Rediscovering Discipleship: Making Jesus’ Final Words Our First Work

by Robby Gallaty, Ed Stetzer (Foreword)

Discipleship is the buzzword today. Many believers are contemplating in a fresh way what it means to take the Great Commission seriously. Rediscovering Discipleship takes the guesswork out of Christian maturity. 

Based on insights gained from a decade of personally making disciples, author and pastor Robby Gallaty tackles the two hindrances that keep believers from getting involved in making disciples: ignorance and uncertainty. Since many believers have never been personally disciple, they have no model to guide them in discipling others. Their ignorance of the process fuels their uncertainty, which leaves them crippled from the start. With simple principles that are easy to apply, Rediscovering Discipleship provides readers with the tools to follow the Great Commission—to go and actually make disciples who multiply and make disciples.

Gallaty begins with a brief historical overview of the discipleship ministries of influential theologians, preachers, and pastors from years past, and then identifies roadblocks that hinder believers from becoming disciples before offering a step-by-step process for readers to  immediately get started on the path to effective disciple making.

Genres: Discipleship, Christian, Nonfiction, Christian Non Fiction, Theology, Christianity, Audiobook

223 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 20, 2015

Reviews

[Jimmy Reagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Making Jesus’ Final Words Our First Work” reads the subtitle as it reveals the passion for discipleship that you will find between the covers of this book. I have never read a book that biblically makes the case for discipleship as well as this one. Beyond that is the practical guidelines given by one with much experience. There’s seven chapters on the why and six on the how.

Part One includes an in-depth look at how Christ made disciples. The chapter on “Thinking Like A Hebrew” is profound in its insights and one of the most powerful in the book. Then he got into the type of people Jesus discipled–blue collar, untrained, and young–and shows us there might be better candidates around us than we supposed. He also makes sure that we don’t lose sight of the goal that the disciple be transformed in the image of Christ.

He looks at discipleship historically as well going back to Augustine. His analysis of Wesley’s effective methods will really get you thinking. His thought that a comma in the KJV did the most damage to discipleship seems overdone, but otherwise his historical insights seem hard to refute.

The second part of the book highlights what he has learned from personal experience. His way is not the only way, but his experience makes him deserve our ear. Finally, he makes a clear distinction between evangelism and discipleship. Discipleship is for believers! This work deserves the prominent place on our shelves for often use.


I received this book free from the publisher. 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.

[Marty Solomon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good book on discipleship. And one should know that I am very, very difficult to please with resources on discipleship.

We talk about discipleship in a lot of ways. Sometimes, the word refers to spiritual formation and development. This is a very good thing and we should do that; I often enjoy those books. Mega-church pastors often talk about discipleship as if it's a church assimilation strategy, with great and grand statements about how their methods mirror those of Christ. Church assimilation is a good thing for many and we should do that too; I often do not enjoy those books.

But this book isn't those kinds of books. My passion for discipleship is one of trying to experiment and recover a more ancient, rabbinic model of discipleship built on imitation or mimicry. Robby's book here takes us in those directions.

This book wasn't full of brand new ideas (it shouldn't be new!). But this book has very practical and well-packaged. Gallaty adheres to a "I do; you watch. I do; you help. You do; I help. You do; I watch." method and I can respect that especially as it mimics a model of imitating a rabbi/teacher and looks — at least a little — like what Jesus was doing in the first century.

One of my favorite spots of this book was chapters 5 and 6 where Gallaty reviewed the history of discipleship. The section was challenging and informative for me. If anyone is looking for a good resource on discipleship that give you very practical tools for application, this is a good option.

[DJ Scruda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seems like Dave read this book before forming Summit College

[Kofi Adu-Boahen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Discipleship is something of a passion of mine and so I make it my business to read as much on the subject as is possible.

I came across Dr. Robby Gallaty's ministry through an episode of the John Ankerberg Show in 2011 and was profoundly impressed by his philosophy of discipleship being a culture and a lifestyle and not just a program.

Having listened to his preaching for a while, I was glad to finally pick up one of his books. This, his second work, is a discussion of how to transition from personal discipleship (described in his first book Growing Up) to making other disciples. His paradigm of the Crowd-Community-Core alone demonstrates a keen awareness not just for throwing around the buzzword of discipleship, but for making that word a living reality in the Church.

Cannot recommend it any more highly than to say it is the kind of book I will probably read the second time in a single setting.

