Disruptive Discipleship: The Power of Breaking Routine to Kickstart Your Faith

by Sam Van Eman

Sometimes in the Christian life we get stuck. Something seems off, and we don't know why. We may not even notice it at first. But we feel like God is far from our daily lives, or we lose hope for the future, or we don't treat others in loving ways. What can we do?

Sam Van Eman has found that our spiritual lives need disruptive experiences, which can jolt and reorient us for greater spiritual maturity. Out-of-the-ordinary activities such as a wilderness adventure or an international service trip can challenge our assumptions and give us space to consider new perspectives. And when we intentionally choose to pursue designed experiences, we stretch our faith in new and unexpected ways.

Filled with concrete examples of how ordinary people are shaped by disruptive experiences, this book provides a path to deeper faith on purpose. Jesus disrupted his disciples with invitations to get out of their boats, leave their nets, and follow him. Have courage, and discover what those kinds of disruptions might look like for you.

Genres: Faith

228 pages, Paperback

Published August 8, 2017

About the author

Sam is a resource specialist for the CCO’s Experiential Designs team, where he co-creates transformational experiences for college students, professionals, and organizations. He is the author of Disruptive Discipleship: The Power of Breaking Routine to Kickstart Your Faith, and On Earth as It Is in Advertising? Moving from Commercial Hype to Gospel Hope, as well as a series of audio vignettes called A Beautiful Trench It Was. His years on campus resulted in numerous Christian Service awards for his student leaders and a Greek Life brotherhood award named in his honor. He lives with his wife and daughters in central Pennsylvania.

Reviews

[Jason Barthelemy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I dare you to read this book.

If you like the predictable, planned, structured, liturgical pathway to spiritual growth, you will learn why the opposite (which face it, is typically what life throws you) can be so uncomfortable yet effective. If you are lacking this disruption, there are several prescriptions he gives you so that you can bring it on yourself.

Through Van Eman’s stories, I found myself realizing why a handful of monumental surprises in my life had taken place. Events that I had scratched my head at and chalked them up as random, found definition as I learned how chaos, disappointment, let down and reflection had actually helped rather than stunted my growth

There are three parts to this book (growing restless, growing deeper and growing up). I gained the most from the second section where he shared his own resistance to servant leadership (I could relate all too well) and how to maximize confidence as a result of authentic accountability relationships (I have work to do in this area).

Van Eman’s writing style is easy to digest. He shares stories, examples from scripture and practical ways to inject intentional disruption into your life.

I made the mistake of reading through this book by myself, don’t be guilty of doing the same. Grab some friends and dive in.

[David Mills · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I loved about this book was its presentation of the original thought of purposefully disrupting your life for the sake of Christ. Sam, through fantastic storytelling and intelligent ways, shows you the how and why your life needs disrupted. I will be referencing this book for sure as I make my plans. When you read this you cannot help but think forward to what you want to do next.

[Tyler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I should start by disclosing that I know the author. I've had the pleasure of working with him, journeying with him on one of his trips to Peru, and working with college students alongside him on more than one occasion.

So, you should know that my review will, perhaps, be biased. But you should also know, based on those personal interactions, that I trust him and I view him as an authority on this topic. So I acknowledge my bias, and I invite you to trust my assessment, nonetheless.

Sam is a gifted storyteller, a good writer and a good editor (highlighted nicely by all the relevant material he cites throughout his book), a genuine man, and someone who can find (and design) adventure in the midst of everyday life. If you feel like you are hungry for spiritual growth, freedom, a change, a fresh perspective, a slight tweak, a massive overhaul, or...just about anything else...this book could be a great place to start.

As Lent makes its annual approach in a little over a month, this book could help you design a Lenten practice this year that will breathe fresh air into your soul this year.

I recommend it.

[Rob Baddorf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disruptive Discipleship began to unseat me as I read it.
Hmm, well, I guess that was the point.
Sam Van Eman humorously tells his own story of finding areas in his life where he was stuck (TV watching). With planning and friendly support, Sam broke the habit and experienced greater life because of it. This book invites me into more of the same.
Sam continues to reveal areas where we are stuck in habits, and routines but unaware. He also suggests preemptive exercises to help us in the future of stickiness (is that a thing?).
Sam's book has opened important topics that have prompted a new level of discussions with my men's group. Who knew I was so stuck, much less the hows and whys to becoming unstuck.

[Gayle · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is so easy to fall into a rut, and this book gives a plan to get unstuck. I particularly appreciated that the author points out the necessity of routine, because without it our lives are too chaotic for meaningful growth, but without the occasional break in routine our lives become stale and we perhaps become too opposed to change. Life has a way of throwing us unexpected and often unwanted experiences, which can be useful to our growth if we know what to do with them; a designed experience gives us practice knowing what to do with challenges, how to harness their potential for our good.

[Chasen Robbins · Rating 3 out of 5]

Amazing stories dominate the context of this book. There are gems of ideas found here, such as disruption being a key pathway to spiritual maturity and growth. However, this book leaves a little practical advice for how to cause a disruption in every day local discipleship. Great resource for those going on mission trips, wilderness retreats, or urban adventures.I may use the first two chapters in the last chapter for discipleship, but the middle content I found better suited for international travel.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I grew up in a Christian family and all I knew was the knowledge. I felt so stagnant and felt like the lessons I'm hearing are like broken recorder. Thus made me decide to go out of my comfort zone. And just like what the book said, I'm now reaping the benefits and learnings from the disruption I've chosen to do. This book definitely put into words what I've experienced recently and is a good reminder that in order to grow, I need to be comfortable with being uncomfortable. The best part is, we have a God who we can put our faith, hope and love in the midst of disruption.