Disciple Her: Using the Word, Work, & Wonder of God to Invest in Women

by Kandi Gallaty

We all know Jesus commands us to disciple others. But how are we supposed to do this in everyday life?  How can women, no matter what stage of life they are in, be a disciple who makes disciples? How can we find time to invest ourselves into others when it feels like our schedules are already full? What is our place in carrying out the Great Commission? In this practical book, Kandi Gallaty helps you develop an effective disciple-making strategy in your life and the lives of others. Disciple He r is filled with Kandi’s personal stories, more than a decade’s worth of discipleship experiences, and most importantly, her commitment to the Word of God. Kandi doesn’t stop at helping women understand what discipleship is—she gives them a practical game plan for weaving it into their weekly lifestyle, and teaching those they disciple to do the same.  Disciple Her will be a point of reference for women to use time and time again in the years to come as women intentionally obey Jesus’ command to invest their lives into others.  

Genres: Christian Non Fiction, Christian Living, Christian, Nonfiction, Faith, Christianity

224 pages, Paperback

Published February 15, 2019

Reviews

[Sassy Sarah Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disciple Her: Using the Word, Work, & Wonder of God to Invest in Women by Kandi Gallaty

4 stars

“Discipleship is intentionally equipping believers with Word of God through accountable relationships empowered by the Holy Spirit in order to replicate faithful followers of Christ.”

Disciple Her is a novel different from most Christian disciple books because it specifically looks at how to disciple women. Women and men are very different, which means discipling is different. Some advice and tricks that work for men are not always successful with women and some that work for women don’t always work for men. The Gallaty’s are known for Replicate Ministries and their Disciple program which they call “D-Groups”. Gallaty’s husband has written countless books on discipleship, but Disciple Her is one of the first discipleship novels published specifically for women. Kandi Gallaty is doing something great here with being openly bold about sharing her own discipling techniques with the women in her life and what works and what doesn’t. I love discipling women! I have been blessed with the honor of discipling three women and seeing numerous other women come into a Life Group I co-lead this past year and give their life to Christ and be challenge to expand their view of what they thought their relationship was versus how they could strive to know and walk in deeper relationship with Jesus. I also had the privilege and honor of following Jesus’s final commands to His disciples in Matthew 28:19-20, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Discipling is doing this exact command (I also baptized two of the girls I disciple- PRAISE THE LORD) and these experiences changed me completely. My girls that I discipled were all so different from each other in how they saw, spoke to, and understood Jesus and this was the greatest challenge for me. None of my tricks or preparations worked because I had to learn through the guidance of the Spirit how one thing works in prayer for two girls, but not for another (just one example). Because of my own discipleship experience I was open and curious to hearing and seeing what Gallaty had to say.

Gallaty is a relatively strong writer. There are a couple of hiccups and a few questionable passages, but they aren’t consistently prevalent and I, overall, enjoyed the experience of reading this novel. I was challenged in a lot of the areas I failed in my first year of discipleship (which was creating women who were ready and prepared to disciple others- they are ready, but still hesitant of their own knowledge) and this convicting moment while reading was so enlightening and challenged/inspired me to pray specifically for women who will become disciple-makers after our time together, which I had never thought to pray for before. Her discipleship process is very similar to the one that I learned through the college ministry I serve and I saw that she references some books that we read or have been recommended, so it’s cool to see that the discipleship process crosses over in so many different ways outside of a college campus.

Personal qualms: Gallaty is obsessed with memorizing Scripture, which is great but I think the more you memorize Scripture the less it imprints on your soul. What I mean by this is that intake of large quantities of memorizing Scripture becomes more of a game or challenge instead of a meditating experience on what work God or the Holy Spirit is doing in your life or current season. Memorizing is important, but I don’t know if I think it should be done weekly. Personally, I think it has merits, but it also gets lost in the shuffle. I personally care more about the Word being spoken to me in context of someone’s life instead of a verse being recited for the sole purpose of checking a box and patting yourself on the back. She also doesn’t consistently do one-on-ones which I think is important to the discipleship process. Anyone who wants a one-on-one and is consistent in showing up the small group, Life Group, or D-Group should get this opportunity and it shouldn’t be a “only if our schedules sync up or if you are living in sin and we need to discuss it” thing. Combatting living in sin consistently can be done through consistent one-on-ones and being accountable in a personal individual setting. I am also not okay with people being given the ultimatum of confess your sin to the group or be kicked out. Being kicked out of a discipleship group should not be an option. I’m going to use Judas Iscariot as an example. Do you think that Jesus wasn’t aware of Judas stealing money from his ministry and planning to kill him? No, he makes it abundantly clear that he knows as they are breaking bread before his arrest when he says that one who sits and eats alongside him will betray him. JESUS DID NOT KICK JUDAS ISCARIOT OUT DESPITE KNOWING HE WAS A SINNER. He let Judas make the ultimate decision to follow through on this betrayal and sell Jesus out for money and basically leave the disciples by his own choice. Leaving a group has to be by someone else’s choice and not because their sin is weighing down a group and making things complicated. That’s when you need to get with your girl and pray and pray hard for chains to be broken. If after that she chooses to leave, then let her go. Jesus will guide and heal her in His way and not yours.

