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4 Chair Discipling: Growing a Movement of Disciple-Makers
Dann Spader is a disciple-maker who has spent his adult life exploring what it means to take someone from being a seeker to making disciples themselves. Over 750,000 people in 80 countries have been trained to make disciples through organizations he has led. Through studying the life of Christ and His disciple-making methods, Dann developed 4 Chair Discipling, a simple picture for others to follow. Jesus’ last words on earth had a few very specific instructions: Go, make disciples, baptize, and teach.
But what does that mean for us today? Well, it’s not easy. But it is simple. Teacher and leader Dann Spader explains disciple-making as a process of moving people through four chairs, from someone seeking to know more about Christ to someone who makes disciples themselves. Chair 1: Come and See (John 1:39)
Chair 2: Follow Me (John 1:43)
Chair 3: Become a Fisher of Men (Matthew 4:19)
Chair 4: Go and Bear Fruit (John 15:16) In the process of His four-year ministry, Jesus realized that different people are at different stages of growth and development, and He works to challenge each of them to the next level. In 4 Chair Discipling , you’ll get a clear and simple picture of how to follow in Jesus’ footsteps and do the same thing.
But what does that mean for us today? Well, it’s not easy. But it is simple. Teacher and leader Dann Spader explains disciple-making as a process of moving people through four chairs, from someone seeking to know more about Christ to someone who makes disciples themselves. Chair 1: Come and See (John 1:39)
Chair 2: Follow Me (John 1:43)
Chair 3: Become a Fisher of Men (Matthew 4:19)
Chair 4: Go and Bear Fruit (John 15:16) In the process of His four-year ministry, Jesus realized that different people are at different stages of growth and development, and He works to challenge each of them to the next level. In 4 Chair Discipling , you’ll get a clear and simple picture of how to follow in Jesus’ footsteps and do the same thing.
160 pages, Hardcover
First published August 1, 2014
59 people are currently reading
227 people want to read
About the author
Dann L. Spader
10 books2 followersDANN SPADER (Moody Bible Institute, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School) has dedicated his life to disciple-making, teaching others how to take someone from seeker to making disciples themselves. More than 750,000 people in 90 plus countries have been trained to make disciples through organizations he has led. He is the Founder of Sonlife ministries and currently serves as President of Global Youth Initiative, an alliance of organizations in 95 countries committed to “equipping young leaders for movements of multiplication”. He is also author of Walking As Jesus Walked and co-author of Growing a Healthy Church and The Everyday Commission, among other titles. For free online videos visit www.4chairdiscipling.com.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
March 30, 2020
A very simple "strategy" for bringing people from outside into the core. Practical and easy to implement. A good tool! Recommend.
March 18, 2016
I've heard Dann teach this material in person twice and I am a qualified SHIFTm2M facilitator in Australia which uses this material. It has also formed the basis for my ministry philosophy for over 20 years. To say I am familiar with it is an understatement.
Reading the book is like listening to Dann - easy & straightforward. It reflects Dann's personality - his obsession with counting the number of occurrences of something in the gospels or NT, his clear, structured thought - and his passion - to see movements of disciple makers built. This is not a book about exploring mystery or pondering alternative explanations. It is a practical guide for making disciples based on Jesus' model.
I have some different perspectives on some of the issues Dann is firm on. I would like to nuance the issue of kenosis a little and I have a different explanation of the parable of the sower. But to do so in this book would have bogged it down in side-issues and would have distracted from its main point and purpose.
My biggest difference with Dann's outline is that I think he understates the importance of pre-evangelism in the process. He gives equal prominence to the four chairs (and a very, very helpful summary of his views on the fifth chair) but I think there is a step before the 1st chair that is only implied in Dann's teaching, but is clear in the gospels.
Some NT scholars will have an issue with how clear the chronology of Jesus' life and ministry is or with Dann's reliance on a gospel harmony. My response to that is, none of the principles depend on the specific ordering of individual events but rather the grouping of events into a broad sequence. I think it is hard to dispute that Jesus was born and grew up before he was baptised as a 30 y.o. John's gospel is clear that Jesus does ministry in parallel with John the Baptist for a while. Then, when John is arrested, Jesus relocates to Galilee and begins developing a ministry team (calls the four). The appointment of the Twelve happens later but before his death and resurrection. If you can accept that sequence, then everything Dann writes holds up.
Having said all this, I still highly recommend this book. It is an important introduction and overview of a model of disciple making that has proven effective in multiple cultures and multiple ministry contexts world wide. My critique of the model comes from years of practicing and teaching it myself and can be described as my personalisation of the model (in contrast to Dann's personalisation) rather than any flaw in the model or in Dann's teaching itself.
Reading the book is like listening to Dann - easy & straightforward. It reflects Dann's personality - his obsession with counting the number of occurrences of something in the gospels or NT, his clear, structured thought - and his passion - to see movements of disciple makers built. This is not a book about exploring mystery or pondering alternative explanations. It is a practical guide for making disciples based on Jesus' model.
