February 2020 Resource

Title:
Discipling: How to Help Others Follow Jesus
Author:
Mark Dever
Publisher:
Crossway Publishing, Wheaton, IL
Book Review By:
Melvin Amerson
Premise of the Book:
Pastors and laity can develop and increase faithful members/disciples by offering biblical teachings and practices shared by Jesus and the Apostle Paul with their followers.
What the Book Does:
Discipling: How to Help Others Follow Jesus is a practical introductory resource for pastors or persons responsible for growing disciples in the local church. The author uses biblical definitions, scripture and practical examples to show how believers can nurture or walk alongside others to become more like Christ in their spiritual life. This resource is part of a series which highlights various aspect of church life, rituals, and practices.
Chapters:
Introduction
Part 1: What is discipling?
Chapter 1- The Inevitable of Influence
Chapter 2- Oriented toward Others
Chapter 3- The Work of Discipling
Chapter 4- Objections to Discipling
Part 2: Where should we…
Chapter 5- The Local Church
Chapter 6- Pastors and Members
Part 3: How Should we Disciple?
Chapter 7- Choose Someone
Chapter 8- Have Clear Aims
Chapter 9- Pay the Cost
Chapter 10- Raising Up Leaders
Conclusion
What are the Important Insights:
This resource provides numerous insights into discipling and nurturing believers. “Churches fulfill the Great Commission, and discipling is the work of churches. God wants us to be in churches not merely so that your need is met, but so that you will be equipped and encouraged to care for others. The discipling life is an others-oriented life.” (p.27)
Possibilities as a Resource for Churches:
Discipling is a good resource for clergy and laity who want to introduce disciple building to their local congregation and community.

Rev. Melvin Amerson is a member of the Texas Annual Conference and serves as a Resource Specialist/Area Representative at TMF. His experience and passion lie in encouraging and developing generous, faithful leaders and congregations.
Melvin is the author of Celebrating the Offering, Fruit for Celebrating the Offering and Stewardship in African American Churches: A New Paradigm, as well as several articles covering topics from generosity, leadership and visioning. Currently, he serves as a board member of the Ecumenical Stewardship Center and is a nationally-recognized generosity consultant known for his engaging presentations.
Melvin obtained a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Texas A&M University in Corpus Christi, a Master of Divinity degree concentrating in Christian education from Gammon Theological Seminary in Atlanta, Georgia, an Executive Leadership certificate from Cornell University in Ithaca, New York and a certificate in Professional Fundraising from Boston University.