This afternoon I read Spiritual Disciplines of the Christian Life by Don Whitney for a class. In a style a biy more relaxed than Richard Foster, Whitney explores the following disciplines: Bible intake, prayer, worship, evangelism, serving, stewardship, fasting, silence and solitude, journaling, learning, and perseverance.
It is a good book from which to lead a small group in discipleship principles, whether read together and studied or taught by a leader. A study guide is available, too.
Whitney is big on the Puritan Fathers and their contribution to discipleship, so you'll se a lot of quotations from those giants of the faith.
The most important insight that Whitney offers is the connection between Bible study and prayer. He offers meditation as the missing link in developing the deeper life of a Christian, saying that it is what makes Bible study and prayer work together. Brilliant and at the same time just plain common sense. The book is worth it for the explanation of how meditation works.
Having had Dr.Whitney in seminary for Personal Spiritual Discplines (one of the best courses out of three years of seminary) and having read the book, I would have to agree that it is indeed an Excellent Resource for Small Group Discipleship principles. Check out his website for more resources:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.biblicalspirituality.org