Small-Batch Disciplemaking: A Rhythm for Training the Few to Reach the Many

by David Sunde

Recover Jesus' strategy of training the few to reach the many.

What if rather than funneling people through church programs, you invested in their growth? Would this kind of intentional investment help you discover a new kind of Christian purpose and spiritual legacy? And, what if you already have what it takes to develop your spiritual growth as a disciple while apprenticing others?

As Christians, we should all participate in spiritual leadership by seeking to make spiritual investment in the lives closest to us. It’s time for us to move away from institutionalized, Sunday morning faith and toward a more relationally driven, culturally friendly, and doable approach to disciple-making. What you will discover is how discipleship is not about learning more but learning to give away what you already have in Christ.

Small-Batch Disciplemaking by David Sunde is a compelling field guide for Christians looking to make a difference in the world by sharing their faith. With practical and empowering strategies for navigating the intimidating Biblical mandate of making disciples, this book equips and empowers readers to Get ready for a deeply pragmatic, culturally informed disciple-making faith.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction

240 pages, Paperback

Published February 6, 2024

About the author

David Sunde has been involved in professional non-profit and pastoral leadership for over 25 years and holds a Doctorate in Semiotics, Culture, and the Church. David actively speaks, trains, and writes a catalyst for hope, developmental relationships, and meaning-making. David and his wife, Laurel, have two kids, Bjorn and Annika, and live in Austin, TX.

Reviews

[Danny Daugherty · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall, a mixed bag. Some really thought provoking lines and ideas, but a bit disconnected as a book as a whole. It also felt like formation through participation in the weekly gathering of the local church was unfairly undervalued. Example: “Spiritual formation doesn’t happen by singing songs, observing communion, and listening to biblical teaching. But that’s how we do church…” spiritual formation can be more than this but it can’t be less than the ordinary means of grace, and I would argue that the regular means of grace experienced on a Sunday morning are still vitally important to spiritual formation.

Regardless, there was still some helpful ideas and spiritual practices to glean from here. However it would not be my recommendation to others who are seeking to grow as a discipler.

[Baylee Sanders · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hiiiiiiighly recommend this book to anyone who calls themselves a Christian! Great perspectives on discipleship :)

[Kristopher Clifford · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished this book by David Sunde. I have to say that at first it felt too simple. But as I read I was struck by how profound David's ideas were. On more than one occasion the Spirit used Sunde's words to convict me in places I have become too comfortable. I confess that too often I make discipleship complex in order to appease my own ego, make me feel like the smartest in the room, and honestly to avoid the hard steps I need to take in my discipleship journey. Sunde wasn't interested in proving his intellect (though it was evident throughout). It seems his interest is creating a tool that can actually be used by any Jesus follower to start making disciples

I once asked leaders in a midsized and very successful church, "of all your small group leaders, who is the most effective disciple-maker?" Their inability to name more than one leader was heart breaking.
That's not to say their group leaders weren't effective at leading a small group...but it is to say their small groups don't necessarily produce disciples. This is exactly the issue that Sunde is attempting to address. On pg 203 he says, "Most churches are full of mules: good, hard-working saints. They teach classes, organize activities, host small groups, works as ushers and with kids, address physical needs of the people and the property, and do many other good works. There is just one problem: They don't know how to reproduce their faith." What Sunde has put together is a field guide. He makes the concept of making disciples accessible and doable for any Christian.

There are enough books out there pontificating theologies and methodologies for discipleship. Sunde gives you core concepts, rhythms to follow, questions to allow the Holy Spirit to speak to you, and next steps all along the way. If you are looking for a book to add to your discipleship intellect or that makes you feel smarter, this is not for you. In Sunde's own words on, "personal consumption never leads to transformation. What's more, we've largely made discipleship about knowledge without mission" (101). However, if you are looking for a book that gives you tools to be discipled or to start making disciples, this book is for you. If you are looking for a book that brings you back to the heart of the Gospel and convicts you about your role as a Jesus follower, this book is for you!

Sunde says it so well on pg 201, "Our mission is not to grow a church services, or small groups, or to build buildings or a voting block. Instead our business is making disciples."

Thank you to NavPress for allowing me to read this ARC for an objective review.

[Carol Standish-Leigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Small batch disciplemaking is an excellent resource. This is a great help in enabling Christian’s mentor and disciple others. Jesus had an intentional approach to crafting disciples and growing their faith . The book breaks down the steps needed to help others deepen their faith and in turn become disciple makers. The books chapters cover the following themes:
Defining Discipleship
Discipleship is Relationship
Embracing Your Greater Purpose
Abiding Daily
Loving God: Bible Study and Prayer
Loving Others: Fellowship and Evangelism
You Are a Leader
Vision and Multiplication

Each of these chapters outlines a spiritual rhythm and has an interactive section called Finding Your Rhythm giving the reader to personalise their experience and find their voice to share with others.