#30 Unboxing discipleship

On moving beyond pigeon-holing and professionalism

So the first box of books arrived in the UK this week and I can’t believe I am finally holding a copy in my hand!

My new book Parallel Faith is packed full of ways to help you make disciples of Jesus in your daily life.

Making disciples was the one big thing Jesus told us to do, yet so many Christians struggle to even know what a disciple is! I believe it is time we unshackled the idea of discipleship from being too professionalised (abdicated to the preacher or pastor) or too pigeonholed (something my church does at a course on a Thursday night). My heart is that disciple-making will be prioritised again as people discover it’s not just a programme; it's a way of life for EVERY Christian.

It is time to take discipleship out of the box!

Here is a brief snapshot of what you will gain from reading my new book…

Rethink the starting point for discipleship

Explore the initial stages of discipleship, which often progress gradually rather than dramatically. Discover that pre-discipleship involves guiding individuals towards Christ from their perspective, not yours. Discipleship's foundation forms long before people step into a church building. Learn how to be part of this process.

Overcome your personal barriers to mission

Find solutions to conquer excuses like busyness, inadequacy, and fear. Embrace your role as Christ's ambassador. By emphasizing your personal responsibility to live, speak, and act for Christ, you'll become attuned to God's Spirit, enabling you to discern the next steps for yourself and others.

Share your faith with simplicity

Unveil the "Peter Pattern" – a straightforward approach to readying yourself for conversations about Jesus. This equips you to be prepared, responsive, hopeful, and kind. Cultivate habits that foster meaningful spiritual discussions. Through open-ended questions, attentive listening, and creating welcoming spaces, you can encourage incredible levels of engagement.

“In this book, Dave Boden offers us an accessible and inspiring opportunity to take a deep breath and reset both the purpose and trajectory of our lives. As he puts it, ‘Proximity changes perspective.’ In a culture constantly clamoring for more ‘reach’ and increased ‘platform,’ Boden reminds us that the greatest missional impact to be made is right here in the relationships of possibility and promise in our midst.”

—Jay Y. Kim, lead pastor, WestGate Church, San Jose, California

What is a disciple? To be a disciple means to follow Jesus until we become like him.

What is a disciple-maker? To make disciples is to walk parallel with people on their journey to Christ.

Proclaim the good news in any context

Translate the gospel into your culture as you start to help others question their cultural narratives. By promoting an approach that amplifies the message of the gospel over the unfulfilled promises of modern society we can become translators of truth.

Utilize your unique gifts

Recognise you don't need to possess special skills to make disciples. If you're creative, learn to initiate conversations that reshape perceptions. If you're hospitable, meet people where they are. Through a Christlike approach, foster an atmosphere of welcome and love, avoiding shallow tactics. Mission begins with ordinary individuals like you and me.

Redefine what teaching looks like

Drawing from the way Jesus operated, expand your view of teaching beyond preaching and platforms. Recognize the educational power of storytelling, dinner table discussions, sharing Christ-centred content, and life-on-life relationships. There are so many ways we can help people understand more about Jesus.

Help someone become a Christian

Understand the process of leading someone to Christ. Actively guide and offer support and follow-up after their decision. Help others become a disciple who goes on to make disciples! There is no greater adventure than this!

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These are just some of the benefits of reading Parallel Faith but there are so many more. All within a single, reader-friendly book!

Why not order your copy today?

Let’s unbox discipleship together!

A note from Dave

I would love to invite you to join the Online Launch Party for Parallel Faith.

Click below to grab yourself a FREE limited ticket to the LIVE online event on October 2nd. Join hosts Matt and Amy Summerfield along with special guests including Literary Agent Don Pape for a fun filled online evening of interviews, insights and inspiration, in celebration of the launch of the book.

At the Book Launch I will tell you all about my upcoming UK Parallel Faith Tour. Keep an eye on Instagram for more details soon!

Sharing the book with a couple who have discipled me since I was 16!

Update on weekly Substack writing

When I started this Substack back in January my primary goal was to be consistent until the launch of the book and I am so pleased that I have been able to do this. It has been a blast sending out the post at exactly 7:30am (UK time) every Saturday! On top of several hundred subscriptions, I have had over 20,000 reads of the Substack, and it has served as a brilliant conversation starter both on and offline.

THANK YOU all for engaging!

Due to the busy season ahead with the Parallel Faith Book launch and tour I won't be Substacking (is that a word?) every week for now but keep an eye out for future posts. 

In the meantime… come follow me via @daveboden2 over on Instagram to stay up to date with all that is happening.

Don’t forget! You can order Parallel Faith today from your favourite online bookseller.

Thank you for sharing about the book!