Are you a Christian? Or are you a disciple?
’Gives us a crystal-clear portrait of what it means to be a disciple.’
Phil Knox, Missiologist and evangelist at the Evangelical Alliance and author of Story Bearer and The Best of Friends
Did you know that the word ‘Christian’ only appears three times in the Bible? But the word ‘disciple’ occurs more than 260 times? Today we tend to call ourselves Christians, rather than disciples – and of course there is nothing wrong with this. But do we miss something important when we think of ourselves in this way?
In his new book, Holy Grit, experienced church leader James Poch shines a light on the importance of discipleship – of both being disciples ourselves and discipling others. Blending hard-hitting teaching with real-life stories, James presents a compelling, joy-filled vision of what life can be like when we are fully devoted to God.
At regeneration Church, which he and his wife planted almost twenty years ago, they have seen countless lives changed through a passionate pursuit of discipleship, and an emphasis on church members investing in one another. With an integrated study guide, this revised and updated edition shows how we can apply its dynamic discipleship lessons to our own lives, small groups and churches, and how we can engage in discipling relationships.
‘Many of the issues in the Church can be understood by our failure to value the long, slow process of transformation into the image of Christ that lies at the centre of discipleship,’ comments Paul Harcourt, ambassador for New Wine England. ‘James’ contribution here is so welcome and so timely.’
Author James Poch says, ‘In Holy Grit, I share some of my personal faith journey and highlight a significant gap I identified in my spiritual growth. I noticed a lack of consistent guidance on integrating faith into my daily life.
‘My aspiration for Holy Grit is to act as a catalyst, empowering individuals, small groups, and entire congregations to fully embrace Jesus’ call to discipleship. In doing so, every Christian and church body can authentically exemplify the kind of people we are called to be. What I set forth in this book is one way that can enable us to live out Paul’s mandate to the early Christians: “We will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church.” (Ephesians 4:15 (NLT))’
Wherever we are on our discipleship journey, with a good dose of Holy Grit, we too can keep close company with Jesus and learn to disciple others along the way.
‘Vulnerably and winsomely engages a wide range of key discipleship issues, followed up with encouraging stories and practical steps for growth.’
David Yeghnazar, Executive Director, Elam Ministries
Holy Grit by James Poch (ISBN: 9781912726745) is published by Instant Apostle and is available on 20th October 2023 from bookshops and online retailers. Christian Life, paperback, 262pp, £12.99.