Forming Christian Disciples: The Role of Covenant Discipleship and Class Leaders in the Congregation

by David Lowes Watson

In this volume, David Lowes Watson provides a basic resource for the formation of faithful Christian disciples and the revitalizing of congregations. Beginning with a Christ-centered model for the church, Watson shows how leaders in discipleship are the key to vital congregations. He then offers procedures for introducing and sustaining covenant discipleship groups as a means of developing these leaders, and concludes with guidelines for the office of class leader as a means of implementing their leadership. How does a congregation decide on covenant discipleship? How are the groups formed? What is the role of a class leader? How do class leaders connect with other leaders in the congregation? These questions, and much more, are the subject of a resource that is foundational for any congregation wishing to revitalize its life and work through the forming of faithful Christian disciples. This volume is the third in a Covenant Discipleship, Class Leaders, and Forming Christian Disciples.

190 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 1991

Reviews

[Richard Fitzgerald · Rating 3 out of 5]

Watson has articulated important directions for contemporary Methodism that will vitalize our churches in ways significantly more powerfully than other schemes I've seen floating about. However, his communication of this vision is deeply flawed because of language that makes discipleship appear to be works based. I do not think this was intentional, because there are hints in the book that Watson has an appreciation for the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of discipleship. But, as it stands the book (and the companion books to this book) do not communicate well that discipleship is a practice of faith flowing out of God's grace and in the power of the Holy Spirit.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Essential reading for UMC leaders who desire Christ-centered, discipling congregations.