Besides those few problems, Gallaty’s discipleship method is sound. I received a lot of new ideas and promptings from the Spirit, so I’m excited about a new year of discipling. God is so good and amazing and it’s awesome to see His hand upon a woman’s life whose purpose is to faithfully disciple women. It’s inspiring. I pray that it’s something I can consistently do throughout my life. I recommend this novel to anyone who feels a tugging on their heart about discipleship or who wants to learn more about it.

Whimsical Writing Scale: 4

Plotastic Scale: 4


Cover Thoughts: I love this cover. It’s simple, but the pattern is so pretty.

Thank you, B & H Books, for providing me with a physical copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Rebekah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the concept behind this book, but unfortunately it wasn't what I expected! This book is basically a road map on how to start your own 12-month, weekly, discipleship group with other ladies. I love the idea, but in the current stage of our life and ministry that's just not do-able. Even if I was willing to invest my time into some like this (which I would LOVE to do someday!) we don't have a large enough church to begin and continue this idea (at least not yet!). Now, if/when I am able to begin a "D-group" like she describes, then this will be the first book I turn to because it WAS helpful. However, I don't think the Lord's command to disciple other believers falls into a box like this - it would have been really helpful if the author had provided other ways to disciple ladies without such a cookie-cutter formula.

I enjoyed reading this book and it did challenge me in different ways (especially in regards to leadership and my own walk with God) it just wasn't the book I was looking for.

[Krissie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kandi did a great job with this book! It’s practical and gives concrete ideas for a real intentional discipleship program. The book is written in such a way that you could implement all or some of her ideas in order to fit your existing needs. The appendices with resources, reading plans, and sample covenants are very helpful. I would definitely recommend this book to help you get started with a concrete discipleship process!

[Christina A · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my 3rd TBR jar read this year, and the prompt was, “a book I bought at a used book store.” I have been wanting to read this for awhile, because one of my goals for this year is to be more intentional about discipleship. This was a quick and easy read, but the only caveat I would give is that the author is very specific with what kind of discipleship is best (3-6 women meeting together once a week, reading through the Bible, memorizing scripture, and keeping a journal that they share with each other when they meet). I wish there had been a few different options for how to style the group, or even how to participate in a discipleship relationship that’s one on one. I would recommend this book to others wanting to begin discipleship that do not already have a plan in place.

[Sarah Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

“We are all created to follow someone. It is in our design. The question is: Whom will you follow? The world or Jesus? The world disciples people all day long. It is time for Christians to rise up and invest in the undiscipled, or wrongly discipled, believers in our churches today. Teach them above all else to love God and love people. Teach them to invite and invest. Teach them to share not only the gospel but their very lives.”

This book lays out a very clear, easy, replicable step-by-step template how to disciple other women.

[Karyn Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Convinced of our call as Christians to make disciples, but not sure of exactly how to do that? This is the book for you. Had just finished reading “The Trellis and the Vine” and was so ready to teach some who will teach others and this book was the perfect and very practical companion to that book. As she states, “Discipleship should be reproduced, not repeated.” Thanks to Kandi Gallaty for putting together a resource that will, Lord willing, be reproduced in my life.

[Kimberly Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding book on the importance of discipleship. The step by step guide will be helpful to anyone ( male or female) embarking on the long journey of discipleship. I have completed her husband’s foundation 260 study ( times x) and loved the structure of that study. This is a must read for women who want to grow spiritually and live out the Matthew 28: 18-20 commandment.