[Sahil David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Had some disagreements but overall a solid book on discipleship and its importance

[Lori · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good overall look at the topic of discipleship. There were some good insights here and there are a few ideas that I would like to try as I move forward in discipleship of others. These are mainly: D-Groups of 3-4 rather than on-on-one and accountability questions for D-Groups.

There were also parts of the book that seemed to not make connection for me. Several times as I was reading, I found I was unsure why he was discussing what he was (keshers, the doubting of Thomas.) I am a terrible reader though, so I leave room that this could have been my own fault.

A few things I wish the book had answered, but didn't:
1. How does a lay person move toward discipling others if the church he attends does not have a rigorous strategy for discipleship? (Gallaty calls out pastors as the ones who set the tone for discipleship... but what if you aren't a pastor?)
2. Given the widespread ignorance of discipleship within the western church, how does a person find someone to disciple them if they want to be discipled?
3. What does it look like, in a practical sense, for a person to be able to answer "Who am I discipling, and who is discipling me?" at any given time. Using Gallaty's D-Group model, would a person really be leading a weekly D-Group as well as participating in a separate one?

Certianly found nuggets that will be useful to me. Pastors should definitely read this.

[LaRosa Jr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found out about Robby Gallaty through another of his books, the Foundations journal. After having a renewed interest in discipleship because of a website I started, I decided to give this book a read. I'm glad I did.

Robby does a great job of discussing the topic of discipleship from a very practical point of view. The structure of the book is laid out well, first helping you understand discipleship from an ancient near eastern Jewish context. What did it really mean to follow a rabbi? What was so eyeopening about Jesus picking fishermen & others as his disciples? How did Jesus raise the bar on discipleship? Once you understand the answers to these questions, then you can begin to understand discipleship in a modern context.

Once you have the historical understanding in place, the rest of the book looks at discipleship through history and then giving you tips for how to practically apply it in your own life. The key is that discipleship is a lifelong process. We should always be discipled by someone else, while discipling others who can then disciple others. This is what it means to live out the Great Commission given to us by Jesus.

I highly recommend this book and I now look forward to reading all of Robby's other books on discipleship. The footnotes also gave me several other books on discipleship to read. Now to put this all to use and get my own D-Group going.

[Daryl Watts · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received the book as part of a discipleship conference featuring Dr. Gallaty. He recently served as the head of a discipleship task force for the Southern Baptist Convention. Unsurprisingly, the task force discovered that Southern Baptists are doing a terrible job at discipleship. Rediscovering Discipleship outlines the process Dr. Gallaty, uses to help his church reach his definition of discipleship. To paraphrase D. L. Moody, I like the way Dr. Gallaty does discipleship compared to not doing it at all." Sadly, that's about the highest praise I can give the book.

The reader does get a very basic overview of the concept of small group discipleship, but not a lot of data on content and management thereof. While the author says over and over (and over again), that his methodology may not work everywhere, the book is clearly about his methodology and he borders on saying that this methodology is the only Biblical model and the only one that works.

If one is interested in starting Gallaty's model of discipleship, this is good place to start, but one will need more information (I'm sure the author has more books and conferences to help). If one is looking to develop a discipleship process that is best for one's own church, this might be a good model and it might not. Read it, but ignore the criticisms of other processes and use the information to develop your own process.

[Jack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Too many times, we bemoan the loss of a value, practice, or friendship without going back to trace where it went and how we got there. In this book, Robby Gallaty, known for his passion for discipleship of believers in Jesus, shares with us the history, development, and distraction from discipleship. He lays out the case for discipleship as it was experienced in ancient Israel and then brings it forward to today. Far from an esoteric discussion of theory, this book is a laser-focused trip tracing the dearth of discipleship through its probably causes, but also provides a blueprint for how to reverse the trend. Whether you are looking at how to begin discipling others, or even how to look for someone to disciple you, this book has it in it. With practical examples all the way down to what do we do when we get together to do this, it is a brief read of immense value for all those who love Jesus and want to follow Him closer and make His last words their first priority. And, yes, I stole that line from the book.

[Salesi Morris · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very clear and helpful book on Discipleship. I thought the early parts of the book were fantastic, setting the theological and biblical groundwork to help us understand not just what discipleship means, but also what it meant to the people who would have heard the words "Make Disciples of all nations". I thought this was perhaps the strongest area of the book!

