Making Disciples in Your Community (Following God Discipleship) (Following God Discipleship Series)

For too long, Christians have seen spiritual growth as a private pursuit and consider salvation only in the parameters of a strictly personal affair with Christ. We are taught that spiritual growth is an individual responsibility; therefore, we expect to become more like Christ through our own efforts. A modern emphasis on individualism has replaced the importance of community. Our sense of isolation has grown even more acute in the computer age. But in the postmodern culture we now find a growing desire for community and a realization of what we have lost in our insolation and pursuit of privacy. Making Disciples in Your Community is a nine-week Following God Bible study offering an in-depth look at how we grow spiritually in community. Veteran Following God study author Barbara Henry defines community as "a group of seekers or believers who come together regularly for mutual edification and encouragement, to study the Scripture, to pray, and to share their faith in order to grow." In his second letter to the early church, the apostle Peter gave his readers a list of qualities describing mature believers. Each lesson of this study focuses on one of these qualities, how to obtain it, how it grows in us, and how it builds loving community. Review This study will deepen your appreciation for those around you, and expand your vision of the Gospel that is the power to make us more like Jesus.-KEVIN & STEPHENE VANDEN BRINK, Pastor, New City Fellowship South City, St. LouisBarbara Henry writes from her heart when she points out that God not only offers us salvation; He provides all we need for spiritual growth as we joint others in community. Ultimately, He leads us to go out, equipped to be involved in His mission to the world. This study will spur you on to love and good deeds. Thanks Barbara.-RACHEL CRABB, wife of Dr.Larry Crabb, conference speaker and author of The Personal TouchSpending time together with other people talking about things that matter most in life can be a deeply rewarding experience. And when someone as thoughtful as Barbara henry has prepared questions to prompt the discussion, the conversation can be that much richer.  -MARGIE AND DENIS HAACK, Ransom Fellowship, RansomFellowship.org   If the health of the body equals the sum of its parts, then making sure each member is as healthy, strong, and vigorous as possible is a vital concern for all who follow Jesus.  Barbara Henry is fueling that effort by putting in our hands a powerful tool for spiritual formation to help us flourish both individually and together. -CAROLYN CUSTIS JAMES, author of The Gospel of Ruth About the Author BARBARA HENRY received her B.A. in education from Covenant College and her M.A. in biblical counseling from Colorado Christian University. She has been involved in women's ministries for over thirty years-leading and writing Bible studies for the local church and spiritual direction for individuals. Her passion for equipping others for ministry makes her a popular speaker in churches across America.Barbara has four children and for the last ten years has served as a single parent. Both of her daughters are stay-at-home moms, and her sons are active in music ministry. Barbara is blessed with five beautiful grandchildren and hopes to have many more. For more on Barbara check out her Web site at: www.barbarahenry.org