In the shifting cultural sands of the West, Christianity is no longer a dominant worldview or an accepted norm. Twenty-first-century Christians find themselves pushed to the edges of contemporary culture, exiled in a strange land. This sifting has led to some choosing comfort and compromise as their response, laying down their cross for an easier ride. Others unconsciously replace or abandon lifelong spiritual patterns in a way that causes root systems to weaken and faith to crumble. Yet there continue to be those who respond to Jesus call, embrace the cost of discipleship, commit to Christian community and endure challenges that come their way. They face the erosion of Cultural Christianity not with clenched fists but open hands - resilient disciples who develop a long-haul faith by building below the surface on a firm foundation. Deep Roots of Resilient Disciples offers a roadmap for this kind of intentional discipleship life. It will help you recover ancient paths in a modern world as you are taken on a journey through the life of Jesus through the lens of our contemporary culture. This book will enable you to discover key principles and practices that contribute to a life of lasting faith – one that is grounded in faithful discipleship but also pulsing with life and faith-fueled adventure.
Feels wrong to rate Christian books on the same metric as I do everything else so just a written review- but I will say this was great! Very practical, clearly written and a really important reminder of the basics of faith which I can easily neglect when I’m busy.
We’ll ignore the fact I started this in vietnam and only finished it now because this is the first Jesus book I’ve finished in a v long time!
A brilliant read on a very important topic within current church and ministry landscape. Rick writes in a very accessible manner with plenty of personal stories and anecdotes to back up his research and Biblical insight on this topic. Each chapter is passionate, direct and highly applicable. A must read!
An excellent consideration of what a life lived for Jesus looks like. It was filled with encouragement and challenge for the Christian life. I would definitely recommend for small groups or book groups, as well as those looking to grow in their faith.
I naively thought this book wasn't for me, but I was very wrong. In fact, it was enough to lift me up out of a slump I found myself in towards the end of last year, and raise me closer to where I'm meant to be. The perfect book to start a new year off with.
Finished this up last week and can highly recommend it! Great insights & wisdom from someone who has a clear passion when it comes to growing disciples who run the race to the finish. Resilience is something we don't focus enough on and like Rick says in the intro I know of and see people drifting away, especially in their late teens/early twenties and this book lays some great foundations for what it can look like to build a faith that lasts. I'll be recommending this to mentors I work with at church to read with the young adults & teenagers they work with.
What a book! This has left me feeling challenged to my very core of what a true life of a disciple should look like!
I think no matter where you are in your walk with God this book has so much to inspire, bless, convict and encourage everyone. It is so heartfelt, personal and honest … grounded in biblical truth and teaching … and has really made me think deeply about what my life should look like as I walk with Jesus every day.
I love how Rick has stripped everything back, and gone back to the basics of what it means to be a follower of Jesus and a disciple to reach others. It is definitely worth taking time to invest in these truths God has clearly put on Rick’s heart to share. In this fast changing world, surly there is no better time to make sure we are equipped to be the disciples that Jesus calls us to be?!
Rick is a great writer, pulling the teachings of Jesus in line with his personal experiences. Being from the UK makes this deeply relatable as a dad and leader. Spiritual disciplines, practices, formation, gives relevance especially in an ever changing world. While through the lens of the pandemic as we get to “normal” Jesus is still consistent in 2023. Would recommend to anyone trying to find their way balancing the world and following Jesus.