Jared C. Wilson - The Imperfect Disciple: Grace for People Who Cant Get Their Act Together

Jared does a great job, with his humorous yet serious style, reminding us of Gods perfection in the midst of our inconsistencies, fears, and fallsin other words he has faithfully demystified discipleship. Whether you feel youre barely hanging in there or riding a wave of joy-saturated obedience, the grace of God found in this book will encourage and remind the saint that there is only One who is perfectand that perfection is enough for all who believe on the name of Jesus.

Matt Chandler, lead teaching pastor, The Village Church

Even though St. Paul wrote that the gospel was of first importance, for some reason most people, even Christians (no less), dont really believe it. What we want are practical steps about how to build a discipleship group and facilitate communication, and though those things arent wrong in themselves, we want to do it detached from the gospel itself. Which, of course, means that its doomed to failure before we even start. But this book is different. Jared ties everything he has to say about being and loving disciples to the realities of what Jesus has already done. And that, dear friends, is what sets this wonderful book apart from all the others. Please do buy it. Buy one for a friend. And then read it togetherand rejoice in the gospel.

Elyse M. Fitzpatrick, counselor and speaker; author of Because He Loves Me

Too often discipleship is described in strings of clichs. In Imperfect Disciple , Jared Wilson cuts the string, shares his story, and helps readers envision following Jesus in clear, inviting, and realistic ways. Its personal, prophetic, and pastoral and it will help readers reimagine discipleship as a real possibility in the midst of ordinary life.

Mike Cosper, founder and director, Harbor Media

Wilson takes our idea of discipleshipyou know, the list of things we need to do to be a perfectly obedient Christianand turns it on its head. Discipleship is not about our to-do lists; its about the glorious gospel. Wilson makes us dizzy with gospel truth and disoriented by beholding the Lamb of God. He helps us refocus so that our obedience is no longer about us. Youll be encouraged as you read this book about discipleship.

Trillia Newbell, author of Enjoy , Fear and Faith , and United

Drawing from Jared Wilsons own story, The Imperfect Disciple is a book about grace for people who know about grace. It replaces our neat and tidy notions of discipleship with the real-life messiness of real peopleeven the good ones. For anyone who draws confidenceor shamefrom the belief that God is keeping track of their goodness, this book is for you.

Sharon Hodde Miller, writer and speaker

Follow Jared as he demystifies discipleship on this unpredictable quest into the kindness of Christ.

Christian George, curator of The Spurgeon Library; assistant professor of historical theology at Midwestern Seminary; author of Sex, Sushi, and Salvation

While most every Christian would joyfully acknowledge that we are saved by grace alone, many of us live as if our ongoing growth in Jesus is not driven and sustained by that same grace. In terms of our discipleship, we suffer from the same self-justifying tendencies that would keep us from the cross to begin with. Im grateful, then, for this refreshing, grace-saturated, and realistic treatment of what it means to follow Jesus.

Michael Kelley, director of discipleship at Lifeway Christian Resources; author of Boring: Finding an Extraordinary God in an Ordinary Life

This is the most refreshing and encouraging book of discipleship Ive read in the past decade. For twenty-one years, I had the priceless experience of being pursued, loved, and fathered by a 56 gospel Yoda named Jack Miller, who taught me, showed me, and prayed into my bones that my need for Jesus is far greater than Ill realize in this life, but that the grace of Jesus is exponentially more extravagant, outrageous, and liberating than I could ever imagine or hope. With tears, I write this blurb, because Jared has given fresh words, voice, and understanding to this grand reality. Everything about me is imperfect, so Im just like you. Together, lets seek to discover the much-more-ness of the perfect gospel. Jared helps us do so, with his words and heart.

Scotty Smith, teacher in residence, West End Community Church, Nashville, Tennessee

Ive read too many discipleship books that made me feel, somehow, less. This book is the exact, wonderful opposite. Its like talking with a very insightful friend about Jesus. Its honest, thoughtful, and unpretentious. Thank you, Jared.

Brant Hansen, storyteller/radio guy, CURE International

In a worldand churchinfatuated with leaders, platforms, and influence, The Imperfect Disciple offers a much-needed antidote to our leadership overdose: following. Jared Wilson reminds us that following Christ is not about what we do but about who we are. And we need be no moreor no lessthan flawed but faithful disciples of the One who has already won all of our battles for us.

Karen Swallow Prior, PhD, author of Booked and Fierce Convictions The Extraordinary Life of Hannah More