I really enjoyed the practical implications of the teaching and especially reading of how others in the author's life had modelled that for him. Though I'm not totally sold on his specific method of Discpling, you can't deny that the author has a heart for seeing people not just won for Christ but also growing into the fullness of maturity in Christ.

What this book has done brilliantly is to help shape my mind to see the real need for discipleship and given me a biblical basis upon which I pursue Discipleship in our current day.

With so many books, articles and confusion out there on the topic of Discipleship, I would make this one of the go-to books on the subject.

[Robert Wegner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Robby Gallaty does a great job in this book addressing the need for discipleship while also explaining principles that help establish discipleship within a church. He begins by studying Jesus Christ and His earthly ministry as a Rabbi. He then looks at His methods of choosing and training disciples after Him to continue in His work later on. After this character sketch, he gives relating principles on how to disciple those around us.
This book is not intended to be a practical guide to discipleship. Instead, Gallaty gives us an abundance of reasons and principles and sends us out to disciple within our own, individual context. This book helped me see the need and reevaluate how I should do discipleship.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Begins with what discipleship really means and then helped readers understand Hebrew references. Stop thinking Hellenistically and start thinking Hebraically. Walking to maturity as you follow the rabbi. A brief history of discipleship, bill bright.
Lead while the disciples watch, lead while the disciples assist, assist while the disciples lead and watch while the disciples lead.
John Wesley’s history and George Whitefield’s discipleship model
Discipleship in an “ I want it now society “
Addition vs multiplication
Discipleship is intentionally equipping believers with the word of God through accountable relationships, empowered by the Holy Spirit in order to replicate faithful followers of Christ.
Marcs of a D-group
Missional, accountable, reproducible, communal, scriptural

[Sophie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book provided some helpful insights into understanding the Bible in it's context, as well as some other good nuggets along the way.

Unfortunately, it seemed very disjointed. Many parts were not about discipleship (though I admit these were my favorite parts), but bunny trails. The parts that were about discipleship seemed like infomercials for his discipleship plan. Also noted some contradictions.

I think reading this book can give some valuable insight, so I would not necessarily discourage it, but I would certainly not encourage it if you are specifically looking for help with discipleship

[Anna Tan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I downloaded Rediscovering Discipleship: Making Jesus' Final Words our Work from NetGalley sometime last year because I thought the book would be pretty useful and interesting. Little did I know that when I started reading it this year, it would also somehow coincide with a whole series of Discipleship sermons in church.

In some ways, it's been good. It's formed a stronger background to what discipleship is and should be.

But on the other hand, it's also stirring up anger at the church - at the perceived failures of the church - in relationship to discipleship and their empty rhetoric. FACT: I wrote a whole rant about it on Medium because I was comparing what I was reading against what I was hearing.

"...you cannot apply a text differently today from how it was applied in the context in which it was written. In other words, a text interpreted today cannot mean something entirely different from what it meant back then. Texts must be understood in their context."

I had an idea for a blog post about this once...
Anyway, Gallaty starts off the book by delving deep into what discipleship was in Jesus' days: something like an expected mentorship, or an apprenticeship - things that we do not practice anymore, and can hardly comprehend. He goes into the details of a Jewish upbringing, throwing into stark contrast the way Jewish children learnt about God and the way Christian children today learn about God. Is one better than the other? I don't know. It's just different. But it does bring up the point of why so many Christian children, growing up in godly families, fail to develop a faith of their own.

He then shifts gear into how discipleship in the church has looked like over the years, from Jesus to Augustine to Wesley, rounding it up with how he leads discipleship groups in his church and his 5 MARCS of a disciple - Missional, Accountable, Reproducible, Communal and Scriptural - giving solid and simple practices to emulate.

One of the strongest things that has been reinforced for me is that discipleship is really about intentional community. It's about walking after the master, being open and transparent about successes and failures - not just the disciple's, but also the master's. It's not about just hearing someone preach. (Stop being a tadpole) But about seeing their lives as it really is - the good, the bad and the ugly. And then passing it on. Doing it again. And it comes back to that main, simple point: knowing who Jesus really is.

"You cannot know the God of the Word unless you know the Word of God. In order to understand God, you must know Jesus - the walking Word (John 1:1, 14) - which is impossible apart from the Scriptures."

Final thought: the goal of discipleship isn't how many people you can bring into church. The goal is to grow your disciples spiritually. I recently watched a great video on this - look, everything is related isn't it? - The question is not really about whether you meet some pre-defined "good standard". It's about growth: how far you've come from where you were.

"Could it be that believers minimise discipleship in the church because they never had the privilege of being discipled? That might be the first step you need to take as a leader. It is difficult - nearly impossible - to lead someone on a journey on which you have never been yourself."

I don't know where I'll go from here. But this book fails in its mission if I don't at least start somewhere. We've talked a lot about "accountability groups" in church and "spiritual parenting" in addition to the care cells. The problem has always been the practical application and carrying out of these discipleship movements. In retrospect, this sounds uncannily similar to the problematic statement of "no problem! You can do it yourself!" but with this caveat - Gallaty points out clearly that the ultimate disciple-maker, and the person we are all called to emulate, is Jesus himself.

If we profess to know the Jesus of the Bible and to follow Him, then we should take on this mandate to make disciples and trust Him to lead us along the way.

[John Davis · Rating 2 out of 5]

From what I understand Robby Gallaty is an excellent pastor and discipler, but I just don't like his writing style. This book was 200-plus pages and it could have been about 50. There's lots of fluff and fat so to speak. I don't necessarily disagree with anything in the book, but if you want a good read on discipleship you'd be much better off reading something like Master Plan of Evangelism, or The Trellis and the Vine.

[Traikon Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A clear and practical book on what real discipleship looks like. Gallaty’s passion shows, and I liked how he ties Jesus’ method to historical examples like Wesley and Augustine. It’s a great reminder that discipleship is intentional, not accidental.

That said, it’s definitely on the basic side if you’ve read other books on the topic—some repetition and a heavy lean on his own model. Still, a motivating and worthwhile read for anyone wanting to refocus on Jesus’ call to make disciples.

[Nathan Brewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I began this book a little begrudgingly, thinking “ANOTHER book on discipleship?” This book is another book on the topic but from a very specific angle and thesis on group discipleship. It’s a very easy read and Robby writes thoughtfully and convincingly. This was a game changer for me and I look forward to sharing with others.

[Arthur Peters · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 STARS. A good book on discipleship although nothing really revolutionary. I enjoyed the early chapter comparing the western vs. eastern mindsets on words vs. illustrations and word pictures. I also liked the author’s insights on the makeup of a discipleship group. I look forward to starting a group and seeing what God does with it!

[Sidney · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED IT!!!

It was an awesome read! I cried, I chuckled more than once, but far most I definitely was motivated to seek discipleship and also pour into others what I have received by grace. I believe this is the time to dust off the dust, get up and start (better yet, finish) what has been dormant in the church, in our lives and disciple those who are hungry for God!

[Joshua Hayes · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book to read if want to learn how to disciple a group, giving great practical ways on how to get the group encouraging one another, holding one another accountable and teaching one another. It also shows the need to have discipleship in church and where the modern day church is falling short.

[Blake A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great conviction builder for making disciples

He does a good job of mixing in history, culture, Bible, and real life practical examples to build a case for the church’s return to its primary task — making disciples. I found myself motivated to get my dgroup going strong again.

[Jonathan Fletcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Probably the best book on discipleship that I have read, other than Dallas Willard. You can tell that he has spent time sitting under David Platt, but he also has unique insights as well. I particularly found myself blown away by the first 5-6 chapters.

[Dennis Thurman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Challenging and practical. It is spot on in its thrust, strategic in its application, and stimulating in its illustrations. It is thoroughly Biblical and offers a template for implementing discipleship in the local church.

[Andrew · Rating 2 out of 5]

To Gallaty, discipleship seems to = small groups. Which of course, is not universal. There are some helpful aspects in this book, but one does have to wonder if a mega church pastor should be the model of discipleship.

Discipleship is best in churches that are not in the thousands, and the elders know all their members.

[Kyle Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Biblical and thoughtful

Gallaty’s volume is a refreshing return to biblical discipleship. The final chapter contains a delightful look at the one called “Doubting Thomas” that had me researching to see what I had missed all these years. Excellent book!

[Kinggoleafs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome!! Inspiring! Insightful!

[Jerome Bushnell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great cultural understanding of first century Jews as it relates to discipleship.

[Paul A Colton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book!

This book is a great reminder of our call to go and make disciples. Very practical. I would recommend this book.

[Robert Conder · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are all called to make disciples

[James Younis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow

I learned so much. This read was phenomenal. Read it. You won't regret it.

It begins with Jewish history and ends with application for today.