The Gentle Art of Discipling Women: Nurturing Authentic Faith in Ourselves and Others

by Dana Yeakley

Discipleship is a responsibility of every believer, yet many of us avoid doing it because we don't know where to start. "The Gentle Art of Discipling Women" provides a framework for discipleship from the mentoring voice of a seasoned discipler. Dana Yeakley walks with you through the foundational principles of who you are in Christ and how you are uniquely equipped to pass along what He has taught you.The book is divided into two parts: Be a Disciple: Four foundational truths (We Are Becoming; We Are Forgiven; We Have Access; We Are Safe) strengthen our confidence so that we can pass along our faith.Make a Disciple: Four questions (How Do We Create the Right Atmosphere? Who Do We Help? What Do We Share? How Does Discipling One-on-One Actually Work?) help us nurture a discipleship relationship."The Gentle Art of Discipling Women" will help each woman discover her unique gifting in discipleship through her relationship with God, her personality, and her story.

Genres: Christian, Discipleship, Christian Non Fiction, Nonfiction, Christian Living

208 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2016

Reviews

[Andrea Cox · Rating 3 out of 5]

FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book. These are my honest thoughts.

This was such a timely book for me. God used it to confirm a few things currently going on in my life. Overall, it was a nice read with informative tips, an encouraging spirit, and an instructional tone. It wasn’t as deep as I thought it would be, but other readers might find it to be the exact depth they need. It will likely be a great resource for many people as they proceed into mentoring relationships.

One or two of the named examples spoke of the women’s negative qualities. To me, this was disconcerting and felt like it broke the confidentiality of the mentor relationship. This was really the only drawback to this book for me.

I love the author’s heart for ministering to women and teaching them to crave Jesus and pursue His direction for their lives. Such a beautiful example of Christ’s love! This shone so brightly through the entire book, it’s almost like it was literally stamped upon each page.

This book is a great resource for those looking to dig deeper into the Word of God and for those who wish to become spiritual mentors.

[Jeanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What good is it to meet any other need if the greatest need is not met? As we begin to see people like Jesus sees' people, we can than take part in the great adventure of laboring with Him. Seeing people like Jesus sees them is our ground zero as we step into discipling.

A great resource for discipling women. This book must be read individually and then I can see it being read together as two women meet. It can create the boundaries of what true discipling is and what it is not. The first part of the book is crucial. We must secure our relationship with God before we can even tackle walking along aside another. The first part deals with that relationship and how we can build our relationship with God thru prayer and bible reading.

The 2nd part of the book deals with the relationship itself. The book directs on what a disciple relationship look like and what it does not look like as well. It gives boundaries that we are not hijacked but we stand firm in the end result of making Jesus known.

This book is a gem of a resource for Women's ministry and ministry leaders to get a biblical handle of what discipleship looks like first individually and then with others as we make Jesus known.

A Special Thank You to Tyndale House Publishers and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

[Maura Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! Not only does Dana include great insight, but she also gives clear concise directions to help anyone who is discipling. Whether you have been discipling for years or are just starting now this is a must read!

[Nancy Boyd · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was helpful in describing one type of discipleship relationship in detail, giving practical examples and useful ideas. Yeakley gives small topical Bible studies to use either with a group of prospective disciple-makers or to do one-on-one alongside a younger woman. I don't prefer her use of the "Message" since it's a paraphrase rather than a translation but that's easily circumvented by a leader. She also includes more "what do you think this means to you...?" type questions than I prefer. Her practical examples and motivational sharing of personal experience is encouraging. This is not, however, a full look at what discipleship looks like and doesn't include discussion on mentoring relationships nor the full scope of what mentoring/discipling can look like.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book seeks to provide a biblical basis as to why and how women should disciple other women. It calls on personal experience; both positive and negative to illustrate points. I liked the narrative of the book a lot but I did feel that there were too many questions at the end of a lot of the chapters and this made the reading of the book slightly disjointed. I would recommend this book for people who desire to disciple women as a really good basis but I would make them aware that there are a lot of questions.

I am grateful to NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Keesa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is wonderfully helpful to anyone who knows they should be discipling others but isn't sure where to start, as well as for those who have been discipling for years, but feel that they aren't doing as good a job as they should be. The second half of the book is especially useful because of its clear, practical suggestions and guidelines, including four tips to help you know when you should "let go" of a current discipling relationship. I found the book useful and very encouraging.

[Ammy A · Rating 5 out of 5]

From beginning to end, Dana Yeakley spoke facts!! She would rely a lot on personal experiences, but most importantly scripture, which was crucial for me. If you’re looking to grow deeper connection with friends through sharing the gospel and express the love of Christ through your discipleship with them, then this book is for you! She includes a lot of questions for you to consider which can be used in Bible studies with others, or as personal reflection. I love the way the author was so gentle, and relatable with every chapter, reading was like having a conversation— she gets it!! This book was inspiring and elevated my confidence when investing in intentional relationships with women by pursuing friendship, doing life together, and sharing the gospel 🤍
1 Thes 5:24

[Liz Bergen · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

This book lays the foundations of discipling and gives very practical examples for a formal discipling relationship. Although the discipling relationship it does give examples for is very intentional and intense.

I love how scripturally based it is, but my issue with most studies like this are the questions related to the reading - they’re often obvious and are just regurgitating the words as opposed to thinking on your own or doing some digging.

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are interested in what it would look like to mentor/disciple another woman, this book is an excellent resource. The first four chapters could even be used to read through and discuss with your mentee.

[Sara Brunsvold · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid, practical advice that gets into the why's and the how's.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gentle, practical, word-centered guidebook. Great content, though it takes quality time to read because each chapter has questions to journal.

[Lindsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would highly recommend this book!

[Sydney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very practical and constantly focused on what the Word says about the topic! Very helpful.

[Reb Loo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Use the discipleship study guide by the Navigators, also!

[Diane Hidey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some great tidbits, but I was hoping for more practicals. Discipling women is more than hosting events...definitely need a life on life commitment

[Michele Morin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Getting older seems to level the relational playing field — at least that’s what I’m finding.

The past ten years have been enriched by relationships with women of all ages who have come to my Sunday school class or have attended our women’s group. I’m always surprised to find common ground with younger women with whom, if it had been possible for us to have met when I was their peer, both of us in our mid-twenties, I would have been too intimidated to speak to them — beautiful, confident, married when I was blah, awkward, and single. The silence would have been deafening, but now, in my fifties, I’m finding that there is plenty to talk about with women of all ages — especially if we’re actively nurturing an authentic faith.

In The Gentle Art of Discipling Women, Dana Yeakley draws upon her years of missionary and leadership experience with the Navigators to lend structure and focus to women’s innate tendency to form meaningful relationships. Her focus is two-fold:

Part One lays a foundation of being. Only one who authentically follows Jesus Christ herself can lead others into a closer following. Dana lays this groundwork upon four realities of the Christian life:
•We are forgiven – and we are “spiritually destitute” apart from God.
•We are safe – God is trustworthy.
•We have access – Cultivating intimacy with Christ is imperative.
•We are becoming – God has begun a work which He intends to complete.

Readers are invited to Go Deeper by wrestling with these concepts as they occur in Scripture through a series of well-framed and insightful study questions.

Part Two addresses the why and the how of making disciples for Jesus Christ, and Dana assumes nothing. With helpful detail, she examines the process of curating a life-giving atmosphere that includes the security of confidentiality, that fosters relationship, that affirms the value of individuals, and that provides structure for communicating Biblical truth with intentionality.

A discipling relationship will include the tough love of exhortation combined with unconditional acceptance; therefore, it is imperative that care be given to the question of whom to disciple. Compatibility as well as eligibility are both concerns — not everyone is at a place in life where she is ready for a one-on-one discipling relationship. Look for a heart for God, faithfulness, and teachability.

The focus of the process is growth through deep interaction around the Word of God. The first four chapters of Dana’s book are a great option for foundational content and could be covered in four to eight weeks. Other alternatives are the Gospel of John or Paul’s epistles to the Philippians or Colossians.

The work that Dana describes is deeply spiritual, and her standards are high. Even so, she communicates realism, urging simplicity and reminding her readers that there are practical details that will facilitate a smooth beginning. For instance, expectations on both sides should be voiced and scheduling details ironed out; however, even after laying this foundation, there still may be discipling relationships that simply will not work out.

Having read the book and received its encouragement, my response is: I can do this! Dana’s gentle teaching at the outset, alongside her wisdom-and-experience-based guidelines make The Gentle Art of Discipling Women a valuable primer for the woman who is ready to take the challenge and trust for grace to enter into joyful obedience to Christ’s command: “Go and make disciples!”




