George Barna made the disturbing prediction [in 2005] that the church would lose half of its market share by 2015. Many people in our churches today profess faith in God, but they embody the views of the dominant culture. We cajole people into making decisions for Jesus rather than truthfully challenge people to calculate the cost of following Jesus in a lifestyle of sacrificial service. – Mike Slaughter, Change the World

For those of us who long for a practical way to disciple men, women and teens “to calculate the cost of following Jesus in a lifestyle of sacrificial service” our wait is over! Dr. Tom Cocklereece, pastor of Shady Grove Baptist Church in Marietta, GA and CEO of RENOVA Coaching and Consulting has written a leader / mentor guide for those who desire to “train up disciples” of Jesus Christ in his book, Simple Discipleship. He has recently followed that book up with Simple Discipleship: The Disciple Maker’s Toolkit, which is a lay-leaders practical toolbox for developing disciples of Jesus.

Readers will find this format and the usability of the book, Simple Discipleship. He wrote this book because of what he has found to be true in his experience.

1. Churches are not effective at making disciples.
2. The many programs and activities provided by churches do not translate into spiritual growth of people.
3. Independent programs and events do not function as a process for disciple making.
4. Churches are resistant to changing how they have always done things, even if what they are doing is not working.

This is a Biblical book and a Biblical methodology! Tom breathes Scripture as he writes and guides the disciple maker in their quest. However, the book and toolkit are not complicated. In a “simple” outline, Tom looks at two key areas in the book, Simple Discipleship:

• ·      Part 1 – The Elements of Simple Discipleship.

What is discipleship? What is simple discipleship? These two key questions are answered as our journey begins as he identifies one condition of spiritual stagnation or regression and four stages of spiritual growth – all from their biblical supports.

Tom readily acknowledges his connection and inspiration from Simple Church by Eric Geiger and Thom Rainer. In fact, they encouraged him to move forward with this project!

Like American culture, churches have become complex and complicated. The process in Simple Discipleship, like the New Testament’s process, is in fact quite simple. It revolves around four purposes: worship, word, ministry and missions. You can draw the plan on a napkin, making it easily understandable and reproducible for every person you disciple.

In essence, Simple Discipleship is a process for leading and motivating Christians to greater spiritual maturity and participation. When Simple Discipleship is used a s a ministry and discipleship framework, traditional Bible study materials, literature, or programs are not merely replaced. Instead, this book provides the structure on which leaders may plan long-term.

• ·      Part 2 – Implementing Simple Discipleship.

Part 2 takes the church leader and the leadership through a 12-step process to implement Simple Discipleship. From preparation to developing a vision to launching the vision to working the process, this book has all the information, charts and explanations to make your transition a success. The book even includes a CD with all the materials needed!

Simple Discipleship: The Disciple-Maker’s Toolkit

As an additional resource for the discipler, Tom has created a booklet that provides the basics of discipleship, the stages of spiritual growth, a spiritual vitality assessment, an adapted DISC personality type assessment and many other practical tools to be used in real life discipleship. This is an excellent resource that compliments Simple Discipleship well.

In two recent interviews, Tom shared his heart and thoughts about Simple Discipleship and Simple Discipleship: The Disciple-Maker’s Toolkit with me. I hope you will take the time to listen to those interviews.

Write me at PastorMatt[@]EaglesInLeadership.org if I can be helpful to you and your church.