In his 2001 landmark study of church-based discipleship, Growing True Disciples, George Barna asks the introductory question:

Mr.Barna's question cuts to the heart of A Discipled Nation Plan... actively engaging believers in the lifelong work of making disciples. We believe the best place to start making disciples is with you and me! Once we know how to be disciples, then we know how to make disciples. And we have developed an effective tool to help churches and their members be disciples!

Discipling Myself is a 10-session course on how to disciple yourself. Each session helps us open our life up to God and asks Him to examine several aspects of our personal faith and walk with Him. Once we are open, He can teach us how be obedient followers. And the material provides 6 daily challenges per session to step us through each discipleship area.

For example, Discipling Myself Session 4 is titled "Confession and Forgiveness." There is a short Bible study on Mark 4:17-23. (These short lessons are great for class or small group discussions. The Leader's Guide provides additional questions and activities that gets us involved in the discussion from the opening to closing prayer- not lecture material here.) The daily challenges serve as our assignment to practice personal "confession" during the week. The activities go like this:

• Read Psalm 32 that captures on the joy David had when he realized God had forgiven him of adultery and murder and David confessed and asked forgiveness. Then we write our own psalm that expresses our joy when contemplating God's forgiveness.
• Compile a list of sins we struggle with (pride, vanity, lust, etc.) on small pieces of paper and then ceremoniously crumple and toss them in the waste basket, symbolizing casting them aside.
• Memorize I Peter 2:1-2: Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation,... (NIV)
• Spend time meditating on God's absolute righteousness, his attitude toward sin, and his awesome forgiveness.
• Practice confession, such as admitting to telling a falsehood, as soon as we become aware of it.
• Take a subtle sin inventory (list provided) that reveals the subtle varieties that, consequently, fuel seriously wrong behaviors. Confess these and ask God to work in our life to remove them.

On average, 2 to 3 daily challenges have 5 to 10 minute scripture-based devotions that tie daily application to Biblical principal. All in all, each session is packed with information, application, and guidance to "make disciples!"

Practical applied discipleship: that is the mission of Discipling Myself Workbook. Here is a complete list of the topics covered:

• Red, White & You (Owning up to our society)
• Discipleship Starts with Me
• Personal Time with God's Powerful Word
• Confession & Forgiveness
• Committed to the Truth
• Understanding the Times
• Maintaining an Attitude of Gratitude
• Single-minded Discipleship
• Prayer: Lifeline to Heaven

Leader's Guide

The best group leaders are actual participants in class. Preparation time drops significantly as leaders complete the daily challenges just like other class members. The Leader's Guide is there with helpful suggestions on getting class started, focus discussion, and keep participation high from group meeting to group meeting. For each group Bible Study and daily challenge devotion, there are additional questions and fun exercises to stretch people's minds and promote participation.

For example, in Session 4, "Confession and Forgiveness," a leader is given material to support teaching the Bible Study on Mark 7:14-23, which is the main lesson. The leader can either start class with a "Discipleship Team-Building" exercise (i.e., discussing each other's pet peeves) or spend time reviewing the previous week's daily challenges (e.g., Session 3, Daily Challenge # 3 — accountability in scripture reading). The transition between topics are fluid because of the variety of exercises and options.

Pastor's Guide

There is no doubt that the material is great as stand-alone material for Sunday school class, small groups, one-on-one discipleship, and independent study. But imagine an entire church of disciples. Look what Christ did with 12.

To help pastors lead "in discipling" through A Discipled Nation Plan, we created Discipling Myself Pastor's Guide. This book provides the context for Pastors to support the Discipling Myself classes and small groups within the church by providing defined expectations, suggested resources, and outlines for sermons and promotional event. This "Kick-off Weekend" is an excellent way to spike interest in the church's discipling program and drive up class attendance.

Introductory Offer

We have special pricing for those interested in reviewing Discipling Myself or the entire A Discipled Nation Plan Curriculum: