Practical Advice for Book Disciples

By now, you want to be part of God’s army of book disciples. Or, so I hope. If you have not read the first article, I want to encourage you to go there first.

Being a one of this new breed of disciples is an excellent way for someone who loves reading Christian books to make a difference in this world. From what we have learned thus far, how can we practically go out into the world and work with God to grow his kingdom?

Below I discuss three practical suggestions to start living as a book disciple... today!

Book Disciples Love Seekers

One of the best ways to reach those outside the Christian faith, those that are not interested in the Christian faith, or even opposed to it is to give them a book that explain the Christian faith, and gives the reasons why it makes sense.

This approach to reaching the lost works slightly better if you pick up that the person you want to reach out to is a seeker. Someone suspecting there is something more to life than the physical, but not yet sure...

It is important that this book is written with those outside the faith as the intended audience. Ideally it will also be written by someone who once thought exactly like these outsiders think today.

Good books to use here include:

Caution: Christians have no right to tell those outside that faith what they should do. We need to earn that right by having real, no-strings-attached friendships with these people, and we should honestly love them the way Jesus loved us. If you have an attitude that you are okay and they’re not, you have failed before you started.

Book Disciples Help Young Christians

Identify one or two ‘young’ Christians that you can see has a real desire to learn and to grow. Suggest that they read a book that has changed your life (and be real here), and might help them. Then get together with this person maybe once every two weeks or once every month to discuss this book, and what it means to them.

The books I would suggest (because they really did change my life) are all listed on the Christian Books Reading Pathways page.

Caution: Once again, authentic and real friendship is important. You are learning as much from your meetings and this other person’s opinions as he or she is. If you are a guy, try not to meet with female disciples or vice versa. Remember to put your wife (or husband) and kids, and such discipleship relationships with them, before other friends as they are your first priority.

Book Disciples Self-Disciple!

This is your most important task. You are responsible to become more like Jesus every day, to continue fighting against sin, and to obey God. Nobody will or can do this for you. Feed your hunger for God by reading your Bible daily, talking to God daily (remember to listen as well) and to read up on other issues of importance or that you struggle with. Make use of good Christian books, and recommend them to others.

I hope this article helps you move into a deeper relationship with God, and encourages you to use your passion for Christian books to impact the lives of others. You have an excellent opportunity to do so, and earn the eternal rewards that Jesus encourages us to strive for.

While you are at it, why don’t you consider starting a local Christian Book Club? That is another excellent way to encourage others to read good Christian books, and to spend time in the presence of fellow disciples with the same passion that you have.

Remember to always be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit. Cooperating with God is as simple as listening to his promptings, and then obeying!

Have fun, and enjoy walking and working with God!

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