[Create With Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you feel called to disciple other women but aren’t sure where to start? Are you looking for a guide that will walk you step-by-step through the discipleship process, clearly identifying what it means to disciple others for Jesus – outlining what the process entails – honestly discussing potential pitfalls along the way and how to avoid them – and providing you with the resources to help you to help you put your discipling plans into action?

If so, then add Disciple Her: Using The Word, Work, & Wonder Of God To Invest In Women by Kandi Gallaty to your collection of women’s ministry books. This practical guide – written by a pastor’s wife who has a passion for discipling other women – will not disappoint you!

Disciple Her contains both personal stories and practical advice to help you pray about and plan your personal strategies for discipling other women. First and foremost, Kandi emphasizes that if you are to lead other women in becoming a disciple of Jesus, you must be a disciple yourself. That means, you must already be abiding in the Word, spending quality time with your Heavenly Father in prayer, and living a life of discipleship.

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.

As you are considering being a discipling others, it’s important to have someone disciple you. Consider Kandi your long-distance encourager and disciple as you embark on your journey to lead others into a deeper walk with their Lord and Savior.

Disciple Her is a wonderful book not only for one’s personal edification but should also be a staple in your women’s ministry.

I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars.

I originally published this review on my blog. To read more of my reviews, please visit Create With Joy.

[Bethany · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am an aspiring female leader. I help to lead an online Bible study, but there is definitely a part of me that wishes that I could facilitate a small group Women’s Bible Study from a church or my home. It is something that I am praying for the Lord’s guidance on, and it is one of the reasons that I picked up the book “Disciple Her” by Kandi Gallaty. I found the book to be very interesting, and I read it in three days.

Gallaty stresses the importance of discipleship in the lives of all Christians, and outlines in detail how to set up and lead a discipleship group. She lovingly refers to these groups as “D-groups”. Some of the main points that she made was the importance of prayer when setting up the groups, meeting for about a year with around 5 women, holding group members accountable, reading and journaling through the Bible together, sharing testimonies, and overall equipping women to go out and create their own discipleship groups at the end of that year together. I had not heard of this before, but I could see how this would be very successful in reaching many women. My only challenge is that I’m not sure that I would know enough women personally to continue to do this year after year.

I would recommend this book to any woman in a leadership role in the church, or who is interested in leading small groups of women. After all, Jesus did tell us all to “Go and make disciples of all nations!”

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in return for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Fay Jacobsohn · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a terrific book! I finished it and now I'm raring to go and start a D-group! This book not only tells us why we need to start women's discipleship groups but gets into how to start a group that will grow and reproduce. Jesus' last command was to “go and make disciples” but although we all know that, the problem is how and where and with whom? This book combines an easy plan and a walkthrough on how to start a group.

I love the fact that she doesn't encourage you to start a Bible study group or class. This is meeting with three to six women for Bible reading, memorization, journaling and prayer. It encourages women to get into God's Word on their own. Instead of going through a Bible study (which is great and not discouraged), these women read through the Bible chronologically in a year. Commitment not only to God's Word but to each other is stressed.

She has lots of helpful tools including a yearly or 18-month plan, sample journal entries, a covenant guide, and even a yearly Bible reading plan. The goal of this discipleship group is for each woman at the end of a year to be able to go out and lead a group of their own. This is true discipleship.

As I mentioned at the beginning, after reading this book I am praying about starting a discipleship group of my own following her plan. It is rare that I find a book that excites me this much! This book energized and equipped me to tackle something like this myself. I highly recommend this book!

(Please Note: Although this book was given to me to review by B&H and Lifeway, the opinions expressed are my own.)

[Lisa Hoffman · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

The positive: As someone who has been on both sides of someone not being committed to a discipleship group, I really appreciated her emphasis on the importance of contracts. She brought up several reasons why they are essential to the success of the group, and she's absolutely right. I also loved her emphasis on Bible reading as the core of each group - not a study book, prayer requests, or other extra-Biblical things, though those are also good and have their place. But the reading and study of scripture is the point of discipleship groups, so the focus needs to be on that.

The negative: A lot of the techniques from this book about how to go about actually creating the "d-groups" will only work at fairly large-mega church sized churches. I didn't read a single thing in this book that specifically applied to women, and wouldn't also apply to men. The techniques and tips she gave were not bad, but if you title and market the book as "this is how to do it with women, as opposed to the hundreds of discipleship books for men", I expect something different than the contents of all the other discipleship books. Also, she ends by recommending a dozen or so books for further reading, and she recommends four books by her husband, which made me laugh and roll my eyes hard.

