51 books like Disciple Making Culture

By Brandon Guindon,

Here are 51 books that Disciple Making Culture fans have personally recommended if you like Disciple Making Culture. Shepherd is a community of 11,000+ authors and super readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

Shepherd is reader supported. When you buy books, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Book cover of The Culture Code: The Secrets of Highly Successful Groups

TJ Kostecky Author Of Eyes Up!: Discover Your Full Potential and Form Meaningful Connections Through Subtle Shifts in Perspective

From my list on self-help on life and leadership that work!.

Why am I passionate about this?

Ever since I first started coaching at the tender age of 15, my main passion in life has been helping others find their own passions. Over more than four decades as a coach, educator, and mentor, I’ve read a lot of self-help books. They don’t always deliver. But some gems in the genre have truly helped me—along with the thousands of people I’ve recommended them to—experience significant personal growth and discover a richer, more meaningful existence. It’s my pleasure to share the best of the best here. Pick one up today and I promise your life will be better for it! 

TJ's book list on self-help on life and leadership that work!

TJ Kostecky Why did TJ love this book?

Why are some people better leaders than others? I’ve never believed they’re just born that way (or I wouldn’t be in the business of leadership training!). No book has shaped my thinking on this subject more than this one. It’s another title I’ve recommended more times than I can remember. 

The big ‘aha’ moment for me in Coyle’s book was recognizing that effective leadership is not about one individual but the group as a whole. That’s allowed me to show more vulnerability as a coach, which has inspired confidence in my players. It’s helped me create a safe environment in the classroom, allowing my students to thrive. Whatever group you belong to—at home, at work, in the community—will invariably get stronger, healthier, and more successful from the many fascinating takeaways found in the pages of The Culture Code.

By Daniel Coyle,

Why should I read it?

5 authors picked The Culture Code as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

'A marvel of insight and practicality' Charles Duhigg, author of The Power of Habit
____________________________

How do you build and sustain a great team?

The Culture Code reveals the secrets of some of the best teams in the world - from Pixar to Google to US Navy SEALs - explaining the three skills such groups have mastered in order to generate trust and a willingness to collaborate. Combining cutting-edge science, on-the-ground insight and practical ideas for action, it offers a roadmap for creating an environment where innovation flourishes, problems get solved, and expectations are exceeded.…


Book cover of The Abundant Community: Awakening the Power of Families and Neighborhoods

Justin G. Gravitt Author Of The Foundation of a Disciplemaking Culture: Building a Core Team to Awaken a Movement

From my list on build a Christian disciple making culture.

Why am I passionate about this?

Making disciples is the hardest, most rewarding ministry I’ve ever experienced! For the past ten years, I’ve been helping pastors and church leaders make disciples and build a disciple-making culture in their churches. I know the challenges each of these things brings, and I’ve read books that teach others how to do them. However, most of these books focus on the big picture and never get into the weeds about how to do it. My goal with this list is to give you books to help you learn how to make disciples and build a disciple-making culture. 

Justin's book list on build a Christian disciple making culture

Justin G. Gravitt Why did Justin love this book?

How do you build a disciple-making culture that is at the center of a culture of consumerism? The struggle is real! In this book, the authors offer keen insights that probe the tenets of capitalism and how that has shaped and continues to influence our community culture.

I resonated with most of what they wrote and yearned for something different...a return to making disciples through a community of abundance and cooperation. The authors also understand how to reshape the culture of a local community into one of abundance. I highly recommend this one!

By John McKnight, Peter Block,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Abundant Community as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

We need our neighbors and community to stay healthy, produce jobs, raise our children, and care for those on the margin. Institutions and professional services have reached their limit of their ability to help us.

The consumer society tells us that we are insufficient and that we must purchase what we need from specialists and systems outside the community. We have become consumers and clients, not citizens and neighbors. John McKnight and Peter Block show that we have the capacity to find real and sustainable satisfaction right in our neighborhood and community.

This book reports on voluntary, self-organizing structures that…


Book cover of It Starts with One: Changing Individuals Changes Organizations

Justin G. Gravitt Author Of The Foundation of a Disciplemaking Culture: Building a Core Team to Awaken a Movement

From my list on build a Christian disciple making culture.

Why am I passionate about this?

Making disciples is the hardest, most rewarding ministry I’ve ever experienced! For the past ten years, I’ve been helping pastors and church leaders make disciples and build a disciple-making culture in their churches. I know the challenges each of these things brings, and I’ve read books that teach others how to do them. However, most of these books focus on the big picture and never get into the weeds about how to do it. My goal with this list is to give you books to help you learn how to make disciples and build a disciple-making culture. 

Justin's book list on build a Christian disciple making culture

Justin G. Gravitt Why did Justin love this book?

