Mark Dever's Discipling

 Mark Dever’s book Discipling emphasizes the essential role of discipling in the lives of Christians. The book is divided into three parts: The first part argues that discipling is other-oriented, involving initiating relationships in which we teach, correct, model, and love. The second part explains that discipling occurs within the local church, where pastors disciple members and members disciple one another. The third part explores how to disciple effectively.

Having read numerous books during this season of my life and gained countless insights through both reading and being part of Grace City Church, one vital lesson stands out as essential for church planting ministry: the discipling life. In the chapter “Oriented Towards Others,” the author writes: “The discipling life is an others-oriented life. It labors in the power of God to proclaim Christ and present others mature in Christ.” After joining GCC and having read this specific book, I firmly resolved to make the discipling life my lifestyle. This simple yet profound statement clarifies what it means to live a life of discipleship. When I disciple others, I do so not for selfish gain or self-glorification but out of love for the individual, relying on God’s power rather than my own strength. The goal is clear: to proclaim Christ and to help others grow mature in Christ, not to mold them into my likeness but to guide them toward becoming more like Christ.

Continuing with “Oriented Towards Others,” I find a deeper connection to Colossians 1:28–29, one of my favorite passages, which I have even considered using as the theme verse, “Him We Proclaim,” for the church I hope to plant. Despite my affection for these verses, I had not deeply reflected on the final line where Paul states, “…For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.” Mark Dever helps me see the beauty of this passage, noting that the word for “struggling” in Colossians 1:29 can also be translated as “agony.” This insight reveals that I have to embrace the struggle of laboring for the good of others by engaging in discipling, just as Christ endured agony for our sake.

In the chapter “The Work of Discipling,” Mark Dever defines discipling as initiating a relationship in which you teach, correct, model, and love. Reflecting on the aspect of “initiating a relationship,” I recognize how challenging this step can be, as it demands stepping out of my comfort zone and pushing through hesitation. Just last Sunday, I took the initiative to approach a man at Grace City Church, whom I believe is an unbeliever, proposing that we meet twice a month to read a book together. Despite navigating numerous internal hurdles to find the perfect moment, he graciously declined my invitation. This experience underscores that, in pursuing discipleship, we must be prepared for potential rejection and respond with kindness and grace when it occurs.

While initiating a discipleship, Mark Dever advises, “You don’t want to waste time with people who are not teachable, because you will be wasting time. Look instead for people who, like the wise son in Proverbs, welcome counsel and instruction.” I have a question, not because I disagree with Dever, but to seek clarity. Imagine I start a church with one of the members who is entirely unteachable. As a pastor, my responsibility is to shepherd this individual. According to Dever’s perspective, which I lean toward, investing time in him might seem fruitless. Yet, how do I faithfully shepherd him? Isn’t shepherding closely tied to discipling him? There seems to be a tension here, how can I resolve it?

It deeply unsettles me to consider the neglect of discipleship within the church, as Mark Dever highlights, noting that many believers have turned to parachurch organizations for meaningful discipling. He writes: “It’s not surprising that some have turned to parachurch ministries. Their experience has taught them that the local church is the last place to look for discipling opportunities.” I wholeheartedly agree with this observation. In northeast India, parachurch ministries and church associations often take up the mantle of discipling, while local churches remain largely passive. I must confess that, during my time as a pastor, I too was passive in this vital work.

Another profound insight I have gained from the book is the importance of advancing trust when raising leaders as a pastor. This concept was entirely new to me. Advancing trust, as I understand it, means entrusting responsibility to others before they have proven themselves, they are qualified enough to become leaders, believing that God can mature them through the confidence we extend. I have witnessed this principle in action at Grace City Church, where pastors have raised up other pastors and entrusted certain individuals with opportunities to teach, preach, and lead community groups. This approach is one I am eager to emulate when I plant a church.

Mark Dever strengthens my conviction by emphasizing that a leader must possess clear-headedness about the truth. He explains that leaders need to be particularly resolute on essential matters: the core truths of theology and the gospel, the doctrines that distinguish our church from others, and the biblical teachings that face opposition or unpopularity in the broader world. As an aspiring pastor, I recognize the need to maintain a clear doctrinal stance on most theological issues. At the same time, I must embody humility and gentleness in holding these convictions, acknowledging my own sinfulness. However, when it comes to fundamental doctrines, I must stand firm without compromise.

I wholeheartedly recommend Discipling by Mark Dever to Christians eager to grow in their knowledge of Christ and His Word. This book will intensify their hunger for spiritual growth, highlighting the importance of being discipled by others and discipling others in turn, fostering collective growth in faith.