[Emily Sprowls · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Thank you, Kandi, for this masterpiece!

I HIGHLY recommend this book to any woman who is passionate about discipleship, and/or currently involved in a life group/small group and looking to take the next step to go deeper!

This book clearly shared how discipleship is important in the life of every believer due to the growth that happens from regularly being in the Word, journaling the Word, and memorizing the Word, and the difference it makes doing all of those things in close community and conversation with other women.

While I aspire to one day lead, or be a part of, a D-group as Kandi presented in this book, I think I’d like to attempt a hybrid concept with the Life Group I currently co-lead at my church, incorporating Scripture as our primary textbook, and adding in journaling and Scripture memorization.

Although this book seems to be geared toward women with a heart for small group ministry and discipleship, I truly believe this could benefit any Christian woman. It could help her visualize the D-group concept, and make her hungry for the type of accountability and inspiration that the Word through the D-Group provides.

This book was very applicable to where I’m currently at in life and I’m so grateful that I finally picked it up when I did!

[Donna Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

I purchased this book because I did not have any book written purely to help disciple others that was written by and for women. I have used many good books, but they seemed to rely too heavily on a book other than scripture or were in workbook form that is a turn off to some types of people or is overwhelming. Gallaty helped me see how to use the Bible as the primary book from the start as the ladies can into the habit of being in the Word every day before bringing in any other book. Using the Bible primarily is not a new concept to me because an unknown book back in 1974 helped me establish a quiet time habit with a Bible and a journal.

Gallaty devotes a lot of content to a “behind the scenes” look at what happens when we disciple. Thank you! So many books don’t even mention the common problems that arise and how to handle them. The seasons of life can confound us as we try to help women set spiritual disciplines as a priority and set good examples for our family and those we lead.

[Reyna]

If you serve in a safe ministry you already know that to discipline someone is a task that only through God's help can be possible. It is a seed of time, money, effort. It is the sum of the will of 2 people and more in the body for life to grow and mature. I think this resource is helpful so you can learn more about disciplining someone. In 10 short and digestible chapters, you will have the opportunity to be encouraged to sow in the life of another woman. Chapter 7 mentions five important criteria for the success of discipleship groups and I liked them so much that I want to share them with you: Missional, Accountable, Reproducible, Communal, and Scriptural. I believe that with this you can have a broad and biblical vision of God's plan for people's lives. If you read it, I would like to hear what caught your attention. Give clear ideas of how to develop encouragement, transparency, confidentiality, commitment, and leadership.

[Meghan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC from B&H Books in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

When I first read Disciple her I was actually a little afraid of the message it was trying to send. Religion in most eyes is a very sensitive subject and the word Disciple powerfully reflects the Christian faith. However, I was very surprised at the approach Kandi Gallaty took in describing the word disciple and how we express and execute that word in our everyday life without knowing it. The layout is very appealing to readers with the gorgeous font and the breakdown of chapters throughout the book. I think this book will be the book that surprises readers in the best way possible.

We will consider adding this book to our Christian Non-Fiction collection at our library. That is why we give this book 4 stars.

[Shaquanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disciple Her: Using the Word, Work, & Wonder of God to Invest in Women by Kandi Gallaty was a great read. I love her points about the word being our foundation in these discipleship groups. Kandi gave so many helpful tips and advice on how to run a d group or be a part of one. I felt like I was talking to a friend over coffee learning about her life and her convictions on truth. As you get deeper into the book you may find you want to be a part of/ or start a group yourself as the community talked about is something you may have been longing for but have not been able to put to words. Thank you Kandi for you devotion to empower women in there relationships with God and with each other.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Celeste Joy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was alright. Kandi shares her method of discipling women. Her method had quite a few strong points and her overall application of Scripture was good. I liked her emphasis on commitment, being driven to the Word, and memorizing verses with your discipleship group. However, at times her tone seems to be a bit condescending. She also gives pat answers to more complex counseling situations. I don’t think she intends to come off in those ways, but that was my impression while reading the book. She also specifically says that she doesn’t think that one-on-one discipleship is effective. I understood her reasoning, but I do think that one-on-one is effective, even if paired with her D-group method.

[Emily · Rating 2 out of 5]

Although the author gives great advice on discipleship, how to do it, and the benefits… this work was not edited well and it shows. The chapters were all different lengths, some 20 pages, others 4 pages. Her stories occasionally related or illustrated her ideas, but we’re often too long or biased in ways that took away from the purpose. Many of her sentences flowed more like conversational speech, as opposed to written text. And finally, she repeated herself many many times. I would not read this book again, unless she invested some time and resources into a good editor. Shorten it, keep it to the point.

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great overview of discipleship and really practical. The author spent a few chapters giving an overview and the importance of biblical discipleship, then most of the book was what that has looked like in her life and church family. Very practical, from examples of how to deal with issues that arise in discipleship groups (ranging from lack of commitment to serious issues of personal holiness) and with such a gracious approach, which was helpful to hear how another leader frames things. Then even just the practical side of templates for discipleship covenants, setting up a group, etc.

[Kasia Hubbard · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really appreciated how detailed she was in telling you what to expect in a discipleship program and how to set it up for yourself, but to be honest, I am already involved in something that is basically the same thing. This is a good book of you haven't found a program to follow, and I really do agree with her basic three things needed: God's word, God's work in your life, and God's wonder (the Holy Spirit). Well done.
*I received a copy from NetGalley. This review is my personal thoughts and opinions*

[Hope Curtsinger · Rating 4 out of 5]

i listened to the audiobook for this. i wish the author had narrated herself bc i enjoyed hearing her speak a few weeks ago at a conference. she has a relatable writing & speaking style as she teaches that i wish had translated in the book narration more. while i don’t necessarily think there is only one way to disciple, her approach & the way she explains her methods is helpful. again bc i was listening, i think reading some of them would have connected them more for me visually. i love the encouragement of commitment to scripture reading & accountability.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

About 12 years ago, I had a friend that told me about her being in a discipleship group like this book describes, abd I was so interested in being on something like that bit I moved away. This is a great book on what we should do to be a leader and disciple make. Full of convictions. I have to do better to memory versus. I definitely recommend to any Christian woman wanting to make Jesus disciples.

[Marsha Chasteen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and have taken bits and pieces to apply to our women’s Bible study at our church. Our church is small, however we have a great group of ladies that include some ladies that belong to other churches. It’s wonderful to share our studies and grow together. While I wish it could be a true D-group, not every situation is the same. I appreciate all the encouragement this book offers.

[Kylee Driskell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must-read for anyone who is wanting to disciple others! I have been a part of a group set up somewhat like this, so I understood exactly what Kandi was talking about. Although I didn’t agree with 100% of what she said or that this is what discipleship has to look like, I think this is a wonderful manual for starting the discipleship process out. I really like how she explained her reasoning behind everything, regardless of whether I agreed with her specific method or not.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kandi's take on her husband's books on discipleship gives a practical AND biblical process to follow. It is the perfect mirror image, given in simple and doable steps, laying out what discipleship is, who needs discipleship, and how to lead others in discipleship. I'll be using this book as a tool and will recommend it to those I disciple.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a leader in women’s ministry and I loved this book! Whether I start a specific D-group the way she does isn’t the point. This book teaches how to be a good leader of women and to get them into God’s word. The most important thing she shares is that in order to lead others we must be able to lead ourselves. There are so many good things in this book and I highly recommend this!

[Virginia Sprang · Rating 3 out of 5]

I appreciate that Kandi wrote this book because there really are not many like it on the market, which is exactly why I picked it up. I can’t say it lived up to my expectations - there were far too many personal narratives for my taste. That said, the second half of the book where she dives into actual practical approaches to discipleship were helpful.

[Kimberly Gillette Prine · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful book! It is a book very specifically about starting/participating in disciple groups for women, and does a great job at breaking out the information. I love the way she shares a very simplistic, yet neglected, approach to the discipleship format.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This would not be a book to use for a book study unless you are doing it with all leaders. It is definitely a book for leaders. If you are thinking about starting some sort of Bible study, this is definitely a good book to read when considering how you would like to set things up.

[Kelsey Maloof · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is an awesome resource if you are wondering how to lead a Bible study or disciple a small group of women. I enjoy Kandi’s personality and writing style - she is no-nonsense but gracious and encouraging all at the same time.