Book Review #3: Transforming Discipleship by Greg Ogden

The subtitle of this book is "Making Disciples a Few at a Time". That is exactly the method Greg encourages, and re-emphasizes in the last chapter of his book. Greg's model of discipleship making is the triad; 3 committed believers whose primary goal is to grow in Christ likeness, with one of the 3 being the facilitator. The triad is to covenant for one year and then the facilitator takes on another 2 "disciples" while the other 2 pick up 2 of their own. Each year you use the same content because the relationships change. thus changing the experience.

What I appreciated about Greg's book was that it was both thoughtful and provided solid information that could be put into practice. Greg does a great job building the bridge from the ministry to Jesus to the ministry of the church. Often books like this go from the ministry of Jesus into the theoretical world, seldom landing the plane. Greg also emphasizes the important of relationship over program. Discipleship is not a church growth program, but the ministry given to us by Christ to transform lives, our community, and the world.

If you are looking for a book that gives Biblical support and "This is how to do it", Greg's book is a must read. If you have been discipling for some time, and know the ropes, this is still a good read because it reconfirms the reasons we headed the call, and also gives some good insight into leadership issues. Pastors seeking to have impact on lay leaders ought to read this.

Greg stays consistent with his book The New Reformation; we are all called into the ministry, and thus we must all be equipped to do the work of Christ. This book helps get us there.