I have some different perspectives on some of the issues Dann is firm on. I would like to nuance the issue of kenosis a little and I have a different explanation of the parable of the sower. But to do so in this book would have bogged it down in side-issues and would have distracted from its main point and purpose.
My biggest difference with Dann's outline is that I think he understates the importance of pre-evangelism in the process. He gives equal prominence to the four chairs (and a very, very helpful summary of his views on the fifth chair) but I think there is a step before the 1st chair that is only implied in Dann's teaching, but is clear in the gospels.
Some NT scholars will have an issue with how clear the chronology of Jesus' life and ministry is or with Dann's reliance on a gospel harmony. My response to that is, none of the principles depend on the specific ordering of individual events but rather the grouping of events into a broad sequence. I think it is hard to dispute that Jesus was born and grew up before he was baptised as a 30 y.o. John's gospel is clear that Jesus does ministry in parallel with John the Baptist for a while. Then, when John is arrested, Jesus relocates to Galilee and begins developing a ministry team (calls the four). The appointment of the Twelve happens later but before his death and resurrection. If you can accept that sequence, then everything Dann writes holds up.
Having said all this, I still highly recommend this book. It is an important introduction and overview of a model of disciple making that has proven effective in multiple cultures and multiple ministry contexts world wide. My critique of the model comes from years of practicing and teaching it myself and can be described as my personalisation of the model (in contrast to Dann's personalisation) rather than any flaw in the model or in Dann's teaching itself.
March 15, 2024
My latest reading of this book was by no means my first and will not be my last.
As somebody with a heart for discipleship, evangelism and missions, this book really has helped put those all in perspective.
Mr. Spader has done an excellent job of explaining discipleship in a Biblical light and stepping on the toes of those who need it(myself included in various areas) with love and grace.
I was walked through this book on more than one occasion during my time as a student and later a leader in college ministry. Recently, I led the Young Professionals at my church through it as well. It seems as though they enjoyed it on the whole, or maybe they're just sparing my feelings.
With that said, one thing that they did say that they didn't enjoy, and I see their point, is that labeling people and putting them into boxes can stunt our ministry and our relationships. It can also stunt our worldview if we only see the world through the eyes of the four chairs. I understand that by no means is that the point of the book, nor would Mr. Spader ever tell us to solely go based on 4 Chair Discipling. It is a tool to help. Not the glasses through which we should see all of life.
There are many illustrations, suggestions and pieces of advice this book gives that I have taken and used and will continue to do so. It is excellent and it does help. 4 Stars seems enough. I'd love to give it 5 Stars, but again, making sure to put the tool in its proper place.
As somebody with a heart for discipleship, evangelism and missions, this book really has helped put those all in perspective.
Mr. Spader has done an excellent job of explaining discipleship in a Biblical light and stepping on the toes of those who need it(myself included in various areas) with love and grace.
I was walked through this book on more than one occasion during my time as a student and later a leader in college ministry. Recently, I led the Young Professionals at my church through it as well. It seems as though they enjoyed it on the whole, or maybe they're just sparing my feelings.
With that said, one thing that they did say that they didn't enjoy, and I see their point, is that labeling people and putting them into boxes can stunt our ministry and our relationships. It can also stunt our worldview if we only see the world through the eyes of the four chairs. I understand that by no means is that the point of the book, nor would Mr. Spader ever tell us to solely go based on 4 Chair Discipling. It is a tool to help. Not the glasses through which we should see all of life.
There are many illustrations, suggestions and pieces of advice this book gives that I have taken and used and will continue to do so. It is excellent and it does help. 4 Stars seems enough. I'd love to give it 5 Stars, but again, making sure to put the tool in its proper place.
August 9, 2023
Discipleship, multiplying, and making disciples is the end result of our ministry. Salvation is the start, not the end goal. Not only that, but it is supposed to be simple. Spader lays out the simplicity of the gospel and our mandate as Christians to go into all the world and make disciples. To teach others to make disciples and grow the kingdom of God. This book should be given to those coming out of the water of baptism to let them know what they are to do. Not step-by-step, but to give them clear direction as to what Christians are supposed to do. I loved this book, and a must read from the new believer to the Pastor.
June 4, 2018
How did Jesus train the 12? Great book on the levels of spiritual growth. An explanation of each and the main traits. Highly recommended for self-examination and if your do one-on-one discipleship.
February 24, 2024
Ei taida ihan pysyä nikealaisen kaksiluonto-opin rajoissa. Muutenkin metodi on ns. amerikkalainen: ensin on malli, ja sitten tosiasiat tungetaan sopivaksi siihen. Idea on sinänsä hyvä ja ajatus varmasti vilpitön.
May 12, 2019
This book is an easy read that will help you navigate the stages of discipleship and challenge you to be someone who makes disciples.