Changing the culture of any organization is a huge challenge. Black is an expert in culture change who teaches others how to do it in the business and non-profit world. This book is full of insights born from Black’s experience.

From the start, he explains how change works, why we often get it wrong, and what’s required to make real change and make it last. The book is organized around the main barriers to change and the solutions to those barriers. This book is focused, clearly written, and full of illustrations and tools.

It’s an easy 10 out of 10 for me because it helped me develop an internal framework of how change works and how to lead others through the change process. 

By J. Stewart Black, Hal Gregersen,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked It Starts with One as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

"PROVOCATIVE, PRACTICAL, POWERFUL!"

-Stephen R. Covey, Author of The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People

"For any executive, this is an excellent roadmap for leading strategic change!"

-Bill Marriott, Chairman and CEO, Marriott International, Inc.

"Finally a book that gets it right. Organizations don't change.
People change. It Starts with One gives extremely practical tools to make real change happen."

-Jack Zenger, Author of The Extraordinary Leader and CEO and Co-founder of Zenger|Folkman

"All successful businesses accept the need for change. It Starts with One steers the reader through the complexities of modern leadership and delivers a powerful framework for…


Book cover of The Bicycle Illustration: Disciple Making Is Just Like Riding a Bike

Justin G. Gravitt Author Of The Foundation of a Disciplemaking Culture: Building a Core Team to Awaken a Movement

From my list on build a Christian disciple making culture.

Why am I passionate about this?

Making disciples is the hardest, most rewarding ministry I’ve ever experienced! For the past ten years, I’ve been helping pastors and church leaders make disciples and build a disciple-making culture in their churches. I know the challenges each of these things brings, and I’ve read books that teach others how to do them. However, most of these books focus on the big picture and never get into the weeds about how to do it. My goal with this list is to give you books to help you learn how to make disciples and build a disciple-making culture. 

Justin's book list on build a Christian disciple making culture

Justin G. Gravitt Why did Justin love this book?

One of the biggest challenges to building a disciple-making culture is making disciple-makers. This short book is hyper-focused on the biggest obstacles that keep people from the disciple-making game.

In short, the obstacle is fear, not just two-faced fear. However, fear is rarely the obstacle people name. Most people say they don’t make disciples because they don’t know how. This clear and compelling book takes on obstacles (lack of know-how and fear) and challenges the reader to get started.

So many people love this book because it pulls away excuses in a fun way and focuses the reader on the truth that the win is in the attempt. Don’t miss this one!

By Justin G. Gravitt,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Bicycle Illustration as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The Bicycle Illustration will empower you to become a disciple maker. Inside you will discover the essential elements of disciple making, common challenges that hinder progress, and practical steps to overcome them. Best of all you can use it to help others become disciple makers as well!


Book cover of Becoming a Disciple Maker: The Pursuit of Level 5 Disciple Making

Cory Hartman Author Of Future Church: Seven Laws of Real Church Growth

From my list on making disciples today the way Jesus did.

Why am I passionate about this?

Cory Hartman (DMin, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary) collaboratively crafts practical tools, interactive processes, and breakthrough content for the Future Church Company, three interconnected organizations that exist to help the church embody the movement Jesus founded. I previously served as a pastor for thirteen years and founded Fulcrum Content, a gospel communication training organization.

Cory's book list on making disciples today the way Jesus did

Cory Hartman Why did Cory love this book?

What are the stages of a disciple’s optimal development? The theoretical path starts with a person not following Jesus and ends with that person helping their own disciples make disciples of Jesus. Having a reliable model that traces the course of a disciple’s development benefits a disciple maker practically, because people have different capacities, needs, and challenges at different stages as they grow.

The most persuasive and useful model yet proposed might be found in this brief book by Harrington and Wiens, who adapt to individuals the Exponential organization’s five-level typology of churches.

By Bobby Harrington, Greg Wiens,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Becoming a Disciple Maker as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Becoming a Level 5 Disciple Maker is an introduction to the five levels of disciple making with a focus on how to become a Level 5 disciple maker like Jesus. The authors discuss why we should pursue Level 5 disciple making, how we can pursue it, and what we can do to assess our progress along the way.

Bobby and Greg introduce and explore the pathway to becoming a disciple maker by using this five-level framework. Focusing on helping individuals identify where they are on the disciple-making scale (levels 1 to 5) and what is needed to become a Level…


Book cover of A Long Obedience in the Same Direction: Discipleship in an Instant Society

Robbie Castleman Author Of Parenting in the Pew: Guiding Your Children Into the Joy of Worship

From my list on building faith through intergenerational experiences.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve had the joy of “making disciples” for a long time. From the time I became a Christian while in college, to raising my own sons as disciples, to 15 years of work with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship on secular campuses, to the last third of my life as a Professor of Bible and Theology at a Christian University, I have responded to Jesus’ Great Commission to “make disciples” with both the joys and sorrows that calling includes. I have experienced the richness of intergenerational congregations that my pastor-husband has led, and seen our sons grow and mature as Christians through “parenting in the pew” before it was a book!

