I’m leveraging online Substack content with an offline book.
This is an experiment in blended learning where I put a 6X9 book in one hand and tons of reading, listening, and viewing on a mobile device in the other.
I’m sharing this with you for three reasons:
I hope you find it useful.
I want other writers to consider another way to use Substack that is very interesting.
I want to encourage others to start Intentional Disciples of Jesus small groups because this has proven (after 30+ years of small group leadership experience) to be the most effective and fruitful thing we have ever done.
A few months ago I serialized my new book “Intentional Disciples of Jesus” here on Substack, releasing one chapter each week. Thanks for all of you who have read it and provided feedback.
It has been a complicated project but I think it is going to be well worth it. Responses so far are very positive. If you are interested in the details, below the cover image is a description I wrote for the Amazon product page [it is available there in paperback (for $7.15 the lowest price Amazon will let me sell it) and hardback.]
WHO IS THIS BOOK FOR?
The Intentional Disciples of Jesus Discussion Guide and Prayer Journal is for use with small groups or personal study.
WHAT IS THIS BOOK?
This book is a Discussion Guide and Prayer Journal that seamlessly integrates with two online learning resources I have written: the Intentional Disciples of Jesus (book) and the Power Ministry with Jesus (course).
But this book is much more than a fill-in-the-blank journal. As you work through the material, convenient QR codes will open relevant content so you can read, listen, or watch on your phone, tablet, or computer.
We have also included a Field Guide for small-group leaders with many tips and guidelines. We want to help you help your small group members get the most out of their time together as they follow Jesus. Make individual learning and participation in your small group community easy.
BENEFITS FOR INDIVIDUAL LEARNERS
As intentional disciples of Jesus, we can live and serve with Jesus just like the first disciples did. Living as an intentional disciple of Jesus includes worshipping Him, hearing Him speak, learning from Him about His kingdom, and ministry with Him as He saves, heals, and sets people free today, just as He did in the first century.
These resources are not just for information but for personal transformation and growth. They are designed to empower you as an intentional disciple of Jesus, guide your journey, and keep you focused on your purpose in Jesus’ kingdom.
Learn: Convenient online access to 20 chapters and lessons containing text, audio, and video is available right from the pages of this book. Reflection and discussion questions help you apply what you are learning and provide an extraordinary open door for small group conversations as you learn together.
Listen: One way we learn to listen to Jesus speaking today is through the Bible. Each chapter or lesson includes five days of Lectio Divina-style journaling on carefully selected texts from the New Testament, including the entire gospel of Mark. Read, listen, pray, and journal your prayers daily as you learn to listen to His voice like the first disciples did.
Worship: Grow in your relationship with Jesus and learn to worship Him as believers have done since the days they walked with Him on earth. Nearly everything you experience in this book will help reorient your mind and heart toward Jesus. If you use this book with a small group, time will be given each week to worship Jesus as believers have done for the past 2,000 years.
Minister: In this book, you will learn that the ministry of Jesus you read about in the gospels was always intended to be the ongoing work of His disciples. This was never a simple handoff that left us with a heavy responsibility to carry ourselves (good luck). Learn how Jesus includes His disciples in the work He continues to do by the power of the Holy Spirit. If you are in a small group, ministry with Jesus will become a regular weekly experience as you learn to become intentional disciples of Jesus together.
BENEFITS FOR SMALL GROUP LEADERS
Our Field Guide for Small Group Leaders distills over 30 years of small group leadership experience. If you are new to leading small groups, we can give you insights and perspective on the fundamental dynamics you will experience in your group. If you are an experienced small group leader, we hope you will find some new ideas, too.
We have developed and proven a small group meeting model based on the conviction that we should expect to have the same experience with Jesus as the first disciples (hearing his voice, learning from Him, worshipping Him, and ministering with Him).
We describe ways to structure a small group meeting so everyone can participate in these four experiences with Jesus.
We also include separate guides to help you manage worship and ministry with Jesus in a small group.
Additional help you will find:
Each chapter or lesson in this book includes a brief summary. This is very helpful because it lets everyone participate in the discussion questions, even if they weren’t able to read or listen to the content before the group meeting.
Chapter or lesson summaries are also a great way to summarize the main points covered in that week’s chapter or lesson. Use the summary as a starting place to share the key ideas you want the group to consider. This is great for reviewing and reinforcing new ideas and key learnings, as well as a first exposure to those who didn’t come prepared for the group meeting.
Use the “Reading/Meeting Schedule and Tracking” page to plan your small group sessions and help group members stay on track.
WHAT WILL MATERIAL WILL YOU COVER?
1. THE INTENTIONAL DISCIPLES OF JESUS BOOK (online version)
Part 1 - Seeing the Jesus We Follow (4 chapters)
Part 2 - Following the Jesus We See (6 chapters)
Part 3 - Ministering with the Jesus We Follow (3 chapters)
2. THE POWER MINISTRY WITH JESUS COURSE (online only)
Lesson 1 - Power ministry with Jesus?
Lesson 2 - You were made to do this
Lesson 3 - Hearing from God
Lesson 4 - The process of ministry with Jesus
Lesson 5 - The Holy Spirit and the Power of God
Lesson 6 - Healing with Jesus
Lesson 7 - Everyone can prophesy with Jesus
3. FIELD GUIDE FOR SMALL GROUP LEADERS
Guide #1 - How to use this book with a small group
Guide #2 - How to worship Jesus in a small group
Guide #3 - How to minister with Jesus in a small group