Teenagers are not always the easiest group to disciple.  Even a teenager will admit that. So when adults volunteer to run a youth ministry, they usually need to use some published resources on Christian discipleship.  By applying the tested principles in the book Real Life Discipleship by Jim Putman, adults who volunteer to mentor teenagers are strengthened and encouraged.  There is no simple formula for growing a youth group and keeping it strong, but the examples set by the leaders themselves can make a measureable difference.  That’s why the author of Real Life Discipleship recommends that youth leaders first apply the principles of Christian discipleship in their own lives before embarking on a youth leadership position.

I learned about the book Real Life Discipleship after reading a recent article on Daily Christian Advice.  The post was titled, “These Christian Discipleship Books Can Strengthen Every Ministry,” and it elaborated on the numerous resources available for sale at NavPress.com.  Numerous discipleship books are sold in a special section of their website, “Discipleship Inside Out.”  More than just an online book store, the Navigators has created the NavPress website to include numerous reviews, Bible study resources and ministry training tools.

In his best-selling book, Real Life Discipleship, and the companion training manual, Putman explains what must occur in the lives of every believer and in every small group in order for a church to grow and flourish.  If you want your youth group to become into an “army of young believers” with zeal and Spiritual discipline, a love of the Lord, and true compassion for their community, it all starts with proper Christian discipleship.

Youth leaders who fail to grasp this concept often find their numbers dwindling as teens lose interest in the church community.  Of all the ministries in a church, Putman believes that the youth group and children’s ministries are the most important, and they need to remain the most vibrant area of the church.  Unless the ministry leaders and congregation of a church have an overall goal of seeing the whole world saved, they will not be able to inspire the next generation to follow Christ.

Real Life Discipleship offers a thorough, results-oriented approach that can be applied in multiple contexts and cultures, this manual explains the necessary components of disciple-making so that every member of the church community can play a part in reaching others for Christ.

Is it time for your church or ministry to learn Christian discipleship principles? Then Real Life Discipleship may be the perfect place to start.

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