Transforming Discipleship
by Greg Ogden
209 pages, paper, 0-8308-2388-3, $12.00
“Why are Christians not more like Christ? With all the evangelism, church growth and discipleship programs, both critics and lovers of the church around the world ask, where are the transformed lives? Greg Ogden does not claim all the answers. He does point out one important truth: transformation happens not through programs but through highly accountable, mutually encouraging, Spirit-formed relationships. All those concerned abut a ‘disciple deficit’ will find this not only a must-read but a must-practice book!”
Leighton Ford, President, Leighton Ford Ministries
Change is needed, says Greg Ogden. And we can help each other change.
He explains, “Transformation captures the product and the process of Christian discipleship. The Greek root here is morphoō, which has slipped into pop vocabulary as ‘morphing.’ . . . Computers allow us to instantly morph into new bodies that look twenty pounds lighter or enable us to see how we might look wearing a tuxedo or . . . lying on a beach in our swimsuit.
“Morphing implies that where we are and where we want to be are two different things. We are reclamation projects.”
Subtitled “Making Disciples a Few at a Time,” this book shows what can happen when one follower of Jesus meets regularly with two others, in a “triad,” investing in them and helping them “morph” in their Christian life toward maturity and godliness.
The triad is a place where people find intimate relationship, developing deep trust for each other as a basis for daring to make needed changes in their lives. It is a place for accountability, where one person speaks truth into another’s life. The small group of three studies the Bible together and discusses how to apply the themes of Scripture to everyday life as a Christian. Together they practice spiritual disciplines that lead to being close to Christ and being a servant to others. And eventually, each member can start a new triad, so that the first little group multiplies year by year, empowering those who have been discipled—and helping them begin to disciple others.
Greg Ogden discusses the value of a triad over a larger group. He asserts that meeting with a small number of people maximizes the ingredients that make up a transformational environment: relational transparency, the truth of God’s Word, and life-change accountability. A larger group can water down the impact. Ogden gives powerful stories of how individuals have been transformed by this method of disciple making.
Available in bookstores or from InterVarsity Press.
