Gospel-Centered Discipleship: Revised and Expanded

by Jonathan K. Dodson, Matt Chandler (Foreword)

A Gospel-Rich, Reproducible Model for Making Disciples as Jesus Intended

Biblical discipleship emphasizes encouragement, repentance, and spiritual growth—essential parts of the Christian life. However, well-meaning believers often struggle to follow Jesus, unaware their views are too legalistic, licentious, or individualistic. How can churches and Christians develop a healthy, successful path to disciple-making?

In this second edition of Gospel-Centered Discipleship, Jonathan Dodson presents an effective, Spirit-led model for sanctification. Reminding readers that real discipleship is imperfect yet transformational, Dodson encourages Christians to engage more authentically with others as they grow in faith. Drawing from his own failures and successes while following Jesus, Dodson defines discipleship, describes the heart of a disciple, and gives practical guidance for mentor and peer-based discipleship as Jesus intended.

Revised and  Includes three new chapters and new illustrations  Shows how discipleship can be practical and gospel-centered  Addresses the Holy Spirit’s involvement in discipleship Foreword by Matt  Author of The Explicit Gospel

Genres: Audiobook, Christian

169 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 3, 2022

About the author

Jonathan K. Dodson (M.Div, Th.M) is happy husband to Robie, and proud father to Owen, Ellie & Rosamund. He is the lead pastor of City Life Church and a leader in PlantR and Gospel Centered Discipleship.com. Jonathan is also author of Gospel-Centered Discipleship, Raised? Finding Jesus by Doubting the Resurrection and The Unbelievable Gospel: Say Something Worth Believing (September, 2014). He enjoys listening to M. Ward, smoking his pipe, watching sci-fi, and following Jesus.

Reviews

[Jonathan Lloyd · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was refreshing and challenging. In both my ministry and personal life, I found Dodson's work helpful and encouraging. Discipleship is about pointing one another to Jesus over and over again. Dodson's vision for Christ-centered discipleship is biblical and essential for spiritual growth in the lives of Christ's disciples. Wonderful book that I heartily recommend!

[Robbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I’ve read on discipleship. It sticks to its titular aim and keeps the gospel the main focus throughout. Very practical resource I’ll regularly go back to for personal and group study.

[Aaron Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

So good! Making sure the Gospel is at the center of our discipleship, and that discipleship doesn't become the center of our Gospel. I'm a fan of the obedience-based discipleship of the DMM (Disciple-making movement) model. However, it can often feel like rules are at the center (and not the Rule Maker), obedience is at the center (and not the grace of the Gospel), and that the Holy Spirit is the one and only Teacher for the Christian (human teachers are forgotten and even excluded). Dodson's model focuses on all these.

However, I do think that the model that Dodson presents for group meetings is maybe too much of an accountability group (for fighting sin) and not broad enough in focus toward general discipleship accountability (such as the DMM model does - reading a passage, and implementing direct obedience).

I could be wrong, but that's my impression, and I'd like to see the best of these two synthesized for even more effective disciple-making.

[Kevin McCarthy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars for me. Some really excellent reminders about how to keep priorities clear in not just discipleship but also just plain old Christian friendship. And Dodson has great insight into the common shortcomings that often manifest in these spaces. Just thought there were some redundant chapters, and I also would’ve liked more depth/detail in the discussion of what discipleship looked like for Jesus.

[Jonathan Clarke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for pastors

This book is a great resource for church leaders, leadership teams and for anyone who is wanting to create a gospel-centred discipleship culture. Each chapter is packed with wonderful insights and practical principles.

[Rachel Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the better theology/Christian living books I’ve read in awhile. Very honest, practical and inspiring.

[Josh Broccolo · Rating 3 out of 5]

The concepts were expressed well in practical examples, but it was difficult for me to see the forest for the trees until I was almost finished. Will need to be reread.

[Preston Milligan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The foundational and practical aspects of discipleship are lined out very plainly. I highly recommend it for all believers, especially those who lead discipleship groups!

[Griffin Bowes · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars.
A great book. I wish I read this years ago. Discipleship is crucial for successful strides towards Christ-likeness. Grateful for Dodson’s work on this!

[Ryan Fendley · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the better books I’ve read about entering into discipleship and how to do it well.

[Rosa]

Excellent book covering discipleship.