This book was provided by NavPress, published in alliance with Tyndale House Publishing, in exchange for my review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

[Megan Cornish · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reasons I didn't want to read this book:
I, as a woman, have been struggling within the church for some time now. I work in Social Services- Child Protective Services, more accurately. 40 hours a week I deal with angry parents, drug addicts, violent and dirty homes, and broken children. I bust into houses with law enforcement and rescue the vulnerable. I basically kick ass for a living. Then I go to church, and I'm told that my role is to be gentle and nurturing. The 'ministry' options available to me are supplemental and mostly child related. It feels so dismissive to me- and discouraging. The world values me for my strengths and gifts and for who I am more than the church does.

So, naturally, the word "gentle" in the title of this book made me roll my eyes a bit. Why can't it be the "Badass Art of Discipling Women"? I could get behind that. If one more book suggests to me that I host an arts and crafts night with ladies from my church, I might lose my mind. I want an adventure- I want to live dangerously for Christ.


Overall rating: ★★★
Originality: ★★★
Character Development: ★★
Writing: ★★★★
Emotional Involvement:★★

I treasured Yeakley's desire to ensure that those who disciple are, well, disciples. Before even beginning to discuss how to disciple women, she spends the first half of the book discussing how to be a disciple oneself. Sure, it's the basics of the Christian faith- forgiveness, access to God, etc- but I sensed and appreciated the admission booth she places at the doors of discipleship. "As we consider discipling," she says, "we need to be assured of our place as His disciple so we pass on that which we know to be true." In other words: the blind can't lead the blind. I found myself examining my own spiritual life as Yeakley clearly laid out how faithful disciples live.

Onto the good stuff: discipleship. I got the feeling that Yeakley didn't set out so much to teach women how to disciple women as much as to inspire in women the belief that they could. Though she has has years of personal experience, her book makes it clear that any follower of Christ has "what it takes" to grow in disciple-making.

I was pleased to find clearly addressed one of my most wrestled-with questions: how do I discern when women are ready and open to being discipled? And how do I know who might be a waste of time and emotional energy? Yeakley responds: Are they faithful, available, and teachable? Easy criteria that will hopefully help stave off some frustration in the future.

What's the bottom line? Yeakley is qualified to teach on discipleship, with years of experience in the US and overseas. She teaches using Scripture, and gives helpful and practical tips and ideas. I've never read a book on discipleship before, so I don't know how this compares, but it felt like a good book for beginners like myself. Was groundbreaking or life changing? No. Will I recommend it to friends who might have questions about discipleship? Sure. Will I read it again? Probably not.

Disclaimer: I received a free electronic copy of this book.

[Amanda Geaney · Rating 3 out of 5]

In The Gentle Art of Discipling Women, Dana Yeakley shares a system of discipling women that she has developed through years of experience. While reading this book I learned the difference between mentoring and discipling, ways to connect with women with the purpose of making them disciples of Christ, and helpful tips on how to structure our time together in order to build relationships as well as help the woman grow in her maturity as a Christian.

What I found somewhat interesting was the literary structure the author chose. Instead of jumping into why, who, and when of disciple making, she spent the first 4 chapters reviewing foundational truths - our forgiveness by grace, the guarantee of eternity for those who believe, access to God through prayer, and our ongoing sanctification. For women who are buying the book with the intention of discipling a woman who is younger in the faith, it was a strange way to begin. In my opinion, these chapters belong in an appendix titled "Ideas for Your First Meetings" or "Laying the Groundwork." In Chapter 2 and then later in the book, a couple of personal stories felt disconnected from the point the author was trying to make. For example, as she recounts her experience during the Colorado Springs wildfires, it began to sound like she was guaranteeing the physical safety of believers when she stated, "Assurance of our safety is ours if we have entrusted our lives to Christ." Thankfully, she recovered in the following paragraphs by emphasizing ours is an eternal security.
Once I began the second section, my interest level rose and I began to see the merits of the book. Chapters 6 & 7 were the most beneficial to me personally. In 6, Yeakley discusses different ways in which we may be introduced to the women we will disciple. One of my favorite bits of wisdom in this chapter is our need to, "agree upon why and for what aspect of her growth God has brought us together." She also discusses setting a period of 6-12 months to work towards this growth goal. Chapter 7 warns disciple makers to evaluate and not assume the maturity of the woman you will be working with. Then, based on her readiness, prepare the proper diet of milk (1 Corinthians 3:1-2), solid food (Hebrews 5:11-14) or meaty content for the two of you to discuss.

Disciple making is not a one size fits all formula, so accordingly Yeakley's model allows room for adjustments based on the individual needs of the woman we are discipling as well as our own personal preferences. Despite my hesitations at the start, I gained valuable insights, particularly in the areas intentionality and goal setting. I plan to pass my copy along to the Women's Ministry team at my church.

