Want to make disciples? This book will show you how

How To Make Disciples That Make Disciples is the book I wish I’d had when I became a Christian at the tender and tumultuous age of 15.

Back then, coming to faith in the era of WWJD (“What Would Jesus Do?”) bracelets often made discipleship feel reactive rather than intentional, as this book presents it. I found myself only asking how Jesus would have me respond in particular situations, whereas this book offers a clear, comprehensive framework for building and living out a Christian worldview.

Written by Luke Smith and published by the international student missions movement Fusion, How To Make Disciples That Make Disciples is a practical handbook for fulfilling the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20). The Lord called his disciples to go and make more disciples – preaching the good news of salvation and obeying his commands, including baptism. This book offers a simple, affordable, and accessible guide to doing exactly that.

Smith covers topics from Christian foundations to Christian living and could be useful for new Christians learning how biblical principles apply to everyday life. However, it is particularly aimed at more seasoned believers who want to help others grow, reflecting Smith’s argument that discipleship is inherently communal. It isn’t something done in isolation, but intentionally within a community. The author calls this regular, intentional guidance “dynamic discipleship.” Before diving into the practical how-tos, the author helpfully shares his own testimony, laying a foundation for exploring the meaning and significance of discipleship.

As often as the word “disciple” is used among Christians, few might actually be able to define it. Many would simply say it means a “follower of Jesus” – but what does that really entail? In the New Testament, the Greek word translated as “disciple” is mathétés , which means a “pupil” or “learner.” The word itself comes from roots associated with education and understanding. In modern terms, Smith highlights, a disciple is much like an apprentice  – someone who observes another in order to learn through imitation.

Discipleship, then, goes beyond merely acquiring knowledge. It requires practice and implementation, not just mental grasp, but active demonstration of that understanding. In short, the call to discipleship is the call to listen, learn, trust, and obey Jesus. Following him is just the beginning of the journey – it’s what we do with his instruction that matters most. A disciple of Jesus is a doer of the word, not merely a hearer (James 1:22).

What becomes clear is that there can be no Christian discipleship apart from the Word of God. We cannot follow Jesus unless we know who he is, and we cannot truly know him apart from the Bible. Historical sources may confirm his existence and the controversy surrounding his ministry, but we only come to understand his character, heart, miracles, and mission through scripture. How To Make Disciples That Make Disciples recognises this, and includes relevant biblical passages in each section of the book. And because Christians do not worship an idea but a person, prayer is woven into the start and end of each section, reinforcing the importance of connecting with the one we are learning about.

Amazingly, in just over 100 pages, the book simplifies the basics of discipleship and distils them into digestible, accessible chunks 

This aligns with Jesus’ command to make disciples from all kinds of backgrounds, meaning the book’s structure and layout are, in themselves, an act of discipleship. Readers are guided through key teachings of the historic Christian faith, including the Person of Christ, the Trinity, the Bible, the Church, the Kingdom of God, repentance, salvation, baptism, and more. Once a solid foundation of essential Christian doctrine is established, believers can explore how to apply biblical principles to daily life – from relationships to rest, money to mental health, justice to death, and beyond.

The book also makes clear what discipleship is and isn’t – distinguishing it from Bible study, mentoring, parenting, therapy, or a casual chat. Smith strikes a balance between depicting discipleship as personable – highlighting interpersonal skills such as asking questions and listening well, while recognising its loftier side, where reverence and prayer are essential.

This book is a masterclass in discipleship right through to its conclusion, where it echoes Jesus’ call to “go and do likewise.”

How To Make Disciples That Make Disciples (Fusion) by Luke Smith is out now