Imitating Jesus: Love, Friendship, and Disciple-Making

by Lewie Clark, Tim Grissom

"p>You are the right person for this job! It’s one of those words that seems to hold so much meaning but somehow resides just out of our disciple. How do I become one? And how do I become a disciple-maker? There’s no secret formula, nor is there a one-size-fits-all plan for disciple-making, but there are examples to follow. And there are certainly adventures to be had! Disciple-making at its core is learning—and demonstrating—how to relate lovingly to God and to others. These pages are at once practical and packed with stories; they are big-picture-minded and strategy-filled. Read on to see how a disciple-making lifestyle will affect your view  belonginghospitalityrelationship-buildingasking the right questionscommunityand how to best love others In fact, discipleship is already in the heart of every Christian. Don’t let your fear, your insecurities, or your busyness get in the way. If you know how to be a friend, you already know most of what you need to be a disciple-maker. Take one step of obedience. Just go."

Genres: Spirituality

125 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 18, 2012

Reviews

[Mylon Pruett · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Western Christianity seems to be enamored with programs, campaigns, and curricula while giving lesser attention to the heart-and-soul matters of relational connection. If we’re not effective, we assume our methodology is what’s broken."

"If you want to know how effective you can be as a disciple-maker, ask yourself how good of a friend you are. The inability to make friends means an inability to make disciples, which in turn hinders the multiplication of the kingdom of God."

Imitating Jesus it a good on what it looks like to make disciples of Jesus. Not the, say this prayer and now you saved and a disciple, kind of disciple; but the kind that has a deep personal relationship with him. While the book it a great topic I think it is written rather simply and it is a very quick read.

My favorite part of the book might be the list of questions at the end of the book. Lewie lists 200 question that can be used to really get to know someone, learn their story, and start a deeper relationship with them. Its not a mandatory check list, and not all questions are applicable to everyone but it is a good list. It can also be very thought provoking to work through this list yourself, asking yourself these questions. If you honest with yourself it could lead to learn more about yourself, and introspection is always a good thing.

[Emily Roman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book a lot! It advocates for a more relational approach to discipleship, rather than going through a curriculum or book in discipleship. I like the focus on discipleship groups as well.

The stories are my favorite part; it’s amazing to see how many people’s lives were impacted from Lewie’s friendship with them.

[Jacob O'connor · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book. The thesis is simple. Discipleship is about being a friend and helping people truly know that God loves them. If seasoned Christians walked alongside those new in the faith with this message, good things would happen.

[charles white · Rating 5 out of 5]

the essence of discipleship

If you want to make disciples the way Jesus did, this is the book for you! But be warned: it is not a program but a lifestyle—a lifestyle of love and friendship. This book will challenge and equip you.

[Tony Romero · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite part about this book was that every concept defined, and every point made, was modeled before me. Lewie Clark has been a mentor of mine since 2007, and has continued to be an excellent source of wisdom within the realms of big decisions and disciple-making. Loving well, listening with our hearts, hospitality, and sacrifice in times of suffering have all long been neglected in the typical American church. Lewie draws are attention to the example of Jesus, and provides very practical methods to imitate Him.

[Nathan Carter · Rating 4 out of 5]

So fun to read a book by someone you know personally. Lewie truly models a Christ-like life of love! I hope to implement many of the concepts of this book within the framework of my ecclesiology.

[Josh Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Greatly helpful and practical. I am a young man living in Slovakia who has been impacted by one of Lewie's disciples!

[Ieva · Rating 4 out of 5]

Real practical and heart-felt discipleship tool. Definitely, helped me move forwards in my disciple-making pathway.