This book seems to be the culmination of a man who has come to own the message that has transformed his life and countless others through his previous works. I think the heart of what I just said is what you will find in this book as it contributes to the question: How do we actually develop lives that embody the substance of Christianity deeply? The combination of Pete's honest real life stories with the corresponding truths will relate to many as you see the slow but proven path to a life of real substance and deep discipleship. I can see this book being read throughout churches, spiritual communities, bible schools, and more, as the content is that good. I am glad I came across this and Pete's other courses and content, because it distills so much of what God has been teaching me into a precise resource to share with others. Read it for yourself to see, but better yet, let the book read you.

And as Pete says:

“I discovered the truth that when we’re not in touch with what is going on inside of us, we are not in reality but in illusion or denial. And when we are not in reality, we are not in spirituality, because the authentic spiritual life is not an escape from reality but an absolute commitment to it.”- Pete

May you be committed to the freedom found in reality as you work with this book.

This is an excellent book and I loved it from start to finish. It contains great advice grounded in personal experience and I heartly recommend it to you. There are many points which resonate with me but also challenge me.

In the chapter on grief and loss (ch 6) this quote made so much sense to me: 'This tendency to view loss and grief as an interruption also happens in our churches.' Pete goes on to recommend how you can overcome this. In fact, the entire book is written from experience and includes practical advice.

I could sit here all day, writing about the points which struck me but I suggest you buy the book and read it for yourself

I have lead the Emotionally Healthy Spirituality course several times and personally benefitted from applying the principles outlined in that material. I anticipated the same from this new work and was not disappointed. Pete accurately describes the poor state of discipleship in America and offers a pathway to a healthy discipleship culture in the local church. He once again has brought depth to the challenging topic of discipleship. This work provides clarity to the discipleship pathway while recognizing that the answers to the shallow or unhealthy discipleship prevalent today are not quick or easy. This is a masterful resource for any leader who wants to create a healthy culture of disciple making that produces healthy disciple makers. It will be the wise church leaders who prayerfully consider the content in this resource and implement the EH Discipleship course.

I highly recommend this book. Why? Because the goal of Peter Scazzero is not to make things easier nor faster but to make them simpler and slower. Unfortunately, what represents the Church, especially in the West, does not often resemble the Church in the Bible.

To combat a superficial, easy, quick, and shallow practice of faith that produces so little transformation in a person's life, the principles and approaches in this book will help you grow deeper and more Christlike.

The writing style is informative, conversational, and easy to read and understand. It is not overly academic nor unapproachable. The material is practical and practiced. You can tell from the stories and illustrations that the author is not simply offering theory but real applicable principles that will help you grow.

Additionally, there are aspects of following Christ that are covered in this book that are not included in many other books on this theme, such as how limits can be a gift from God, how grief and loss can produce great treasure in us, and how leading out of weakness and vulnerability is an authentic and liberating practice.

If you want to grow in your faith and press past the microwave have-it-your-own-way type of superficial Christianity, then this book is for you. Buy it. Share it. Live it.

This is a wonderfully researched and Spirit-led resource. Scazzero has been writing this for over 20 years as he's pivoted through the many struggles of church leadership, marriage and life walking with the Lord.

I love the analogy he uses at the end of the book about changing our operating system. That's what the Holy Spirit does, doesn't He? He transforms our heart, soul and mind (our O/S) so we grow and develop more like Christ. As Scazzero outlines the traditional Christian and discipleship model has been built around the practices of prayer, bible study and service. All good and essential practices. But often, in participating in such practices, we're oblivious to the 'stuff' hindering our growth including the impact of our past and our family's past and the misguided notions of worldly models of transformation.

After opening with 2 chapters of what's wrong with the current state of discipleship, Scazzero explores the 7 healthy habits of a new model. And yes, as one would expect, there is a course that is available for churches to purchase in order to implement the new way.

However, the core essence of the material in this book is relevant to all believers and is a timely reminder that the current state of the church is ripe for transformation. Such transformation begins with its leaders but also requires willing believers to walk this road to encourage their leaders to adopt it for themselves and the churches they lead.

Highly recommended.