The 12 best books on discipleship & where to find them

Are you looking to deepen your understanding of discipleship, or perhaps simply to grow in your faith? As Christians, discipleship plays a crucial role in shaping our lives and helping us become more like Jesus.

Take a look at our curated list, The 12 best books on discipleship, for practical insights, spiritual guidance, and to help set you on a path to Christian maturity. Whether you are a seasoned believer or a new follower of Christ, these formative books are must-reads to enrich your Christian growth.

The 12 best discipleship books & where to find them

  1. Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis

C.S. Lewis is often considered the most influential Christian author of the 20th century. His classic, non-fiction book explores some of the most fundamental truths of Christianity while offering a compelling argument for the rationality of the Christian faith. Lewis's profound insights and eloquent writing make this a beautiful book for individuals seeking a deeper understanding of Christian life and discipleship.

  1. Radical: Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream by David Platt

In this thought-provoking book, David Platt challenges readers to live out their faith radically in today's culture that often prioritizes comfort and materialism. With pragmatic wisdom and a passionate plea for action, Platt encourages readers to embrace a life of wholehearted devotion to Jesus Christ and become disciple-makers. 

  1. The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Bonhoeffer was a Lutheran pastor who watched the rise of the Nazis in his homeland of Germany. He paid the ultimate price for following Christ in 1945 when he died in a concentration camp. His book explores discipleship by contrasting what he referred to as "cheap grace" with "costly grace," and highlighting the importance of obedience and self-denial. This classic book will challenge you to follow Jesus faithfully and wholeheartedly—even in the face of life's challenges and even persecution.

  1. Knowing God by J.I. Packer

Packer was an influential theologian in the Anglican church. His work explores the depths of knowing and experiencing God intimately. Knowing God brings a deep theological perspective on discipleship and helps readers develop a vibrant relationship with God by emphasizing the significance of becoming like Jesus in every Christian's life.

  1. The Pursuit of Holiness by Jerry Bridges

As part of the team leading The Navigators, Bridges explores the importance of pursuing holiness as an intimate part of discipleship. Through biblical teaching and actionable guidance, his formative book encourages readers to cultivate spiritual discipline and grow in Christ-likeness. 

  1. Experiencing God: Knowing and Doing the Will of God by Henry & Richard Blackaby and Claude V. King

This influential book guides readers along a more profound relationship with God by understanding and aligning with His will. They provide simple steps and real-life examples that draw out valuable insights every believer should know for their personal growth and discipleship. 

  1. Gospel-Centered Discipleship by Jonathan K. Dodson

Pastor Dodson founded City Life Church in Austin, TX. Speaking from his personal experience, he presents a powerful case for gospel-centered discipleship and describes its transformative power in every aspect of our lives. He draws on biblical principles along with real-world practices that will help you pursue authentic discipleship. 

  1. Nine Marks of a Healthy Church by Mark Dever

Pastor Mark Dever's book on discipleship is a pragmatic goldmine for pastors trying to better understand what healthy discipleship looks like. He outlines the nine essential marks of a healthy church, accentuating the significance of discipleship as foundational to every church's life and mission. Church leaders can easily identify areas that need improvement while also growing in their personal understanding of church discipleship. 

  1. Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth by Richard J. Foster

Professor Foster comes from a Quaker background, but his book on discipleship speaks volumes to believers of any background. He explores the spiritual disciplines that are meant to deepen our relationship with God. You'll find straightforward and applicable guidance on various spiritual disciplines such as prayer, fasting, meditation, and solitude.

  1. Multiply: Disciples Making Disciples by Francis Chan and Mark Beuving

In this fresh take on discipleship essentials, Francis Chan and Mark Beuving share the importance of making disciples while also equipping others to do the same. By sharing a mix of biblical teaching and personal stories, they call on believers to embrace their role as disciple-makers. Ultimately, their vision is to impact the entire world with the transformative message of the good news of Jesus. 

  1. The Pursuit of God by A.W. Tozer

Of the many written works of A.W. Tozer, The Pursuit of God is timeless classic. Tozer invites people into a deeper relationship with God, urging them to seek Him with all their hearts. Through a unique use of poetic language, he pushes readers to pursue a more intimate discipleship journey.

  1. The Divine Conspiracy by Dallas Willard

Philosopher Dallas Willard's groundbreaking book explores the hidden treasures of discipleship. His provides a comprehensive framework for understanding and living out the teachings of Jesus and challenges his readers to embrace a transformative lifestyle of discipleship.

Discipleship: A lifelong learning process

Our hope is that these 12 books serve as invaluable resources for your church as you navigate the path of Christian spiritual formation. Whether you're seeking helpful insights, theological depth, or personal transformation, these books offer a rich tapestry of understanding discipleship through different lenses. 

So, pick up a book, embark on a journey of discipleship, and allow these transformative words to shape and enrich your life. Remember, discipleship is not just a destination, but a lifelong pursuit of walking with Jesus Christ and becoming more like Him.

Editor’s note: The links provided above are for your convenience and do not necessarily indicate an endorsement of the authors or their respective websites.

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Author

Deborah Ike, Guest author
velocityministrymanagement.com

Deborah Ike is a wife, home-schooling mama, and writer. With over 20 years of experience in business consulting and ministry, she writes to provide insights and tips to church leaders. She specializes in church business administration topics. 

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