Following the Master

by Michael J. Wilkins

In the aftermath of the waves of discipleship programs that have swept over the church in the last 30 years, clergy, and laypersons alike are more confused than ever about what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ. What should a disciple of Jesus look and act like today? What is the relationship between discipleship and salvation, between discipleship and sanctification, between discipleship and ministry? How were disciples of Jesus different from other disciples in the ancient world? How did the early church carry out Jesus' agenda in "making disciples of all the nations"? In Following the Master, Michael J. Wilkins addresses these and many other questions that perplex the church today- not by offering another discipleship program or manual but by presenting a comprehensive biblical theology of discipleship. Following the Master compares other forms of master-disciple relationships in existence in the ancient Judaism and Greco-Roman world, traces Jesus' steps as he called and developed disciples, and Mediterranean world as it followed Jesus' command to make disciples. Following the Master lays the groundwork necessary for developing biblical discipleship ministries in the church, on the mission field, and in parachurch ministries. It is essential reading for all pastors, students, and Christian workers.

Genres: Discipleship, Theology, Christianity, Christian, New Testament

400 pages, Paperback

First published April 13, 1992

Reviews

[David Moul · Rating 4 out of 5]

Selected chapters for a class. Good read. 4.5

[So Won · Rating 5 out of 5]

The ultimate resource that includes all the studies done on "discipleship." Renewed my understanding of what a "disciple" of Jesus is and what "discipleship" is based on Biblical scripture. Absolutely essential book for those in ministry and those who want to do evangelism Jesus' way. Church leaders need to read this book and teach it to their congregation, because every Christian needs to understand discipleship and the Great Commission from the intentions of Jesus in order to fulfill it correctly.

[Tyler Hurst · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really great analysis of the biblical data on disciple, discipleship, and discipling. I think someone needs to make a popular version of this work. Not to say it would be inaccessible to pastors, but probably is to lay Christians. It would be really great to get a version in the Short Studies in Biblical Theology series out of Crossway. Unfortunately Wilkins is retired and probably not interested in writing anymore.

[Evans Lusuli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend

After reading through this book and having been a believer for a long time, I’d say that this is one of the most comprehensive and balanced writing on Biblical Christian discipleship. I’d highly recommend it to anyone interested in understanding discipleship. It’s an awesome read.

[Samuel Bierig · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was good. A bit antiquated and very viben 90's scholarship for some reason. (i.e. reflected the problems it was intended to solve in the Church Growth movement a bit to much I think). Overall, he had some good insights.

[Brent · Rating 5 out of 5]

Base Discipleship on the Bible

Wilkins is a great example of a disciple. I especially appreciated the examples of his teen surfer disciples. Also the background analysis of how discipleship terms were used in the NT context was very interesting.

[CuriousBob · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is not a gimmicky how-to/self-improvement book but is a full-spectrum educated treatment of discipleship. Of course, after reading it, one can not help but see how it affects change in the reader's walk. I lean toward scholarly works that are relatable. I definitely recommend reading.

[Nate Robertson · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a product of its time, not because the information is bad, but because it is redundant and steeped in stories. The stories relate, but most of them do not seem coherent. I believe this is a great book for those who read casually. Otherwise, it was difficult to extract the meat.

[Chase · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very comprehensive book on discipleship. If you would like to know more about discipleship, this book is well worth your time.

[Travis Agnew · Rating 4 out of 5]

This volume really serves as a thorough standard for understanding biblical discipleship. Wilkins does a great job of explaining models but enforcing a return to the biblical call to disciple-making.

[Melissa Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent resource for a good theology of discipleship according to scripture. It is very academic, but worth pushing through for the clear understanding of what discipleship to Jesus means.

[Joshua Cortez · Rating 5 out of 5]

a great starting place to learn more about what it means to follow Jesus!

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fairly exhaustive biblical theology of discipleship. Written in the early 1990s, I would be interested in reading a revised version written in 2019 to see if The author might understand and explain things in a slightly different way. Clearly written from a conservative evangelical point of view, The author seems content to follow a standard line rather than digging deeper and asking questions.

[Robyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very fascinating look at discipleship! Wilkins brings an in depth look at what discipleship meant to people BC, during Christ's time on earth, and what it means for Christians now. This is depth look goes through the Old Testament, shows continuity in the New Testament, and even defines the qualities of discipleship each of the Gospels highlight. After reading this book you will realize what it means to be a disciple of Christ. This book can be a bit dry at times, but is a must read for all those who call Jesus Lord.

[Daniel Bates · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very much enjoyed this book! It cleared up alot of questions I had about discipleship.

[Dr. Z · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed a re-read of this volume while preparing for a discipleship class - summarizes the Bible's teaching on the topic in its historical context. Recommended.