Read the book Matt Chandler says "faithfully demystifies discipleship."
The Imperfect Disciple
Grace For People Who Can't Get Their Act Together
What if there were a discipleship book for people who were a little tired of discipleship books? Jared C. Wilson's newest book -- The Imperfect Disciple -- is for the rest of us, people who screw up, people who are weary, people who are wondering if it's safe to say what they're really thinking.
For the believer who is tired of quasi-spiritual "lifehacks" and fuzzy "fortune cookie" spirituality, here is a discipleship book that isn't afraid to be honest about the mess we call real life. With incisive wit, warm humor, and moving stories, Wilson shows readers how the gospel works through them and in them when
- they can't get their act together
- they think God is giving them the silent treatment
- they think church would be better without all the people
- they're not happy with the person in the mirror
- and much more
Wilson frees readers from the self-doubt and even the misplaced self-confidence they may feel as they walk with Jesus down the often difficult road of life. The result is a faith that weathers storms, lifts burdens, and brings us all the way home.
Available now from Baker Books.
Download the study guide (pdf) for questions to aid your personal and group reflection. Or see full text here.
What People Are Saying About The Imperfect Disciple
"Few things steal vitality and life in Christ like forgetting that we are human. Jared does a great job, with his humorous yet serious style, reminding us of God's perfection in the midst of our inconsistencies, fears, and falls--in other words he has faithfully 'demystified discipleship.' Whether you feel you're barely hanging in there or riding a wave of joy-saturated obedience, the grace of God found in this book will encourage and remind the saint that there is only One who is perfect--and that perfection is enough for all who believe on the name of Jesus."
-- Matt Chandler, lead teaching pastor, The Village Church
"What we want are practical steps about how to build a discipleship group and facilitate communication, and though those things aren't wrong in themselves, we want to do it detached from the gospel itself. Which, of course, means that it's doomed to failure before we even start. But this book is different. Jared ties everything he has to say about being and loving disciples to the realities of what Jesus has already done. And that, dear friends, is what sets this wonderful book apart from all the others. Please do buy it. Buy one for a friend. And then read it together--and rejoice in the gospel."
-- Elyse M. Fitzpatrick, counselor and speaker; author of Because He Loves Me
"This is the most refreshing and encouraging book of discipleship I've read in the past decade. With tears, I write this 'blurb,' because Jared has given fresh words, voice, and understanding to this grand reality. Everything about me is imperfect, so I'm just like you. Together, let's seek to discover the much-more-ness of the perfect gospel. Jared helps us do so, with his words and heart."
-- Scotty Smith, teacher in residence, West End Community Church, Nashville, Tennessee
"I've read too many 'discipleship' books that made me feel, somehow, less. This book is the exact, wonderful opposite. It's like talking with a very insightful friend about Jesus. It's honest, thoughtful, and unpretentious."
-- Brant Hansen, storyteller/radio guy, CURE International
"Too often discipleship is described in strings of clichés. In The Imperfect Disciple, Jared Wilson cuts the string, shares his story, and helps readers envision following Jesus in clear, inviting, and realistic ways. It's personal, prophetic, and pastoral and it will help readers re-imagine discipleship as a real possibility in the midst of ordinary life."
-- Mike Cosper, founder and director, Harbor Media
"Yet another discipleship book. Perhaps you had those thoughts when you picked up Jared Wilson's Imperfect Disciple. It's not. Not even close. Wilson takes our idea of discipleship--you know, the list of things we need to do to be a perfectly obedient Christian--and turns it on its head. Discipleship is not about our to-do lists; it's about the glorious gospel. Wilson makes us dizzy with gospel truth and disoriented by beholding the Lamb of God. He helps us refocus so that our obedience is no longer about us. You'll be encouraged as you read this book about discipleship."
-- Trillia Newbell, author of Enjoy, Fear and Faith, and United
"The Imperfect Disciple is a book about grace for people who know about grace. Drawing from his own story, Jared Wilson replaces our neat and tidy notions of discipleship with the real-life messiness of real people--even the 'good' ones. For anyone who draws confidence--or shame--from the belief that God is keeping track of their goodness, this book is for you."
-- Sharon Hodde Miller, writer and speaker
"Follow Jared as he demystifies discipleship on this unpredictable quest into the kindness of Christ."
-- Christian George, curator of The Spurgeon Library; assistant professor of historical theology at Midwestern Seminary; author of Sex, Sushi, and Salvation
"I'm grateful for this refreshing, grace-saturated, and realistic treatment of what it means to follow Jesus."
-- Michael Kelley, director of discipleship at Lifeway Christian Resources; author of Boring: Finding an Extraordinary God in an Ordinary Life
"In a world--and church--infatuated with 'leaders,' 'platforms,' and 'influence,' The Imperfect Disciple offers a much-needed antidote to our leadership overdose: following. Jared Wilson reminds us that following Christ is not about what we do but about who we are. And we need be no more--or no less--than flawed but faithful disciples of the One who has already won all of our battles for us."
-- Karen Swallow Prior, PhD, author of Booked and Fierce Convictions--The Extraordinary Life of Hannah More
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