A Disciple's Path Companion Reader 519256: Deepening Your Relationship with Christ and the Church

by Justin Larosa

A Disciple's Path is an engaging approach to discipleship from a distinctly Wesleyan perspective that is perfect for a new member class or other small group. The six-week program guides individuals to take the next step in discipleship and become dynamic followers of Jesus Christ and engaged, vital members of the local church.


The study combines a Wesleyan understanding of our growth in God's love and grace with the time-tested practices of spiritual discipline expressed in the membership vows to uphold the church with our prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness. Participants will develop spiritual practices, discover their unique gifts, and become engaged in ministry that brings transformation in their own lives, the lives of others, and the world.


This Companion Reader provides invaluable insights that enable both participants and leaders to dig deeper into the spiritual practices essential to the life of discipleship. Each chapter corresponds to a week in the Daily Workbook, providing biblical and theological background on the week’s theme from a distinctively United Methodist perspective. Perfect for enhancing personal or group study and reflection, answering questions, and providing material for worship planning during a congregation-wide emphasis.



Endorsements
“ A Disciple’s Path has transformed countless new members into deeply committed disciples – people who are using their gifts, praying in new ways, worshipping regularly and not only when it’s convenient, giving sacrificially of their financial resources, and seeking to be a witness to Christ’s love and light in the world. I am deeply grateful for this resource and recommend it wholeheartedly." Donna Claycomb Sokol, Pastor of Mount Vernon Place United Methodist Church and author of A New Day in the City



“ A Disciple’s Path has the potential to revolutionize the way we view our participation in the church. Following this ‘path’ can transform us from wanderers into pilgrims.” —Dr. Steve Harper, Retired Professor of Spiritual Formation; author of Five Marks of a Methodist and Devotional Life in the Wesleyan Tradition

“For churches transforming their invitation to membership into an opportunity for a discipleship journey.” — Lovett H. Weems, Jr., author and Distinguished Professor of Church Leadership and Director, Lewis Center for Church Leadership, Wesley Theological Seminary


“A very useful explanation of the traditional Wesleyan view of Christian discipleship, strengthened in particular by its stress on the balanced approach of the Methodist way.” —Dr. Richard P. Heitzenrater, Duke University Divinity School

Genres: Religion, Nonfiction, Christianity, Discipleship

80 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2012

Reviews

[Dena · Rating 3 out of 5]

We read this book as part of a new member class for joining a church congregation. I think this book is a great way to get people who are newer to the church on track with understanding what it means to be a follower, a Methodist, and a actively thriving member of the church. It could also be a good resource for someone who feels stagnate or disconnected in their faith.

[H Nole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting book study on discipleship with focus on united methodist church beliefs. Call to action to serve based on spiritual gifts with a great assessment and descriptions of gifts included. Bible based but also historical information included. Can do in a group or by yourself.

[Ginny · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful guide, especially for new members, for gaining a deeper understanding of upholding the membership vows made in joining the Methodist church. A good refresher of what your vows mean for older members. It was a worthwhile Lenten study.

[Justin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well organized and digestible when reading with immediate application and understanding.

[Darleen Brandon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent - we are doing a bible study in our church using this book and we are finding it very interesting. Recommend it for all United Methodist.

[Linda Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good discussion on what it means to be a disciple today in the United Methodist Church. Review of history and doctrine in the Church.

[S Klotz · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's been a while since I read a book so deeply. I read each chapter and took notes to share in a weekly small group setting at church. Each session we all got a chance to share what we got from the chapter. It's hard to divorce my thoughts about the book from the experience of sharing it was the foundation for. Our minister led each of the small groups and preached on a related topic each Sunday. I grew close with the members of my group and had many interesting talks with members from other small groups.

The content of the book reminded me of confirmation class. Both mine 20+ years ago and the one I participated in a few years ago as an adult mentor. An important takeaway for me was a reiteration that the United Methodist Church is a spectacularly good fit for the way I practice Christianity.

In the final chapter on "witness" the joy of evangelism is compared with the excitement we experience when we show off all the features on our new smart phone. I love sharing about the books I read and I'll now be reminded every time I write a review that I should be just as excited to share the good news of Jesus Christ.

[Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really excellent resource for learning what it means to be a disciple in the United Methodist tradition. It explores the membership vows of serving the church with prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness and how to dig deeper into a relationship with Jesus through the spiritual disciplines related to each. I will definitely recommend this to churches I work with.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting. I really enjoyed learning more about the Methodist church than I already knew & about my faith.

[James Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is has been a great resource for the study.

[Andrea Vrtikapa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great way to understand what it means to be United Methodist.

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent study written by Jim Harnish. I highly recommend any of Jim's books.

[Richard Fitzgerald · Rating 3 out of 5]

This study has potential, but the history and the theology get Methodism and Wesleyan thought wrong in several ways.