(Note: This is the Black and White interior print edition, it is identical to the Color Edition, but is more economically priced. The color illustration of the Discipleship Model is still shown on the back cover). "Go . . . make disciples." It was shortly after his resurrection when Jesus presented his commission of discipleship as found at the end of the Gospel of Matthew 28: 16-20. He stated it as both a directive and opportunity to help others become his followers. It begs questions of us today. Are we following Jesus' directions and taking advantage of this opportunity? On the other hand, are we still waiting to see who shows up for Sunday worship and decides to join our church? The vacancies on pews or chairs in many churches today certainly suggest the latter. This book provides some practical guidance for local churches to develop their process of discipleship based upon what Christ expects from our churches today within our own local parishes and communities. What will be recommended throughout the ten chapters in this book are some basic tools for evaluating congregational readiness for growth and development. These tools will provide an indication of who is ready, willing and able to serve. It takes a willingness on the part of everyone, to be honest, open, and prayerful about our compliance with "The Great Commission." Are we following Jesus? Or, are we simply waiting to see who shows up, while older members die off, younger people remain disengaged, and the local church weakens to the point of closing the doors permanently? This book is for all who claim an interest in development as a pastor, a church officer or a lay member of any age; or simply someone who wants to understand what it means to be a dedicated follower of Christ. It is about addressing the church culture of "wait and see," and changing it to "go and do." Throughout the ten chapters, you will be encouraged to discuss what it means to be a Christian Disciple and a member of the church. Christ's design is presented for us to promote and carry out. While the book has African Methodist leanings pertaining to certain terms, it is very user friendly for any Christian community of believers in a variety of local church settings. What is stressed throughout is not where you belong, but to whom you belong. That of course, would be to Jesus Christ. He expects each of us to be fully devoted to following him as one of his disciples. What he does not expect is for us to continue waiting just to see who's going to show up next Sunday . . . and the next one after that.
Melonie A. Valentine is an ordained itinerant elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. She has served several local congregations in pastoral ministry for over twenty years and is now the Presiding Elder of The Dayton District of the South Ohio Conference of the Third Episcopal District. She earned a BBA, and MBA from Ohio University, an M.Div. from Payne Theological Seminary, and a D.Min. from United Theological Seminary. She has over thirty years of extensive business related professional experience in Leadership and Management, Customer Service, Training, Organization Development and Strategic Planning. She has developed several workshops and seminars for local churches in Church Administration, Christian Discipleship, Church Growth and Evangelism.
