One Conversation at a Time

Time for another long overdue post for my "Book Club". This book I didn't have high expectations going into, but, as expectations often do, they changed as I made my way through.

One Conversation at a Time is by D. Michael Henderson. The basic premise of the book is that as Christians we must obey the command given us from God to "go make disciples". This book greatly challenges the way most churches approach this today. Churches often focus greatly on programs which connect with anywhere from 10-1000 people at a time. While these programs have their place, Henderson argues that this is not the place for true discipleship to take place.

The author draws his discipleship model straight from the life of Jesus himself in the gospels. I've always wondered what discipleship done that way in today's world would look like and this book dares us to make that a reality.

The book is chalked full of practical ways to do these 1-on-1 discipleship building conversations. Many good topics are discussed: how to be a real listener, importance of man-to-man and woman-to-woman, the place silence has in conversations, and (most importantly in my eyes) the importance of our individual walks with Christ.

Here are a few good quotes from the book...

"We can't be satisfied when our friends make professions of faith--that's just the beginning."

"...traditional public worship services are insufficient to bring people to maturity in Christ." (Wow!)

"If we are discerning we ask, 'Is there an appropriate way for me to help in this situation?' If not, leave it alone. If we judge, we condemn the other person by attacking, talking about, or writing off that person and isolating ourselves from him or her."

"The unique set of problems you have faced in your lifetime is a goldmine."

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