Foreword
A foreword by Dave Pedersen, National Director of the Association of Vineyard Churches in South Africa (AVCSA)
This offering on discipleship by Mitch and Ingrid Tulloch, called Simple Kingdom: Discipleship, is so very refreshing!
When Jesus chose His disciples, which was an intentional, prayerful choice, He did so, says Mark, that they might "be with him and have authority" to be the people who do the stuff of the Kingdom of God.
Mitch and Ingrid bring this out with energizing inspiration. This book is a catalytic firelighter for launching discipleship relationships and lifestyle changes. It is not a program but an appetizer, and an invitation to a life and lifestyle of knowing Jesus and making Him known. It is an exercise in leading by inspiration, not obligation. The message of this book calls us forth to love and lead like Jesus.
Another way of seeing it is as an antidote to hypocrisy! The book challenges the legalistic imposition of the Gospel which is often attached to overplayed accountability and presents the Gospel rather as a proposal of marriage!
By the time I reached the last chapter, I was more in love with the One who lifts, liberates and leads so that the world can have hope!
Thanks, Mitch and Ingrid!
Dr. Dave Pedersen
Fountain Vineyard, Gqeberha, SA
ND Vineyard SA
Introduction
What does it mean to follow Jesus and be his disciple? How does one grow as a disciple? How can we disciple others, and who should do this?
In the Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20 the Lord instructed his eleven followers to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them and teaching them to observe everything he commanded them. To fulfill this great task that Jesus has given us, we must first understand the purpose and goal of discipleship. This book attempts to deal with this subject simply, and Biblically.
Who this book is for
Our book is intended both for those who want to become better followers of Jesus themselves, and for those who want to help others become good disciples. So whether you're a pastor, a homegroup leader, or just someone who loves Jesus, this book should be helpful to you.
A note on the writing
Although our book was a collaborative effort by Ingrid and me, only one of us (Mitch) was tasked with doing the grunt work of writing everything. As a result, the book has been written mostly in the first person for the sake of simplicity of expression. In a few places however, Ingrid's personal thoughts have also been expressed on certain important matters where she knows a lot more than Mitch :-)
Acknowledgements
We would like to thank the following individuals who freely gave of their time and insight by reviewing draft chapters and providing much helpful feedback: Martin Buehlmann, Leader Emeritus of the Vineyard Movement in Germany, Austria and Switzerland (Vineyard DACH); and Dave Pedersen, National Leader of the Association of Vineyard Churches in South Africa (AVCSA).
Mitch also thanks our friend Bonnie (Bonzo) Sheppard for her scrutinous weeding out of his numerous typos and grammatical mistakes in draft chapters.
BuildPlant.org
This book can be freely downloaded in PDF format and/or be read online in its entirety on our website buildplant.org where you will also find other titles in our Simple Kingdom series of free books.
Cheers,
Mitch and Ingrid Tulloch
---> Go to chapter 1
