The Disciple Maker's Handbook: Seven Elements of a Discipleship Lifestyle

by Bobby William Harrington, Josh Robert Patrick

Many people believe that discipleship is important, but they need help. In fact, the vast majority of Christians report that they have never been personally discipled by a more mature follower of Jesus. Is it any wonder that they have a difficult time knowing how to disciple others? If making disciples of Jesus is the greatest cause on earth, how should we equip people to do it? This handbook is a practical guide for how to embrace the discipleship lifestyle – being a disciple of Jesus and how to make other disciples of Jesus. With contributions from pastors and teachers like Francis Chan, Jeff Vanderstelt, Bill Hull, Jim Putman, KP Yohannan, and Robert Coleman, the authors present seven elements that are necessary for disciple making to Whether you are a parent who wants to disciple your children, a small group leader who wants to disciple those in your group, or a church leader who wants to disciple future leaders, the seven key elements in this handbook form a framework for understanding discipleship that can be applied in countless situations. In addition, there are questions provided in each section to help you think through how to apply the material to your disciple making efforts.

Genres: Discipleship, Christian, Christian Non Fiction

192 pages, Paperback

Published February 7, 2017

About the author

Bobby Harrington is the co-founder of discipleship.org and the founding and lead pastor of Harpeth Christian Church (19 years). He is the chairman of the board for the Relational Discipleship Network and the co-author of DiscipleShift, Dedicated: Training Your Children to Trust and Follow Jesus, and Discipleship that Fits. He has been married to Cindy for over 35 years and they have two adult children who are disciples of Jesus.

Reviews

[J · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'd give this book 3.5 stars. As far as the disciple-making books go, I thought it was average. The principles in it were solid, but didn't add anything to the conversation that's been going for decades now.

It's important to note that Harrington proposes a discipleship model that's essentially a small group. He doesn't lay out a vision for discipleship that's 1-1 or 1-2. In my experience these groups fall short of the goals Harrington expresses, mainly multiplication. Reading between the lines this may be what he's experiencing more often than not as Chapter 3 is chopped full of real-life examples, but when he gets to the part of the group passing on and reproducing there's no personal example to be found--despite the fact that the group that's served as an example for the rest of the chapter had been together for over 2 years.

His approach is also curriculum dependent. This tactic does allow more people to easily participate, but doesn't help them to develop into disciple makers who have skill. What it creates are people who are trained in leading people through a curriculum.

It's worth a read if you're looking for what's described above, but there are many disciple making books that would be a better use of your time.

[Kristin Bernazard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this with a small group of women. The Disciple Maker’s Handbook is a great tool for reading together before entering in to a formal discipleship relationship. The Handbook has lots of practical tools to take away and goes (honest and biblical) places with faith and church in America that I haven’t seen printed in a book. Keeping this one nearby on the shelf while I work on making the content not just something helpful to read but part of my every day life.

[Cara Putman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book contains a simple, understandable approach to discipleship perfect for people who want to be part of the great commission. It has helpful tips and is filled with scripture.

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Multiply

This is ok. Multiply is more well written/practical for walking through a discipleship exercise. I was glad to see Chan involved in this work as well.

[Nightman311 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very practical read for those interested in further understanding how discipleship relationships ought to practically look according to the Bible. The references were thoughtful (and in context). I was reminded of my need to move from merely being a minister to being someone that equips disciples to disciple others too.

[Milisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Discipleship Handbook by Jim Herrington is a helpful and practical book for anyone who wants to grow as a follower of Jesus and help others do the same. It focuses on building strong, honest relationships and creating a community where people can grow in their faith together.

Herrington gives clear steps and tools for making disciples—not just in church programs, but through everyday life. He encourages readers to be intentional, accountable, and committed to real spiritual growth.

The book is easy to understand and full of wisdom from years of experience in church leadership. It’s great for pastors, small group leaders, or anyone who wants to take discipleship seriously.

Overall, it’s a solid guide for making disciples in today’s world.

[Brian Metz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disciple-Making Inspiration

There is nothing new in this book and that is a good thing! With insightful, challenging and encouraging questions the authors do a great job laying out their Biblical based argument for Seven Elements of a Discipleship Lifestyle. This is a helpful reminder as well as well as an excellent challenge to live as Jesus demands from us. A life laid down to disciple-making pursuits. If you are all in or just getting started making disciples, I recommend you read and ponder the implications of this book.

[Mark Conroy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Appreciate the reminder that discipleship is walking in relationship with others and reminding each other of whom we desire to model our lives after Jesus Christ.

Great reminder of the life and action of our teacher Jesus may we continue to strive to model HIS life each day of ours

[Erianne · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t great either. There wasn’t anything that was truly groundbreaking or challenging, necessarily. It was more of a reminder of the basic principles. It lacked substance and was more practical than educational. A lot of the information in the book is common sense through Christianity.

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super Explanation of Disciple Making

This is an A to Z how to on making disciples. It presents the way we need to approach ministry with people. The command that Jesus gave us was to make disciples. That means we have to lead people to become disciples and disciple makers.

[Carlyn Cole · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great book as an introduction to disciple making. The Master Plan of Evangelism is referenced often, and with good reason; I would recommend starting with it.

[Jack Wilkie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend

[Mike Self · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy read and very motivating.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Practical application to follow to fulfill Jesus' final command on earth

[Benlotus]

Disciple Making is Challenging Job to perform by God's Followers With the strength of God.
This is my course Book Too.

[Katie Morrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great practical guide for discipleship!

[Jamie Bradley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very basic, simple read and application points.

[Peyton Lunceford · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nothing too crazy, just a good and simple book about the practicalities of discipleship

[Mary Lyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

There are parts of this book that are helpful tools for mentors but overall, I do not think it is worth spending the time when there are better resources for mentoring others. It might be worth skimming and finding the "chunks" of questions scattered throughout. I also like the chapter on the different states of spiritual growth.