Top Books on Making Lifelong Disciples of Jesus

Here are five book recommendations on the topic of discipleship:

1. The Master Plan of Evangelism by Robert Coleman

I love this book because it is short, sweet, and centered on Jesus. The whole point of the book is to examine the principles Jesus used to make disciples and then implement them. It is provocative and powerful.

2. Discipling by Mark Dever

This book covers the who, what, where, and how questions of discipleship. It is broad enough to benefit every Christian, but not too broad to be unhelpful. It is simultaneously encouraging and convicting. It is also a short read.

3. Growing Up by Robby Gallaty

Growing Up is the one-stop-shop kind of book. It also has a built-in blue print for the future. You can take this book and turn the world upside down if you follow it. It lays out a succinct and systematic plan for how to make disciples. If you can only read one book on the topic, this is probably the one you should pick.

4. The Trellis and the Vine by Colin Marshall and Tony Payne

It will change your whole view of church. It identifies problems that are hard to see until someone points them out. Once they are pointed out, it is like “Wow! How did I miss that?!” It gently identifies faults with typical practices, and offers better biblical ways of making disciples. I wish I had read it years ago. If you are a church leader, this is the book you should choose.

5. The Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan

The Pilgrim’s Progress is the best-selling English book in the world other than the Bible. Jenny and I are reading a small paragraph every night before bed. It is a discipleship book. I can’t think of an aspect of the Christian faith that it leaves out. It takes you through mountains, valleys, arrows, and treasures. The allegory is memorable and timeless. If you are a baby Christian, this book will bless you. If you are a seasoned Christian, you can visit it over and over again for insights. My main suggestion is that you get a modern English version. If you love the book already, then you will love these new commentaries that go along with it.