Multiply: Disciples Making Disciples is one of the best books on creating disciples that I’ve come across. The idea of “discipleship” has fallen out of vogue in many Christian circles. We would much rather focus on building our our own Christian lives and empires.
Jesus, however, gave us very clear and specific instructions. “And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”” (Matthew 28:18-20)
“Do you really believe that Jesus told His early followers to make disciples but wants the twenty-first century church to do something different?” (Page 22)
Francis Chan has always been one of my favorite writers and speakers. His passion is infectious and communication skills are world-class. Multiply is an easy read but it is packed with everything that someone needs to become a true disciple of Jesus, but just as importantly, everything that someone would need to take another person down their own discipleship journey.
Sadly, becoming a follower of Jesus is often viewed as a solo project. That goes completely against the grain of what Jesus taught and demonstrated with his own followers. The Apostle Paul instructed one of his key team members, “and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.” (2 Timothy 2:2) In reality, we only reach our full potential of what it means to be a disciple of Jesus as we are helping someone else along that journey.
While this may sound good, most of us have no idea where to start. That was why Multiply: Disciples Making Disciples was developed. It is an easy to use guide on what it really means to be a Christian. The book itself is outstanding but Chan and Pastor David Platt also have provided an interactive website to go along with the book. The website includes 25 short videos (all around five minutes each) that feature Chan and Platt discussing various aspects of the book and how to apply them in a discipleship setting.
This is quality material that both churches, small groups, and individuals can use. No matter where you are in your Christian life, Multiply will help you along the discipleship journey. After you read it, consider finding a friend or two and taking them on the journey, as well. The book, combined with the short videos from the website, provide you with everything you need to run a successful discipleship group.
Annie and I are serving the Lord in the US, Africa, South America, India, and beyond. Would you consider joining our team? Just click here to get involved. Thanks so much!
