about discipleship thinking we all sit around a campfire singing kum ba yah; however that is not the case. This book allows the Holy Spirit to work in individual lives as they are being transformed by God himself as we work, go to school, and hang out with our friends. Transformational discipleship is about doing more in our pursuit of God to where when people see us they see a person after God's heart. As Christians we need the heartbeat of God to have compassion for our neighbors, city, schools, and elderly at which God will work in you as we all have an impact on someone's life. I highly recommend this book for those wanting to know how to I start discipling others and give encouragement along the way.

[Kelly Schulz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Steven chose this title for our "ministry focus" read of 2014. I deeply appreciated this book. It provided productive linking together of well known scriptural principles for discipleship into a framework which has affirmed, granted clarity, and directed my practice of intentional effort to engage the mission of God for His church through the Spirit's enablement!
Because every true believer is called to be a disciple who makes disciple-making disciples, this is a book I would heartily recommend be read by my brothers/sisters in Christ!

[Bobby Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thankful for the suggestion from John Oliver to make this a "must read!" Great, practical information on the process of experiencing transformational discipleship. The describes the "Transformational Sweet Spot" as the intersection of truth given by healthy leaders to someone in a vulnerable posture. The book is broken down into 3 sections: Truth, Posture and Leaders. It's an easy read and a definite challenge to the discipleship process!

[Dr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent challenging book on real discipleship. Built around a Venn diagram, the task of finding the Transformational Sweet Spot is explained biblically and with examples from the ministries of Eric, Michael, and Philip. Church leaders would do well to read, study, and apply the findings that are presented in this well researched work. As is pointed out, Jesus did not call us to build a church, but make disciples.

[Brent Rosendal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a good reminder of the catalysts for real discipleship. Nothing was new and nothing was earth shattering for me but was good to be reminded on what our focus should be on because it is easy to lose that focus and put our focus on less essential things.

[Ben · Rating 5 out of 5]

The section about the identity lens on being an alien in this world is worth the price of the book-spurring growth in my own life and giving me fuel to disciple those under my care.

[Brandon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great for church leaders or anyone wishing to better understand the dynamics of how christians actually change and begin to bear fruit.

[Library of Pastor Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. All church leaders should read it. I am praying about having all of my Sunday School teachers and deacons read it. The book is a great resource for ministry.

[David Hardin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed it. Especially the posture of a disciple. I did think the long exegesis of biblical text added unnecessary length to the book though.

[Brad Janowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! If you are interested in Biblical discipleship, this is a must read. Some very good concepts and ideas presented. I am currently using some of the material in my classes in prison.

[Sara Horn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed this collection of wisdom very much. Looking forward to implementing some of these ideas, particularly the lenses of gospel, identity and discipline as we start our new small group.

[Rand Hall · Rating 1 out of 5]

I have no idea what this was about. Having read its predecessors Simple Church and Transformational Churches I was expecting something special.