December 13, 2019
Amazing!! Best read in small group study. I plan to read it again and again!
April 5, 2021
3.5 - helpful in several ways.
November 1, 2021
good read! great concept to understand discipleship process and different stages people can be in on their journey.
April 11, 2023
Simple to read with plenty of examples of how to use this system.
July 31, 2024
Great, every person on their walk with Christ needs to read this book. It applies to everyone at every chair of their spiritual journey.
February 1, 2026
Great info, but not a great book. Too much basic stuff like "Jesus is God and man." Could have been an amazing article with a detailed infographic.
January 9, 2020
Disciplining God's way! Worth the read.
Chair 1: Come and see
Chair 2: Follow Me
Chair 3: Become a fisher of people
Chair 4: Go and bear fruit
I would HIGHLY recommend!
Chair 1: Come and see
Chair 2: Follow Me
Chair 3: Become a fisher of people
Chair 4: Go and bear fruit
I would HIGHLY recommend!
March 21, 2017
This was excellent.
March 14, 2017
Great book for an introduction to discipleship. Be careful if you have prior knowledge in this subject, as this book will seem very basic. For someone looking to discover the basic foundation of discipleship, or strengthen any cracks found in a preexisting foundation, this book will be great.
August 1, 2014
4 Chair Discipling: Growing a Movement of Disciple-Makers by Dann L. Spader is an innovative and truly unique concept. According to the author, disciple-making is a process of moving people through four chairs:
Chair 1: Come and See (John 1:39)
Chair 2: Follow Me (John 1:43)
Chair 3: Become a Fisher of Men (Matthew 4:19)
Chair 4: Go and Bear Fruit (John 15:16)
Explore with him this wonderful and ground-breaking idea through eleven exciting chapters:
One: Where It All Began
Two: The Full Humanity of Jesus
Three: Our Mission and Motive
Four: The Method – An Overview
Five: Chair 1: The Lost
Six: Chair 2: The Believer
Seven: Chair 3: The Worker
Eight: Chair 4: The Disciple Maker
Nine: Sticking Points (Mark 4)
Ten: Barriers (John 15)
Eleven: Full-orbed Disciple-Making
A must-read for all believers, this path-breaking book should be in the hands of everyone called to minister the Word and make disciples.
Chair 1: Come and See (John 1:39)
Chair 2: Follow Me (John 1:43)
Chair 3: Become a Fisher of Men (Matthew 4:19)
Chair 4: Go and Bear Fruit (John 15:16)
Explore with him this wonderful and ground-breaking idea through eleven exciting chapters:
One: Where It All Began
Two: The Full Humanity of Jesus
Three: Our Mission and Motive
Four: The Method – An Overview
Five: Chair 1: The Lost
Six: Chair 2: The Believer
Seven: Chair 3: The Worker
Eight: Chair 4: The Disciple Maker
Nine: Sticking Points (Mark 4)
Ten: Barriers (John 15)
Eleven: Full-orbed Disciple-Making
A must-read for all believers, this path-breaking book should be in the hands of everyone called to minister the Word and make disciples.
February 9, 2015
This book was sent to me as an introduction to Sonlife; I found it a systematic and thoughtful analysis of the life of Jesus model of disciple making. Dann's exegesis on the humanity of Christ is alone worth reading, and it will open your eyes to how you as a believer are equipped in the same way Christ was. 4 Chairs represents a model for leaders and disciple-makers to follow and implement, written in a thorough and positive manner that every church and individual can learn from.
January 17, 2015
This book was a required text for one of my classes. I began reading it with few expectations. By the second chapter I was hooked. I have read many books that use difficult language to explain complex topics. This book was not difficult to read, yet the content was rich. I was challenged to rethink the way that I was making disciples (or lack thereof). This book is a must read for anyone working with other people in their ministry.
December 16, 2016
Moving from his years at Sonlife Ministries and condensing principles he once presented through the Live 2:6 disciplemaking material, Spader lays out his thesis as to Jesus' methodology of developling followers who develop followers. Spader uses the analogy of four chairs to represent the four phases that people we encounter are in: unbeliever, learner, worker, and disciple-maker. It is perhaps one of the best approaches to disciple-making taken directly from the Gospels.
July 19, 2019
This book sets the tone for maturing in Christ, certain patterns should exist and be seen by others to some extent. The four levels,or rather maturity signs of growth are biblical but this book gives breath to how to help a director or inn their journey and so on.
August 28, 2015
Couldn't relate to this. I'm not sure why. Perhaps some personal weakness I need to work on? Nevertheless, it was rated well, but did not work for me.
February 28, 2016
Excellent stuff for any type of ministry.
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November 3, 2017Fantastic!
Great insights into stages and processes of disciple making. Would highly recommend this to anyone serious about the mission of Christ!
Great insights into stages and processes of disciple making. Would highly recommend this to anyone serious about the mission of Christ!
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews