Book Description
The simple revolution has begun. From the design of the iPod to the uncluttered Google home page, simple ideas are changing the world.
Simple Church clearly calls for Christians to return to the simple gospel-sharing methods of Jesus. No bells or whistles required, so to speak.
Based on case studies of four hundred American churches, authors Thom Rainer and Eric Geiger prove that the process for making disciples has quite often become too complex. Simple churches are thriving, and they are doing so by taking these four ideas to heart: Clarity. Movement. Alignment. Focus.
Each idea is examined here, simply showing why it is time to simplify.
Customer Reviews:
Concise and practical.......2007-09-07
Well, it would be awfully ironic if the book wasn't easy to understand. Fortunately, the authors do with the book exactly what they are calling leaders to do with their churches. They outline a simple structure for streamlining churches and letting loose the baggage that slows churches down.
The process is...simple (sorry to repeat). Churches should seek clarity, alignment, movement, and focus. Clarity is the singleness of purpose, stated in a single phrase. Movement is making sure there is a process of spiritual development that runs through the ministries of the church that fulfills the purpose. Alignment is the process of making sure that all the ministries of the church cannel people through a similar movement to fulfill the purpose. And focus is the challenging process of saying "no" to everything that distracts the church from its purpose. The authors have decided on this clear process as a saving grace to churches, repeat it fluidly, and walk the reader through all four steps.
The theory is based on a study of a number of churches that were considered thriving and many that were not. The authors say that their data shows highly significant difference between thriving churches that simplified and complex churches that did not.
The only part of this book, or the genre, that ought to give the reader pause is that the authors presume that ministry requires a strategic process through which people are funneled on the way to spiritual growth. While that is the reality of modern, institutional church management, it seems to overrule the fluid and organic (if not disorganized) ministry of Jesus and the disciples while co-opting their names. This is not a major critique of the book, just the observation that business management principles are governing the church whose founder had very little to say about business management.
Nonetheless, for those of us who find ourselves dealing with the necessities of management, this book is an essential read. It's well-written, accessible, and offers the bird's eye view that a lot of churches miss.
Good for discipleship and Church Growth.......2007-08-29
This is an excellent book that tells pastors and church leaders to keep it simple, rather than complex and this book tells you how. The basic premise of this book is that simple sells and that keeping it simple and maintaining focus is the best method of discipleship and church growth. If you have been trying to write long vision statements or missions statement or purpose statement and have come away frustrated, then this book is for you.
Simple, but could be simpler.......2007-08-23
I think this book will help many traditional North American churches to lower the bar of how church is done and raise the bar of what it means to be a disciple (to borrow from Neil Cole). But as a former pastor who has recently begun to enjoy the simplicity of a network of microchurches that has no paid staff, no building to maintain or enlarge, and yet enough time to be a small army of disciple-makers, I find Rainer & Geiger more complex than is necessary. If you like simple, you might like simpler even better!
Excellent example of making things simple.......2007-07-22
Simple church not only explained clearly how necessary it is to simplify our way of doing church,or more precisely making disciples, the book was a very good example of doing this. The demonstrated and illustrated in a straightforward way and the process suggested was very simple to follow and easy to apply. Great job!
Excellent -but felt slightly cheated.......2007-07-18
Excellent book, but really this should have been an article, or perhaps one chapter of a book. There's not really enough material to be a book.
Book Description
The fruit of many years of personal experience and seminars on disciple making, this is an extremely helpful book for Christian leaders and laypersons desiring to have personal discipling ministries.
Customer Reviews:
The Lost Art of Disciple Making.......2007-08-16
wow, that book helped me to see things in the way i didn't see it before. very practical book, the one every Christian should read.
what i've been missing.......2007-06-02
There is nobody out there teaching us this stuff. This is what we as Christians have been missing. We have to fight to learn to disciple others effectively and this is one of the best books i have ever read and one of the best places to start.
Learn to be a disciple and train others to become disciples.......2007-05-09
I enjoyed this book, and have passed it on to another in leadership at our church.
The appendix alone is worth the cost of this book, giving suggestions for areas of growth for all believers.
Simple But Important.......2006-11-29
The concept of training Christians to be mature, reproducing Christians is not a new concept. Nor is it a concept that is controversial. Christians know that this is an important issue, taught and modeled not only by Jesus but by his followers throughout the New Testament. The problem lies in application. A healthy, disciple producing church can be hard to come by, and even in individual Christians' lives, the practice of discipleship can be a rare commodity. This book is valuable in that it outlines the biblical view on discipleship, but the book goes further in providing many concrete examples of how discipleship is to be pulled off. An appendix in the back is essentially a guide for discipleship meetings giving thirty important topics and the tools to be able to hold a bible study with each of these topics. A characteristic of the book that I especially appreciated and found helpful was the author's continual emphasis of the role of the Word of God in discipleship. This is the foundation for the theory of discipleship, and it is also the main tool that we use in actually performing discipleship. This book is refreshingly simple, yet challenging. It is challenging because there is amazing potential in doing biblical discipleship in our churches and in our individual lives.
The only negative I found in the book was one that I commonly struggle with when reading Christian non-fiction. At times the author appears arrogant, especially in the use of personal experiences. There was more than one story in this book about how some misguided individual was enlightened by the wise example of the author himself. This writing style always bothers me and always comes across as arrogant. Do not let this distract from the main thrust of the book, for the content of the book is valuable.
Yawn, I've read better.......2003-08-08
I hate to admit it, but I really had to force myself to read through this book. It was not that it had no value, for it did contain some help insights; but it was the third book I have read by a Navigator and they all sound alike. It is almost as if I am hearing a Navigator's commercial throughout each book. Eims basis premise, however, is sound: The church must rediscover the biblical principle of disciple making. Eims states with utmost clarity that programs and material cannot make up for the human element that is missing from so many churches today- one-on-one discipleship.
The book is chock full of practical advice about disciples making, from training objectives to leadership development. Eims tries to answer all the questions, so much so that there is a tendency to get bogged down in detail. One fault of the book is that it seems to be in a 1960's - 1970's time warp. The constant reference to evangelistic organizations that have long since peaked and now are struggling for their lives was distracting. Also, there was no mention of the dynamic of a Spirit filled church that will go a long way in helping disciple people. When people are really excited about the cause of Christ, there is a tendency to study on one's own and take personal responsibility for one's own spiritual growth.
Book Description
This is a foundational book for men's ministry in the context of the local church. The honesty and veracity with which these three men map out a successful men's ministry is very encouraging. Its theme is ''building faithful men'' and it targets leaders of men's ministry who can then reach the men of their congregations and neighborhoods for Christ in a very practical and meaningful way.
Customer Reviews:
Best Tool Kit Anywhere.......2007-06-01
This is the Best book available anywhere to help build or evaluate an all encompassing ministry to men. Any leader of Men would do well to study and apply these time proven principles to move and motivate their men to experience a deeper walk in Christ.
Scratching my head.......2007-04-19
I have read this book in preparation for beginning a "mens ministry" in our local church. As I read through the book and made comments and marks in the margins, it seems that nearly every page is fraught with problems. There is very little scriptural support for this program, and when scripture is used, it is often misused or pulled out of context. Many outlandish assertions are made without any substantiation. Most of the principles are borrowed from the business and marketing world. I would love the opportunity to give all of the specifics, but suffice it to say, I had questions marks on virtually every page. In this book I see very little resembling biblical Christianity. God's Word tells us the true marks of a man of God and the true purpose of His church. This book does neither.
Great help in revitalizing our Men's Ministry.......2007-04-10
Our church's Men's Ministry was stagnant and in need of revitalization. Our Men's Ministry Leadership Team read the book together and worked through the blbilical, common-sense principles it prescribed. We are on our way to a revitalized and dynamic ministry.
No Man Left Behind - Indispensable Resource........2007-03-12
No Man Left Behind is a valuable resource for those who want to establish or strengthen men's ministry in their churches. What the reader won't find is "ten easy steps to men's ministry". This is because men's ministry is hard and the authors won't let us think otherwise. In a paraphrase of the authors the book is not "prescriptive" but "preceptive".
I found one fundamental jewel amidst the treasure contained here: these things should work for any type of discipleship.
I look forward to using this tool as we put together our own men's ministry.
Best book yet on Men's Ministry!.......2007-02-06
This book hits all levels of Men's ministry. If you are a small or large church this book applies great principles and techniques to utilize while forming your ministry. The practical steps needed are well formulated and provide an easy step by step process for implementation.
I highly recommend this book if you are serious about starting or enhancing a Men's ministry in your church. A true gift to any leadership team. The best book I have every read on the subject!
Ken Snover
Ascension Lutheran Church Men's Ministry
Waukesha, Wisconsin
Book Description
Contrary to popular belief, we do not have to be perfect to do God's work. Look no further than the twelve disciples whose many weaknesses are forever preserved throughout the pages of the New Testament. Jesus chose ordinary men - fisherman, tax collectors, political zealots - and turned their weakness into strength, producing greatness from utter uselessness. MacArthur draws principles from Christ's careful, hands-on training of the original twelve disciples for today's modern disciple - you.
Customer Reviews:
Great Book.......2007-08-26
This is another great read from John MacArthur, one of the soundest biblical teachers of this day and age. In it, John uses the information given us in Scripture to give a full picture of the 12 apostles and personalities. Personally, I found this very enlightening and though I did not identify with just one apostle, I found certain elements of each one within myself. The message of John's book is that God can, and does, use just about any type of person that is willing to humble him/herself before Him. You don't have to be a charismatic orator, a mighty warrior, or a human prodigy to turn the world upside down. Just as God used 12 ordinary men of the first century to topple empires, so He can and will use you! Praise be to the Lord forever!
Seeing the apostles for what they were through God's eyes.......2007-08-06
I enjoyed reading this book. It's a summation of Dr. MacArthur's sermons over the years on the disciples, edited for easy reading. It's divided into four sections, the first consisting of the best known disciples. The second and third concern the lesser known disciples and the last section, Judas the betrayer.
I found the explorations into the lives and character of Peter, John and Andrew to be most inspiring. I learned some things about these men that had escaped me, or were not as vivid, beforehand. I also enjoyed the background on the second group which incudes Philip and Thomas and I agree with MacArthur that Thomas gets short shrift from most Christians, when he is, in fact, no less doubting than any other disciple.
Seeing these men for the human beings they were is most helpful to any Christian or person who is examining the truth of the Gospels. What is fascinating is how MacArthur makes these characters (at least in the first two groups) tangible to us ordinary folk. God chooses the foolish things of this world, and the weak, in order to make clear that He, and He alone, is responsible for what these people accomplish. These lowly fishermen and sinners went on to change the course of civilization and impact all of us even today. They were uneducated, simple people who were used greatly of God. They learned what real love truly is through the life, example and sacrifice of the Christ.
While Dr. MacArthur's writing does evince his Calvinist theology, the scripture he uses is not used out of context or s "proof text". Rather, it is used as the basis for what he believes God is trying to tell us through these men. Jesus DID say, "No one may come to me except the Father draws him" and other hard sayings. The book meanders a bit, through the last section involving the almost anonymous lives of the lesser know disciples, until the last section where Judas' motivations are analyzed, successfully I think.
I didn't learn a whole lot more than I already knew about the twelve, but it's defintely worth reading and studying simply for the points Dr. MacArthur makes about how God works.
great resource and Bible Study.......2007-06-09
After reading this book and using the accompanying workbook I taught a Bible Study on this and WOW...it was well accepted and loved. A unique view of the diverse personalities of each of the disciples, why Jesus chose them and how He molded them into devoted followers.
Outstanding Study for Men.......2007-03-09
This is by far one of the best books to use in a study with men. The men were given a specific disciple to read about and report on. Every one of the men enjoyed their study that they completed the book before our next meeting. Highly recommend it.
Inspiring Intimacy.......2007-02-03
I love this book! In a wonderful way the author makes the chosen twelve real and human, giving great insight into their weaknesses, strengths and deep love for Jesus Christ.
Average customer rating:
- Can't wait for finale
- Great story but...
- Good continuation in the series
- Great read, but a few problems..
- Confused...
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Amber and Iron (Dragonlance: The Dark Disciple, Vol. 2)
Margaret Weis
Manufacturer: Wizards of the Coast
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
 Weis, Margaret
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Similar Items:
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Amber and Ashes (Dragonlance: The Dark Disciple, Vol. 1)
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Dragons of the Dwarven Depths (Dragonlance: The Lost Chronicles, Vol. 1)
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Dragons of the Highlord Skies (Dragon Lance: The Lost Chronicles, Vol. 2)
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Empire of Blood (Dragonlance: The Minotaur Wars, Book 3)
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Alliances (Dragonlance: Elven Exiles, Vol. 2)
ASIN: 0786940867
Release Date: 2006-11-07 |
Customer Reviews:
Can't wait for finale.......2007-09-29
Deffinatley a great 2nd book in what looks to be an amazing trilogy. Deffinatley looking foward to the final instalment......
Great story but..........2007-09-26
I think this is a great series. I have to agree with a previous reviewer that takhisis came across as "here is power". I am looking forward to which side weis ends up putting mina. If she is for the light, then who will balance her out in the dark? If she is for the dark, then will they bring back paladine? After all, as it was stated previous, there must be a balance. I for one would love to have Takhisis back.:> none of the other evil gods of krynn came close to having her style.. and think of the poor chromatic dragons! all alone, no goddess.. no love.. its just not fair :
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Good continuation in the series.......2007-08-30
Simply put, if you've read the War of Souls trilogy and/or Amber and Ashes (the first in this trilogy), you should most definitely be reading this one. Quality-wise I find the writing and the plot to be a little more simplistic compared to the behemoth that was the War of Souls (hence the 4 stars), but it's still quite worth the time and money to continue the saga of the Dragonlance world.
Other reviews have noted the influence of the gods in this trilogy - particularly this book - but if you read the first it explains that the meaning of "Age of Mortals" has changed with the return of the gods. It makes sense, when you think about it - there is a void in the top spot of the pantheon of gods, and thus a power struggle develops between the deities, and thus they turn to mortals to be the deciding factor because the gods cannot go to war with each other (if they do, Chaos returns).
Great read, but a few problems.........2007-06-21
I would recomend reading this book. It's written well, and the story is very interesting and highly captivating.
I just don't really like how the gods are portrayed. I don't agree with the gods being so impulsive, and quick to emotion. It really doesn't make much sense....
Confused..........2007-06-18
I thought both of the books were great and full of surprises. The only thing I'm confused about is the god Majere really Raistlin? If anyknows, please send an email at ihatebrandon_2@hotmail.com. Thank you.
Book Description
Ever wonder if you're hearing the WHOLE story in a conversation? Conquering Deception delivers the tools to recognize the hidden meanings of what others say using principles originated by America's savviest police investigators. Conquering Deception adapts these principles for use in any setting--business or personal--to be used in an informal and non-confrontational style. A handbook for the savvy conversationalist that is practical, effective, and one-of-a-kind.
A few highlights: interpreting eye movements, ways to pose questions that always get honest answers, dispelling myths of lying, using agreement to our advantage in conversation, the amazing significance of hearing a person say "I think...," techniques for influencing others, using silence as a 'weapon,' recognizing nose gestures, judging deception without being accusatory.
Customer Reviews:
Get the "facts" to back up your gut feeling!.......2007-06-14
Ever have that feeling that someone isn't telling you the truth - the whole truth? After reading this book, you will have the tools to evaluate your hunches.
Nance is an average guy who writes in understandable language. With that said, some topics, like the chapter, "The Eyes Have It," make take a few rereads to really digest the point.
Nance offers many "try-this" techniques. And you can really use them.
I highly recommend this book for anyone who is in a situation where s/he feels that deceit is happening.
I'm going back and taking notes.......2007-01-23
I liked this book. It seemed to do exactly what the author said it would which was to tell you what you already know, but in a way that explains the significance. In effect, gives you some 'mental shortcuts' to use. It is more a book about behavior in a conversation and what the significance is. I can see immediate benefit to a person that performs interviews as part of their job. There are no silver bullets to detecting lies, but there are indicators that suggest the probability. It depends on the context. As I was reading it, I realized that I do some of the things he mentions in the book in my conversations, when I recall information, I look away, when I am thinking while I am talking I look away, when I am trying to 'dump' a talkative person I shift my body position, etc.
Mostly personal.......2007-01-11
This book is mostly about personal experiences and tales of a police officer at work.
Works great - use it all the time. Easy .......2006-02-14
The methods taught to you in this book are so easy and so effective.
Here is a true story that inspired me to write this review.
I suspected (knew) that an employee had stolen something from work (value of about $600) and highly suspect he had done this in the past. He was recently told he was being let go for other reasons. (Thats when he went on his little spree). Using the techniques in this book, I was able to have him return all the items and not once did I have to accuse him of taking them or, threaten, or even ask if he took them (that's a no-no).
AMAZING !!! I would have nevr use this technique naturally although when you use it, it sounds natural and after youi practice it becomes natural.
It's not just extreme situations when you use the info in the book, it's much more often. It's not as much about detecting lies/decption, as it is about asking the questions that make it difficult for people to deceive. It's about not putting people in the position to lie, instead of asking for lies, as many of us do naturaly. If people have to work to lie, they generally won't, if we hand them the opportunity to lie, they might.
Deceptive Title.......2005-11-04
Even though some of the stories are interesting, this book is nothing short of average. Had little to do with the title.
Customer Reviews:
ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN.......2006-08-28
First off, i would not recommend this book for anyone unfamiliar with Alice Bailey's writing. (Or, if you will, the Tibetian she channels.) I remember the first book of hers i read, was TELEPATHY, which helped me learn many of the theosophical definitions and ontological classifications. Another good first read may be GLAMOUR A WORLD PROBLEM. It's not filled with technical terms. Then again, some people may find that reading other theosophists, or perhaps ISIS UNVEILED is the first step. We are each on individual paths. However, if theosophical terminology isnt new to you, and you have a passing aquaintance with Buddhism, Christianity, hermetism and Hinduism, then you may find information in the book that you could use towards your spiritual evolution, and for the group work of your ray type. Like most spiritual reading, this book will give you what you need for wherever you are, while confusing you about those topics you are not either ready or permited to learn. After all, spiritual insight enters the disciple from the Buddhic plane, the plane of spiritual intuition. This book is both KEY and CURTAIN in its method. As is stated elsewhere in a review, Bailey has many "blinds" in her work, to confuse those who's intentions are not pure. A special caution for those who may be WICCANS, or young adolescents looking for love spells, or any kind of "PERSONAL POWER SEEKERS" in general. This is NOT the book for you. Not because the knowledge is too arcane, too advanced or too empowering for those incapable of handling it. This is not some long lost BOOK OF SPELLS, or anything like that. WHITE MAGIC, as Bailey understands it, is the ability to understand the purpose and goal of the Great Masters, and of the Cosmic Christ, and taking a scientific approach to prayer, to materialize the goal on the material plane. I suppose the real magic, is effective prayer. A final note: the difference between WHITE MAGIC, and BLACK MAGIC, is simple, but of utmost importance. The white magician never uses this information for selfish, materialistic reasons, or to obtain sway over the wills of others. If you EVER use magic, hypnosis, drugs, etc, to controll the wills of others, even if your intentions are good, or you think they are, you are practicing BLACK MAGIC. Because FREE WILL, the practice of HARMLESSNESS, and learning to serve the will of THE FATHER IN HEAVEN, (The GREAT WHITE LODGE in SIRIUS) is the real meaning of white magic. I think of much of her work, as esoteric christianity, since she seems to be working in the second ray group, which she has elsewhere indicated to be lead by CHRIST. For those whom this writing is meant for, you will certainly gain some interesting meditation themes, while sensitizing your intuitive buddhic plane. At the very least, you will be exposing yourself to some great stories. "MAY LOVE, LIGHT AND WILL BRING TO EARTH THE PLAN OF GOD."
Not a new book at all .......2005-08-13
I usually buy second hand "new" items. This book was deteriorated. Far away from brand new, just like new and so on descriptions.
took my breath away.......2005-05-31
I was in a busy phase in my life and was suddenly struck down by a freak dancing accident in a music class I was teaching to children in South Korea. I had to have knee surgery and had a long hospital stay. I ordered the book before I went to the hospital. This book stimulated me on every level: spirtuatally, intellectually, linguistically...I could go on and on. It is the book I've been waiting my whole life for. Strangely, I picked up Alice Bailey's work years ago but didn't understand it. But after two years of Raja Yoga and lots of meditation, I can say that I understood almost every word. This book will only speak to you when you're ready. But when you are, it may change you're life and the lives of others.
A Practical But Esoteric Spiritual Guide.......2002-12-26
A Treatise On White Magic by Alice Bailey is a very special book written for those spiritual seekers who have found the spiritual path within themselves and who require specific and general guidance in moving forward. The book is divided into major sections, where each can be seen to deal with a major aspect and stage upon this path. There are sections that deal with the physical, emotional and mental aspects of ourselves and the books hints at how these aspects are and can be spiritualised.
A Treatise on White Magic, like so many of A.A.B's books, is not intended to be informational. On the whole, they are intended to be inspirational. By that I mean that the reader's intuition and spiritual perception is awakened through studying the book's contents.
This book cannot be rated too highly and will be appreciated by those who have a deep interest in all things spiritual, but not necessarily religious, and by those who can appreciate the spiritual and esoteric aspect of everyday life.
A Treatise on White Magic.......2001-09-11
In this book, the 15 Rules of White Magic are explained in detail, each relating to a specific plane, each demanding a definite state of mind in order to obtain sought after results. For instance, Rule I requires Recollection leading the way to Concentration. Rule II demands Response leading to Interaction between the Higher and Lower Self. Rule III is Radiation, which is a Sounding forth, etc. Rules I through VI relate to the Mental Plane, Rules VII through XI to the Astral Plane. Rules XII through XV to the Physical Plane. The whole of man is taken into consideration; the whole of man is at work with White Magic.
Average customer rating:
- This book is fantastic for discipleship!
- Wonderful gems of truth!
- SPIRITUAL GROWTH!!!
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Victorious Disciples
Wanda Bolton-Davis
Manufacturer: Pleasant Word-A Division of WinePress Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
General
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ASIN: 1414100035 |
Book Description
Victorious Disciples is a study of Biblical principles. By imparting spiritual knowledge and encouragement, this book is designed to help Christian women move from knowing the Word of God, to living the Word of God. If you are a new Christian but feel lost, this book is for you. If you have been in Christ for some time, but life is taking a toll on you, this book is for you. If you are a believer, but have no joy and feel defeated, this book is for you. If your church desires to develop a strong discipleship/mentoring ministry, this book is for you. Victorious Disciples provides the following guidelines for your Christian walk: . How to study the Bible . How to have an effective prayer life . How to experience victory in spiritual warfare . How to have strong faith . How to live a Spirit filled life . How to become a disciple leader IF EVERY ONE DISCIPLES ONE, THEN EVERYONE WILL BE DISCIPLED!
Customer Reviews:
This book is fantastic for discipleship!.......2006-03-19
I ordered this book for one-on-one discipleship and the lessons it contains and the format is great. You can do a lesson all in one sitting or break it up just as easily, and i love the way you do the work by subject rather than all at once. This book has just the right depth to reach a wide range of spiritual maturities.
Wonderful gems of truth!.......2006-02-24
This book is truly a work of the Holy Spirit. It serves to be that guide to discipleship, that is much needed in today's church. My lady's group was blessed beyond measure, and they are eagerly awaiting the next lesson. Thank God for this great book that lets us down into the treasures of the Word of God.
SPIRITUAL GROWTH!!!.......2004-02-22
This book is great for women that are SERIOUS about their desire to grow spiritually. It's not a "bible study" book per se. But the idea is for you to take the biblical principals provided in this book, and apply them to your daily living. It is encouraged that you do go over each lesson once a month for 12 months or once a week for 12 weeks. The objective is to bring you to a point where you can walk in VICTORY no matter what situations may arise. AND we are commissioned to be disciples and disciple leaders. So, once you go through the lessons, it would be great if you could take what has been poured into you, and pour into someone else's life. IF EVERYONE DISCIPLES ONE, THEN EVERYONE WILL BE DISCIPLED!!!
Book Description
Many churchgoers complain that their churches lack a coherent plan for discipleship and spiritual growth. In turn, many church leaders lament their lack of resources to build and manage effective programs to help people become fully devoted followers of Christ. In Transforming Discipleship Greg Odgen introduces his vision for discipleship, emphasizing that solutions will not be found in large-scale, finely-tuned, resource-heavy programs.Instead, Ogden recovers Jesus' method of accomplishing life change by investing in just a few people at a time. And he shows how discipleship can become a self-replicating process with ongoing impact from generation to generation.Biblical, practical and tremendously effective, Transforming Discipleship provides the insights and philosophy of ministry behind Ogden's earlier work, Discipleship Essentials. Together, these ground-breaking books have the potential to transform how your church transforms the lives of its people.
Customer Reviews:
Review of "Transforming Discipleship" by Ogden.......2007-09-07
This is one of those books you will wish you had read years before. After discussing what discipleship is (helping people to live like Jesus), Ogden gives a detailed overview of the models Jesus and Paul used to disciple people. Jesus' model, very simply, was first to be an example to people. Secondly he would teach them to serve, teach and lead. Thirdly, Jesus became a coach, helping his disciples to actually step out and actively serve. Finally, Jesus delegated all responsibility to the Apostles to go out and carry on the work of the kingdom. This model is one that any servant of Christ today can use to duplicate his/her own faith and ministry in another willing person.
The following statement from the book encapsulates the goal of duplication and discipleship for all Christian leaders : "The tragedy is that most Christian leaders have placed almost no priority on transitional leadership. It is generally fair to say that the effectiveness of one's ministry is to be measured by how well it flourishes after one's departure." (P.96)
Public teaching and preaching will always have its place. But nothing can replace one-on-one teaching, modeling and training. I highly recommend this book.
Excellent Resource.......2007-09-05
This book helped us solve the discipleship dilemma we had in our church. Now our small groups can focus on family and evangelism, while members get spiritually fed through their triad group. It's just a tool but a great one!
A fantastic book that gets to the heart of the issue........2007-07-09
I found this book to be very timely in my own life. I have been involved in ministry for over 10 years. After the 10 years I found that I was involved in mostly program based ministry that showed almost no transformation in the lives of the believers I worked with. God began to do a work in my heart to search out what discipleship really is. After 5 months of personal study and many revelations, I read this book which was an absolute confirmation of what God was already doing in my heart.
I found the book to be right on and a wonderful read.
After reading the book, I bought 5 more copies to give to my small group and a few key pastors that I have relationships with.
This book is a must read, it not only has the theology but the real world application t back it up.
I can't recommend this book highly enough. I'm now praying about who I am going to invite into my first discipleship group.
Transforming Discipleship.......2007-05-13
A simple idea, but one seldom implemented. Can help any of us consider what are we really doing. Are we caught up in the tyranny of the urgent? Are we focusing on what is really crucial. The book points out how all of us need truth, intimacy and accountability. It is the latter that I see most lacking in in our Christian life and what can be the antidote to many falling from "grace".
Discipleship.......2007-04-04
Wow, its explicitly discipleship compelled me to make disciples within my church. Triads were created to grow spiritually in the Lord. The book is fully recommended if you are interested in growing your church numerously.
Book Description
Padmasambhava is the primary master of Vajrayana, the teachings for our time. Out of his great compassion and wisdom, he instructed his main disciple Yeshe Tsogyal to conceal terma treasures to be revealed at the destined time for future practitioners. The profundity of this advice is meant to be personally applied by all individuals in all circumstances. Advice from the Lotus Born is a classic work which contains valid truth for anyone who sincerely wants to follow a spiritual path.
Customer Reviews:
Multi-level Teachings.......2007-09-18
This collection of 12 termas (hidden treasures) from 6 tertons (treasure revealers), p. 9: "companion volume to Dakini Teachings : Padmasambhava's Oral Instructions to Lady Tsogyal (Dragon Editions Ser.)," varies widely in level of teachings. The smaller termas & the early parts of the longer are at an introductory level--possibly due to the supposition that Buddhist practice would have all but died out when hidden texts were discovered (~the Dead Sea Scrolls). But in longer chapters ("A Spur to Spiritual Practice" & esp. "The Treasury of Precious Jewels to Dispel Hindrances"), are subtle & profound Dzogchen teachings--p. 136: "When you realize that all that appears & exists to be your mind, there is no path of enlightenment apart from that...When Samsaric existence is freed in itself, there is no awakened state to accomplish apart form that. Once you realize this, samsara & nirvana are not two." More mid-level--p. 69: Shamatha & Vipashyana; Chod: p. 76: "The demon is your own demon & cutting through it pacifies yourself...Therefore, it is a greater enhancement to confront a single frightening place than to do three years of meditation."
It has two seeming contradictions: p. 30: "If you give with compassion & bodhichitta you achieve hundredfold merit. If you give without bodhichitta resolve, your merit will not increase," since 100 times nothing is nothing! Also, p. 76: "This secret conduct is not only aimed at the thought of demons but also at cutting through contagious diseases such as leprosy & feelings of fear, dread, repulsion, disgust, timidity, cowardice, embarrassment & so forth" vs. p. 90: "You become defiled from...having contact with lepers." But, I assume such instructions were aimed at differing levels of practitioners engaged in different practices per p. 142: "The intelligent person instructed in what is not interesting will remain unsatisfied, which will diminish his faith."
Provocatively, p. 73: "How will my bodhichitta, which is merely platitudes & intellectual idea, accomplish the true meaning?" & p. 120: "Best is when such a master is within reach; if not, it is sad. For whoever has supreme faith and resolve, the Buddha will be present as if in person." My favorite pith advice is: p. 143: "Unless you eradicate your own inner faults the vile zombie of disturbing emotions will rise again, even though you have glimpsed the blissful & clear state of wakefulness." How true!
One of the best concise books on the Vajrayan Dharma........2006-03-13
Padmasambhava as most of you know was completedly enlightened. So, what a blessing it is to have access to material writen and dictated by himself. Under his immedeate counsel.
This book is good for practioners of every level. But, specially for those who are midway their paths. The direct advices will cut straight through the BS still there. And for begginers I think it definitely will inspire them.
This is an absolutely must have.
Hope that this review will drive you to read this book and the merit you'll collect brings us all to perfect liberation.
Rob
it is what it says it is.......2005-05-29
Another important volume, also important to remember that intent is the crux of any action. Inspiring regardless of how much the advice is put into practice, and of course, this lifetime isn't quite over yet.
The father of Tibetan Buddhism.......2004-03-12
Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche, is credited as being the main person who brought Buddhism to Tibet, and is also understood by Tibetan Buddhists to have been a Buddha himself.
In some contexts, one approaches teachings directly at their source first, and then looks to commentaries, explanations, etc. For example, in Protestant Christianity, one is often encouraged to go straight to the New Testament and read that. Then one reads the works of theologians, biblical scholars, preachers, and so on.
However, in Buddhism the approach is often the opposite. First one goes to a teacher who is a contemporary of yours. Then, having gained some confidence from that teacher, and having put into practice some of the teachings and having seen their effectiveness and practicality, one then turns to some other writings of an introductory nature. After having gained some grounding in those, one may then turn to a commentary on a root text. Then, one may read the root texts oneself. Lastly, one may turn to the sutras and words of the Buddha himself. Trying to start there, however, would not be advised -- as anyone who has tried to read the Tripitaka (the three baskets of teachings of the Buddha) or the tantras can attest!
Similarly in the case of this text -- one should have a good grounding before attempting very difficult texts, and they should in all cases be read while one is studying with a lama. Otherwise, misunderstandings may occur, and these may be worse than not having encountered the text in the first place. But if one does have that grounding, what greater treasure is there than to read such wonderful texts?
I write this review, and give it five stars, in part because I saw that there are already three reviews and even though each one praised the book, for some reason one of the reviews shows up as having no stars (a bug in Amazon's system, I suppose), and so the general rating of this book was only three and a half. Yet, clearly, stars cannot estimate the value of such works...
This book is wonderful........2003-05-26
"Don't mistake mere words to be the meaning of the teachings. Mingle the practice with your own being and attain liberation right now." It really is advice, in plain English.
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