Series Preface
Introduction

Part 1: What Is Discipling?

1. The Inevitability of Influence
2. Oriented toward Others
3. The Work of Discipling
4. Objections to Discipling

Part 2: Where Should We Disciple?

5. The Local Church
6. Pastors and Members

Part 3: How Should We Disciple?

7. Choose Someone
8. Have Clear Aims
9. Pay the Cost
10. Raising Up Leaders

Conclusion by Jonathan Leeman
Appendix: Books besides the Bible to Use in Discipling Relationships
Notes
Scripture Index

“If you want to move to another level in your spiritual life and leadership, take the time to read this book. It is not just biblical, but practical and readable. The emphasis on the local church and its role in discipling others sets it apart from other books. Read it and share it with others.”
Ronnie Floyd, Former President, The Southern Baptist Convention; Senior Pastor, Cross Church, Springdale, Arkansas

“Mark Dever is known for being a faithful, exegetical preacher of God’s Word. But what you may not know is that Mark is an intentional disciple-maker. Whether he’s meeting on Saturday with lay leaders over lunch to discuss his application grid for Sunday’s message or discussing church polity in his study with a group of young interns, Mark emulates what he expects from others. I believe his legacy will not be just on the pages of the books he has penned, but on the hearts of the men he’s invested in personally. Don’t just read this book. Implement the biblical principles found within.”
Robby Gallaty, Lead Pastor, Long Hollow Baptist Church, Hendersonville, Tennessee

“I love reading books written by authors who are zealous about the subjects they write about. I often feel like emulating their example even before I get to the last page of the book. If you know Mark Dever, then you know he is a committed discipler. Discipleship oozes out of him. What drives him and how he disciples others and gets his church members to do the same is what these pages are all about. Prepare yourself for a life-changing experience as you read this book!”
Conrad Mbewe, Pastor, Kabwata Baptist Church, Lusaka, Zambia; Founding Chancellor, African Christian University

“This book convicts, exhorts, and instructs followers of Christ concerning the call to a life of discipling others. It also offers warm-hearted glimpses of this call being answered in the life of a pastor and his congregation. Mark Dever takes us to the Scriptures and roots us in the church, with particular focus on church leaders and careful attention to all. This makes much sense, but we need to be reminded that the process of discipling others is every believer’s clear and joyful calling.”
Kathleen Nielson, author; speaker

“With simple yet profound insights, Mark Dever takes Jesus’s final command to make disciples and teaches us what that means for us and for our churches. By answering our questions—the why, the what, the where, and the how of discipling—Pastor Mark coaches us in how to follow Christ by helping others to follow him, to know the truth, and to live it well. Every follower of Christ needs to read this book! It’s the best book I’ve ever read on discipling.”
Jani Ortlund, Executive Vice President, Renewal Ministries

“Here is a church-strengthening book full of down-to-earth advice about the nuts and bolts of discipling. Dever’s love for Jesus and his people shines throughout, and his firm placement of discipleship within the context and bounds of the local church is vintage Dever ecclesiology. He has a keen eye for pastors, addressing them about their role with warmth and clarity. I was personally challenged by Dever, who himself has a track record of prioritizing discipleship in the midst of all his other responsibilities. If Mark does it, I can do it!”
Grant J. Retief, Senior Pastor, Christ Church Umhlanga, Durban, South Africa

“Dever reminds readers that discipling is a biblical mandate, motivated by obedience to Christ’s commandment and love for others, and it is not an effort reserved for a select few. It does not reduce people to projects, but rather it seeks to intentionally develop a relationship with them. It requires time invested in the lives of people who are interested and motivated to follow Jesus. Finally, only truly humble teachers should disciple Jesus’s sheep, because ‘when a disciple is fully trained, he will be like his teacher.’ These emphases and more are contained within this book. Upon reading it, you will most likely recommend it to others. I know I will.”
Miguel Núñez, Pastor-Teacher, Iglesia Bautista Internacional, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic