"Becoming a Disciple-Making Church" (Neil T. Anderson)

TITLE: Becoming a Disciple-Making Church: A Proven Method for Growing Spiritually Mature Christians
AUTHOR: Neil T. Anderson
PUBLISHER: Minneapolis, MN: Bethany House Publishers, 2016, (240 pages).

Another book on discipleship? Not really. Instead of focusing on beginners, this book pays attention to those who have been in Church for a long time, a group that the author calls "spiritually mature Christians." Unlike most books, this book is mostly adapted from various chapters of Anderson's other books published since 1990. Most of the chapters deal with overcoming barriers to discipleship. Barriers such as spiritual forces of darkness, emotional challenges, anger, anxiety disorders, depression, sexual strongholds, difficult marriages, conflict resolution, and so on. The key to effective ministry is to begin with the victory of Jesus at the cross. The moment that happens, we are thrust into a conflict between two kingdoms: of God's and of the world. Believers need to be serious about genuine repentance and to share the whole gospel. This starting point of victory in Christ comes about with a firm footing on the promises of Scripture. He provides biblical references to show us the meaning of being firm and secure in Christ. Anderson then brings out the need for spiritual, mental, emotional, volitional, and relational health through the three levels:

1. Rooted in Christ
2. Built Up in Christ
3. Living in Christ

Neil Anderson had gone through engineering school, worked at Honeywell, went to seminary, and dedicated his life to ministry. He started Freedom in Christ ministries back in 1989,  ministry that helps individuals resolve their personal and spiritual conflicts in life. His method for growing spiritually mature Christians essentially means removing the barriers for discipleship before any other discipleship strategies. In other words, before the Church can effectively do discipleship, the Church must be set free. Most importantly, Anderson takes aim at the leadership of each Church, believing that no church can rise above the leaders they have. Leaders need to live by example.

1. Let God show their strengths
2. Let God reveal their weaknesses
3. Let God remind them of memories both good and bad, for genuine repentance and forgiveness to take place
4. Confess the corporate sins
5. Be ready for all kinds of spiritual attacks
6. Have a Prayer Action Plan

If your community have tried all forms of discipleship programs but still find your spiritual life lacking, perhaps, try Anderson's approach to first take down the barriers. This is the single biggest take away in this book. It's worth trying out.

Rating: 4 stars of 5.

conrade

---

This book is provided to me courtesy of Bethany House Publishers and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.