Discipleship is one of the key words used in the churches today and there are many initiatives in the mainstream churches to enable people to grow as disciples of Christ.

Roger Walton

Copyright information

Dedication

Introduction

Section 1. Formation

1. Forming Christian Disciples: Mission

2. Forming Christian Disciples: Worship

3. Forming Christian Disciples: Community

4. Forming Christian Disciples: Christian Education

Reflections and Questions on Section 1

Section 2. Small Groups and Discipleship Formation

5. The Value of Small Groups

6. Small Group Explosion: Church Small Groups in the Twentieth Century

7. Research on Church-related Small Groups 

8. Small Groups and Discipleship Formation

9. Disciples Together: Small Groups in Theological Perspective

Bibliography

Discipleship is one of the key words used in the churches today and there are many initiatives in the mainstream churches to enable people to grow as disciples of Christ. Much of this happens in small groups, yet there has hitherto been very little written about this phenomenon. Roger Walton seeks to speak from research and theological reflection into the growing small group movement in the churches. In the midst of a cluster of recent 'how to' books on Christian Small Groups this book attempts to set the phenomenon in the broader context of research and theological reflection. It can be conceived as a critical friend to the movement rather than cheering it on, encouraging people to think and engage more deeply with theological, sociological and ecclesiological issues.

This is theology earthed in the real experience of life and ministry. Roger Walton's masterful survey of small group discipleship gives much needed and practical insights on how to form disciples in today's church. -- David Wilkinson Thoroughly researched and supported, yet accessible and applicable, Disciples Together is a vital resource for a church that sees its future in forming disciples through small groups. I'm excited about how this book helps us to see a way forward that is not only driven by necessity but by theology - recognising that in the decline and exile of the church as it has been conceived there is a great opportunity for imagining and resourcing church as it was perhaps meant to be. -- Piers Lane This book should be read by all Christian leaders who work with small groups. It is both inspiring and challenging and presents thorough research in an accessible style that makes reading each chapter a pleasure. -- Ruth Gee Having often lamented the small sizes of village congregations to which I often preached, I remember the shock when I really came home to me that there were no church buildings for about the first two centuries of Christianity, and that the typical churches of the New Testament period, like the dynamic(!) church in Corinth, probably met in a house which could hold no more than a few (that is, three or four) dozen. I recalled too that the most enriching and deeply-engaging experiences of exploring the actual realities of discipleship, of grappling with and growing in faith, have come in small Bible-study and discussion groups, mostly in homes. Which is why membership of a small group has always been integral to my wife's and my practice of discipleship. So I found Roger's book a breath of fresh air, so well informed on the reality of Christianity's beginnings and times of renewal, drawing on what we might call lots of penetrating case studies, and drawing out the value and power of small groups in making real the body of Christ today. I wish I had been able to spend longer reflecting on what Roger has written (it sparked off so much reflection), but I have read enough and had time enough to know that this will be a challenging and inspirational book for many who are looking for a deeper depth of reality in their churchmanship and discipleship. I commend it most warmly and look forward to hearing good stories of its impact and benefit in 'building up' (1 Cor. 14.26). -- James D. G. Dunn

Roger L Walton was Director of the Wesley Study Centre, Durham, between 1999-2010 and William Leech Research Fellow at Durham University 2010-11. On 1 September 2011, he took up the post of Chair of the West Yorkshire Methodist District. He is the author of The Reflective Disciple (Epworth 2009, SCM 2012) and Learning for Ministry (Church House Publishing 2005) - a book jointly authored with Steve Croft.

• Discipleship is regarded as one of the key challenges for the churches today. • The first book on small group discipleship training and support based on critical research. • Roger Walton is a well-regarded and well-connected adult educator, who is regularly invited to speak on this subject. • Strong track record of titles on mission and related subjects on the SCM list.

This is theology earthed in the real experience of life and ministry. Roger Walton's masterful survey of small group discipleship gives much needed and practical insights on how to form disciples in today's church.

Thoroughly researched and supported, yet accessible and applicable, Disciples Together is a vital resource for a church that sees its future in forming disciples through small groups. I'm excited about how this book helps us to see a way forward that is not only driven by necessity but by theology – recognising that in the decline and exile of the church as it has been conceived there is a great opportunity for imagining and resourcing church as it was perhaps meant to be.

This book should be read by all Christian leaders who work with small groups. It is both inspiring and challenging and presents thorough research in an accessible style that makes reading each chapter a pleasure.

Having often lamented the small sizes of village congregations to which I often preached, I remember the shock when I really came home to me that there were no church buildings for about the first two centuries of Christianity, and that the typical churches of the New Testament period, like the dynamic(!) church in Corinth, probably met in a house which could hold no more than a few (that is, three or four) dozen. I recalled too that the most enriching and deeply-engaging experiences of exploring the actual realities of discipleship, of grappling with and growing in faith, have come in small Bible-study and discussion groups, mostly in homes. Which is why membership of a small group has always been integral to my wife's and my practice of discipleship. So I found Roger's book a breath of fresh air, so well informed on the reality of Christianity's beginnings and times of renewal, drawing on what we might call lots of penetrating case studies, and drawing out the value and power of small groups in making real the body of Christ today. I wish I had been able to spend longer reflecting on what Roger has written (it sparked off so much reflection), but I have read enough and had time enough to know that this will be a challenging and inspirational book for many who are looking for a deeper depth of reality in their churchmanship and discipleship. I commend it most warmly and look forward to hearing good stories of its impact and benefit in 'building up' (1 Cor. 14.26).

In the midst of a cluster of recent 'how to' books on Christian Small Groups this book attempts to set the phenomenon in the broader context of research and theological reflection. It can be conceived as a critical friend to the movement, encouraging people to think and engage more deeply with theological, sociological and ecclesiological issues.

Section 1: Formation 1. Forming Christian Disciples: Mission 2. Forming Christian Disciples: Worship 3. Forming Christian Disciples: Community 4. Forming Christian Disciples: Christian Education Reflections and Questions on Section 1 Section 2: Small Groups and Discipleship Formation 5. The Value of Small Groups 6. Small Groups Explosion: Church Small Groups 7. Research on Church-related Small Groups 8. Small Groups and Discipleship Formation 9. Disciples Together: Small Groups in Theological Perspective

\["For church leaders and small group facilitators", "Addresses the lack of resources on small group discipleship", "You will enhance your understanding of group dynamics"\]

Disciples Together offers profound insights into discipleship and small group dynamics.

Disciples Together

Navigation Bar

Header Default

Download the Christian360 App to read eBooks and listen to Audiobooks bought at Christian360

Disciples Together

Description

Discipleship is one of the key words used in the churches today and there are many initiatives in the mainstream churches to enable people to grow as disciples of Christ.

Need support?

Customer reviews

Download the App

Download the App