3.5 out of 5

I received this book for free as a member of the Tyndale Blog Network. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

[Laura Langley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author and disciple-maker Dana Yeakley wrote her new book, The Gentle Art of Discipling Women, to equip women to disciple other women one-on-one. Part 1 of the book, appropriately titled, “Be a Disciple,” helps disciplers realize the need for an authentic relationship with Jesus themselves, and it helps them develop a good foundation. Part 2, titled “Make a Disciple,” deals with what it means to be a disciplemaker and gives specific how-to’s. Additionally, there’s a Leader Guide at the end of the book.
“Be a Disciple” focuses on four foundational truths for every Christ follower: (1) we are forgiven; (2) we are safe; (3) we have access; and (4) we are becoming. Each of these four chapters begins with some foundational verses, some teaching, and a chance for disciplers to dig into the word of God and discover the truth for themselves. Each chapter also contains a “Before We Go On” section that includes things like summaries of key truths, journaling topics, and prayer topics. Finally, each of these chapters ends with a “Disciplemaker Challenge” that calls readers to plan how they will live out the truths they have discovered.
Yeakley begins Part 2 of the book with four truths about discipleship. She says that:
(1) Making disciples is not a human idea. It is God’s idea.
(2) At the core of discipling is a supernatural attachment: God involves Himself within the heart and life of the one we disciple.
(3) As disciplers we are colaborers with God. . . Discipling another is never about us.
(4) Making the choice to disciple women is a matter of obedience (Matthew 28:18-20).
As for the purpose of discipling another woman, Yeakley says it is to “intentionally build into their life as we share life, prayer and [God’s] Word.” Part 2 deals with creating a life-giving atmosphere, identifying potential disciples, knowing what to share with disciples, and giving practical advice for discipling relationships and meetings. These chapters, too, are filled with activities to help readers dig deep into God’s Word and “Disciplemaker Challenges.”
I have no doubt that Yeakley’s The Gentle Art of Discipling Women will prove to be a valuable guide for women seeking to disciple other women one-on-one. Yeakley helps readers see that disicpling another a simple, but challenging process. Investing in another’s spiritual growth requires intentionality, prayer, Bible study, and hard work; yet, it is so worth it. I highly recommend this book, written by a seasoned disciple who disciples others. It’s credible, affordable, and doable.
The Gentle Art of Discipling Women: Nurturing Authentic Faith in Ourselves and Others by Dana Yeakley, is published by NavPress. Buy a copy through your local bookstore or through your favorite online bookseller. Note: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed are my own and are not in any way influenced by the publisher.

[Jalynn Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

About the Book:
Discipleship is a responsibility of every believer, yet many of us avoid doing it because we don't know where to start. "The Gentle Art of Discipling Women" provides a framework for discipleship from the mentoring voice of a seasoned discipler. Dana Yeakley walks with you through the foundational principles of who you are in Christ and how you are uniquely equipped to pass along what He has taught you.

The book is divided into two parts: Be a Disciple: Four foundational truths (We Are Becoming; We Are Forgiven; We Have Access; We Are Safe) strengthen our confidence so that we can pass along our faith.Make a Disciple: Four questions (How Do We Create the Right Atmosphere? Who Do We Help? What Do We Share? How Does Discipling One-on-One Actually Work?) help us nurture a discipleship relationship."The Gentle Art of Discipling Women" will help each woman discover her unique gifting in discipleship through her relationship with God, her personality, and her story.

My Review:
What does it take to disciple oneself? The author can answer this question and take you through the long process of discipling other women. Women need to know they are not alone in their day to day struggles. You have women in churches today that feel alone and vulnerable and they need to know that first and foremost Jesus loves them. He hears their cries and He sends others to come long beside them to get them through this journey we call life. More women should step forward to assist and guide women to be all they can be for God. But many of us just simply don't know how or are too afraid to step up to the plate.

Mentoring other women can be intimidating, to say the least. Dana Yeakley, lays out a way for each of us mentoring women to cut right through the heart of other women to point them to Jesus. she should know she has had several years of experience in this and has created a Biblically sound base along with a lot of great research on the matter to help others along the way.

