The Discipleship Opportunity: Leading a Great-Commission Church in a Post-Everything World

by Daniel Im

Help your church thrive in a post-everything world.The world is a very different place from what it was just a few years ago. Today’s post-everything world is arguably more divisive, political, indifferent, and impatient than ever. While many believe that the best course of action is to find a way back to how things used to be, is that actually the best way forward?Given the many ways that our world has changed, it’s time for Christian leadership strategies to change, and for churches to approach making disciples, evangelism, and preaching differently than yesterday. The Discipleship Opportunity is a powerful tool for church leaders seeking to navigate the challenges of our rapidly evolving, post-pandemic, post-Christian, and post-everything world. In this helpful resource, Daniel Im equips readers with practical ways those who are spiritually asleep in your church and community,disciple your church to know Jesus deeply, andpreach differently in today’s post-everything world.Discern your church’s path forward by learning how to diagnose which shifts to make. Learn disciple-making principles that are as straightforward as they are timely. Whether you’re a seasoned leader or just starting out, don’t miss this opportunity to emerge as a stronger, healthier, and more evangelistic church.

Genres: Christian, Faith

165 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 18, 2024

About the author

Daniel Im is a pastor, Bible teacher, writer, and podcast host with a passion for the local church. He is the Lead Pastor of Beulah Alliance Church and the author of several books, including The Discipleship Opportunity: Leading a Great-Commission Church in a Post-Everything World (his latest), No Silver Bullets: Five Small Shifts that will Transform Your Ministry, Planting Missional Churches, and You Are What You Do: And Six Other Lies about Work, Life, and Love.

He is completing a Doctor of Ministry in Spiritual Formation and Relational Neuroscience at Western Theological Seminary, where his dissertation explores what the autonomic nervous system has to do with preaching and spiritual formation. He also holds an M.A. in Global Leadership from Fuller Theological Seminary and a B.A. in Religious Studies from the University of Ottawa. He has served and pastored in church plants and multisite churches ranging from 100 to 50,000 people, across Vancouver, Ottawa, Montreal, Korea, Edmonton, and Nashville.

He has co-hosted four podcasts, downloaded over 3 million times, including the IMbetween Podcast, which he co-hosts with his wife, Christina. He lives in Edmonton, Alberta, with Christina and their three children.

For more information, visit danielim.com and connect with him on social media @danielsangi.

Reviews

[Mark E. Turner]

I wouldn’t say it’s a great book but some of the stuff is helpful.

Message me if you want the full report.

[Spencer Falk]

Solid book, easy and quick read, very prevalent for ministry workers in today’s context.

[Vanda Chittenden]

The Discipleship Opportunity: A Guide for Churches in a Changing World
In "The Discipleship Opportunity," Daniel Im tackles the challenges facing churches in the modern world. Im argues that clinging to traditional methods of evangelism and leadership may no longer be effective in a society characterized by indifference, impatience, and political division.

The book is aimed at church leaders seeking to revitalize their congregations. Im equips them with practical strategies for:

Reaching those who are spiritually disengaged: Im acknowledges that many within the church itself might be going through the motions without a deep connection to their faith. The book offers guidance on rekindling a passion for Jesus within the existing congregation.
Discipling for a deeper faith: "The Discipleship Opportunity" goes beyond simply attracting new members. Im emphasizes the importance of nurturing existing believers and helping them grow in their understanding of Christianity.
Effective preaching in a new era: The book acknowledges that traditional preaching styles might not resonate with contemporary audiences. Im offers suggestions for crafting messages that are relevant and engaging in today's world.

[Beejai Richardson]

This is one of the great new discipleship books that addresses the post-Covid19 world.

One of Daniel Im's primary premises is that our churches are largely following a seeker-sensitive model to one degree or another and there needs to be a shift in both our thinking and practices. Two major illustrations commonly used in the old model would be a funnel or a series of concentric circles (like an archery target). These illustrations would use labeling like: "Community, crowd, congregation, committed, core" with the goal of funneling everyone toward the center "core". Instead, Im uses a quadrant divided by Christian/nonChristian and interested/disinterested. He then talks about how we can effectively reach each of these quadrants.

Although I would not agree 100% with what is shared here, I do appreciate the fresh way of looking at Church leadership and discipleship. He contributes a lot to what should be an ever-evolving discussion of how we can apply the eternal truths of God to the shifting currents of culture. His methods deserve consideration as his heart is clearly pastoral, discipleship focused, and God centered.

[Alan Rathbun]

I would add this to the list of important new disciple-making books to read along with “Practicing the Way” by John Mark Comer and “One-Eighty: A Return to Disciple Making” by Jeff Vanderstelt. This is different than both of those books because it is looking that big picture of the church and how it looks at it’s purpose. Daniel challenges readers to learn from the past, but to leave it behind because we live in a world with a fresh new discipleship opportunity. He doesn’t provide all the answers, but he does provide a helpful grid for thinking how a church can reach and disciple people in a “post-everything” world.

[Gary Rohrmayer]

Daniel Im's The Discipleship Opportunity: Leading a Great-Commission Church in a Post-Everything World is an essential resource for pastors and lay leaders committed to embracing Jesus' disciple-making mission. As a missional thinker and now an experienced pastor, Daniel Im offers a practical game plan for implementation. This is a must-read for any serious leader looking to join Jesus in his mission.

[Kat Lucille Dennison]

This gives as a practical and timely resource that reframes discipleship as a lifestyle rather than a program. Looks at the church with a POV as consumers vs disciples and seekers vs sleepers. Author does an excellent job of challenging the church to move beyond convenience and intentionality, calling believers to live on mission mode in everyday relationships as well as their congregation. The book is accessible, honest, and deeply rooted in Scripture, offering realistic insights for leaders and everyday Christians alike. It’s a strong reminder that discipleship happens best through presence, obedience, and faithful investment in people.

[James Paton]

Stuck trying to figure out discipleship? This book with open your eyes, stretch your mind, and inspire your heart - not by giving you all the answers but certainly by asking you the right and hard questions. Daniel will take you on a journey and equip you to keep pressing on. This is such a good read and so accessible.

[Danielle Wood]

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Two thumbs up! A wise and practical look at the modern church, especially post Covid. Daniel Im writes with urgency and a call to change without completely disregarding past movements that were positive in their time. I found this book to be spot on and incredibly helpful & challenging.

[John Appleby]

Daniel’s book worth a look

I have followed Daniel since his days at Lifeway and have thoroughly enjoyed his work. I have read “No Silver Bullets” and now this book. I highly recommend it.

[David]

A helpful framework for ministry leaders and pastors that long to disciple and equip as well as reach and invite.

I appreciated the freedom given about where not to prioritize one’s focus or effort to really invest in ministry and formation that makes a difference.

[Joe Cox]

I enjoyed this book greatly and thought it had great contributions especially in the area of the quadrant that focused on the church/unchurched and interested/disinterested. Very helpful.

[Erin]

Lots of good insight, but I was really hoping for more practical tips.

[Rachel Reynolds]

Great ideas and organization. Good food for thought. I don't agree with all the quadrants, but they give good language to how to talk about discipleship.