DeeperDane C. OrtlundAuthor of best-seller 'Gentle & Lowly', Dane Ortlund, has written another excellent book that will help the attentive reader grow in godliness. He argues that, as Christians, we shouldn't simply be trying to be better, but should be going deeper than that and dealing firstly with our hearts and the sin residing there. Essentially we do this by immersing ourselves in the great gospel truths we knew when we were regenerated, and preaching them to ourselves daily as we meditate on God's word. This is an excellent book for anyone wanting to really go deeper for their spiritual growth.
Making DisciplesCris RogersIn 'Making Disciples', Cris Rogers shows us how true discipleship isn't merely about head knowledge, but how this connects to our hearts, and how this in turns affects how we act. The author argues that it's about how we follow and journey with God, and the books walks us through a 7-week programme toward a fresh experience of true discipleship.
A Long Obedience in the Same Direction: Discipleship in an Instant SocietyEugene H PetersonEugene Peterson is well-known for writing books which Christians have found helpful for the past 50 years. 'A Long Obedience in the Same direction' is no exception as he exposes our cultural weaknesses and encourages us to faithful Christian living where the rubber hits the road! Peterson takes us more deeply into God's word through the Psalms of Ascent, and shows the reader that constant meditation on the word is the key which will "set us on a pilgrim path of wholeness in God", or as we might put it, a healthy spiritual life. Well worth reading and considering carefully.
Practicing the WayJohn Mark ComerIf you're familiar with John Mark Comer's relatable and practical style you'll find plenty to take from this guide to living out the Jesus Way. Comer encourages change and growth in every believer and equips you with practical, Scripture-led guidance to do so.
Being DisciplesRowan WilliamsFormer Archbishop writes this accessible guide for what it means to live out a life as a Christian covering topics such as Faith, Forgiveness and Holiness. Written in the knowledge that journeying with others is key each chapter ending with questions for reflecting on and discussing so can easily be used in a small group setting or in a 1-2-1.
Need to KnowGary MillarIn 'Need to Know', Gary Millar shows us what comes after conversion in terms of the things we really need to know if we're going to continue to grow as disciples of Jesus. He explores what being a child of God means, how we find forgiveness, how we press on in the faith, and how we become more like Christ. Millar explores the essentials of the faith in a succinct manner and in an easy-to-read writing style which makes this a book any Christian interested in Discipleship will enjoy and benefit from reading.
The Divine ConspiracyDallas WillardDallas Willard's name has become synonymous with Spiritual Formation ever since the publication of 'The Spirit of the Disciplines' in 1988. A decade on from that influential book saw the publication of 'The Divine Conspiracy' in which Willard argues that we can't be passive in our spiritual growth and wait for godliness to just happen for us, but instead we should apply ourselves to the spiritual disciplines to become more like Christ. It's almost 400 pages but worth reading and applying many of the strategies Willard suggests to aid our continuing growth.
Discipleship Matters – Dying to live for ChristPeter MaidenIn 'Discipleship Matters', Peter Maiden calls all Christians to a life of radical discipleship in obedience to God's plan for us. He shows how we can give our whole lives to Christ and what this will mean for us and those around us. This is an excellent introduction to Discipleship and written in a style which makes it a book anyone can pick up and enjoy!
Dynamics of Spiritual LifeRichard F LovelaceThis is quite possibly the best treatment of Spiritual Formation in print and is definitely a modern classic. In this book Lovelace looks at Revival in the general and individual sense of the term, showing how the Holy Spirit moves both in corporate and personal ways. He argues that the Spirit must continually revive us because of the nature of the human condition and our instinct to resort to mere outward religion which doesn't really involve the heart. He shows us how we can move away from this to a more mature understanding of justification and how it leads to sanctification (and not the other way around). Lovelace argues the best way to do this - and to stimulate true spiritual formation - is to continually preach the gospel to needy people who in turn will be more receptive to a work of the Spirit and be transformed by it. Written more with pastors and church leaders in mind, Tim Keller says "This is a book we can't do without", and I agree!