**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the author.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Gentle Art of Discipling Women is a wonderful book outlining the methods that the author, Dana Yeakley, has found effective throughout her years of discipling women. I love how the book opens, explaining how important gentleness is in discipling when she says, "This gentleness does not mean we are indifferent to damaging life choices or attitudes of those around us. Nor does it mean we endorse the pervasive victim mentalities present in our culture today that paralyze a woman's growth. But in gentleness, we should show deliberate voluntary kindness and forebearance as we conduct ourselves as disciplers." I also appreciate the distinction Yeakley makes in mentoring versus discipling - it helps set up the purpose of the book and purpose one would meet with a woman to help her growth.

The first part of the book walks you through 4 pillars of being a believer, which I found to be helpful, but not nearly as beneficial or interesting as the second part of the book, where Yeakley details her methods for discipling women. This section helps the reader determine who she should disciple, how to create a program for study, and how to create an atmosphere that best suites the person being discipled. I took several interesting pointers from this section and look forward to connecting with a woman interested in going through discipleship together, and I will refer back to this book when that point does come as I prepare a study and determine who to disciple.

Overall, I think there are several wonderful tips throughout this book that one can take into a discipling relationship, and I'm excited to pass this book on to the Women's Ministry leaders at my church, as I'm sure each of them will be able to glean something from it!

Tyndale House Publishers provided me with a complimentary copy of this book.

[Tima · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author has taken her own experiences as a disciple for Christ and shared these with the reader. The book has two parts and begins with how to be a disciple of Christ yourself. For it is impossible to lead if you don't know where you are going. The second part is how to make a disciple. She gives illustrations and guidelines for how to become a mentor to another woman. She uses scripture and personal experiences to base her foundation for this wonderful way of mentoring another in Christ. She not only outlines the how, but also the why.

I enjoyed the concept and the layout of the author's ideas. The two sections are well thought out and the author's writing is authentic. The first half of the book was not really what I thought the book was about. I know that it is vital to be a follow of Christ before trying to lead someone to Him. But I would have thought that anyone picking up this book would already have that and wanted an entire book to learn how to be a better disciple. The last half of the book was full of practical advice and I was able to take away several helpful points. Overall, despite my not thinking the first half was needed, I really enjoyed the book and would definitely recommend it.

I received this book free of charge from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

[Mariejkt · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The Art of Discipling Women" by Dana Yeakley is a book on discipling women to an authentic faith with Christ. I will admit I was thinking this was going to be the normal type of discipling book I see for women on how to keep house but nothing on how to mentor disciple someone with scripture. I was so wrong, this book was a very good book on actually using the scripture. The author goes into detail on how to mentor using scripture as the source and not other books. I also really enjoyed how she brought up that we need to be very careful on not doing gossip. I also enjoyed that she talks about discipling all women not just the ones you think need it. That part really hit home for me as I have never had another Christian woman come up and disciple me which hurts but I have gotten used to it. I pray one day I can be discipled and/or disciple someone else but if that is not God's plan for me then ok. The only thing I did not really enjoy in this book was the quotes using the Message paraphrase as I do not like that one at all to me it twists scripture to much for my likes. I still highly recommend this book as an excellent book discipling.

I was given this book from NetGally for my honest review and was not required to give a positive review.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Gentle Art of Discipling Women is a gem. Dana Yeakley has taken her experience in discipling and her authentic love for Jesus and shared them together beautifully and practically. As I read, it felt almost as if I was meeting with and older and wiser follower of Christ. This will be a permanent addition to my personal library!

The first four chapters are a study of four foundational truths of the Christian faith. They can be read as a solid introduction to the call of discipleship or studied in a group or with others as you begin the process of discipling. The second section of the book answers practical questions about how to make disciples. I appreciated Dana's sharing of her own proven practices as well as the suggestions of how to adjust to your individual personality when meeting with someone. God calls us all to follow, yet He has made us all unique - she captures that spirit well. Each chapter in both sections includes an in-depth Bible study with a reading and detailed journal questions. These allow the truth of the book to take root and God to speak clearly through His Word.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone involved with leading, mentoring, or discipling other women.

[Christa Hagler · Rating 3 out of 5]

I probably would have given 3.5 stars if this was an option. I did enjoy this book and it was easy to read. The first half looked at our personal relationship with Jesus and understand we are still in process. You can't share what you don't have. The second half of the book looked at the more practical side of discipling. Although I enjoyed the first half of the book and believe it is a good and necessary foundation, I was really looking for the more practical side. The more practical side was found in chapters 5-8. I found chapters 7 and 8 the most helpful in future discipling situations and I will likely revisit them as I pray through what to share and how to set up a discipling relationship in the future.

[Christy Spader · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great first step for the new disciple-maker.