Robbie's book list on building faith through intergenerational experiences

Robbie Castleman Why did Robbie love this book?

This is simply the best book on biblical discipleship I have ever read, and I have read it multiple times in disciplining my own children, grandchildren as well as the college students I have taught for many years. The book is a devotional commentary based on the “Psalms of Ascent”, Psalm 120—134. These psalms are pilgrim songs to sing throughout a lifetime, as we journey from where we are and who we are, to being “brought to completion” as mature disciples of the Lord Jesus. This book is as honest as the psalms themselves dealing with both the hazards of the journey in times and places with people who are hostile to faith as well as the discouragements and confusion all God’s people experience when disappointed by God, emptied of hope and asking, “is this journey worth it?” Peterson’s pastoral heart and poignant wisdom in this book is a priceless…

By Eugene H. Peterson,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked A Long Obedience in the Same Direction as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Since Eugene Peterson first wrote this spiritual formation classic nearly forty years ago, hundreds of thousands of Christians have been inspired by its call to deeper discipleship. As a society, we are still obsessed with the immediate; new technologies have only intensified our quest for the quick fix. But Peterson's time-tested prescription for discipleship remains the same-a long obedience in the same direction. Following Jesus in this way requires a deepening life of prayer, and throughout history Christians have learned to pray from the Psalms. Peterson finds encouragement for today's pilgrims in the Songs of Ascents (Psalms 120-134), sung by…


Book cover of Mentoring Made Real: The Power of Authentic Connection

Cheri Swalwell Author Of Sisters in Christ: Defeat the Enemy One Powerful Prayer At a Time

From my list on how to build a Sister in Christ relationship (and why you want one!).

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve had other Sisters in Christ, but it wasn’t until God introduced me to an amazing woman that I truly started to understand what it meant to be a Sister in Christ. A Sister in Christ is someone who encourages you, speaks the truth in love, and always points you back to God’s truths. She laughs with you, cries with you, and simply loves to do life with you. Sisters in Christ was born from this amazing friendship. To have this type of relationship is truly a blessing from God that needs to be shared in a community of fellow believers. 

Cheri's book list on how to build a Sister in Christ relationship (and why you want one!)

Cheri Swalwell Why did Cheri love this book?

I really resonated with this book. It reminded me a lot of the Sisters in Christ book where in a mentoring relationship it’s not necessarily defined as a discipleship relationship but more friend/friend.

You aren’t there to lecture, teach, criticize the other person. You both are seeking a relationship with the Lord separately and then your times of coming together are that much sweeter and you grow more in your own personal relationship with Jesus by living life side by side someone else who loves Jesus with all their heart. It’s a give and take, which is exactly what a Sister in Christ relationship is all about.

Lastly, and most importantly, is the prayer aspect. Anyone can “live life together,” but it's when you pray together that God moves mountains.

By Nancy Lindgren,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Mentoring Made Real as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.


Book cover of Revelation for Everyone

Roland England Author Of Worthy Is the Lamb: The Book of Revelation as a Drama

From my list on Christian on Revelation for a general audience.

Why am I passionate about this?

I'm a huge fan of Revelation which tops my list of favorite books of the Bible. I recently retired after 47 years as a pastor in the United Church of Christ. How many times have I read Revelation and preached on this marvelous book? How many times have I read and heard interpretations, and misinterpretations? The answer, a lot! I finally decided I had to write my own book. I study Revelation like digging in a field for buried treasure. The more digging, the more riches I find! I am a graduate of Eastern Mennonite University where I majored in Bible, and a graduate of Union Presbyterian Seminary, Richmond, VA., with a Master of Divinity.

Roland's book list on Christian on Revelation for a general audience

Roland England Why did Roland love this book?

I am a long-time student of N. T. Weight and have read many of his books. I appreciate his scholarship and ability to communicate with “everyone.” I love Wright for his scholarly defense of Jesus' bodily resurrection. He leaves me in awe with his knowledge of Scripture and of the Roman world of the first century. He has influenced my Biblical worldview to the extent I can’t imagine writing a book apart from his influence. I admire his extensive knowledge of the historical context of the cities in which the seven churches are located. I love reading Wright for his contagious joy!  

By N. T. Wright,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Revelation for Everyone as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Enlarged print edition now available! In this final installment of the New Testament for Everyone series, Tom Wright explores the book of Revelation. With clear, accesible language, Wright offers us an entrance into the final book of the New Testament. While the book of Revelation has often been written off as a foretelling of doom, it is much more complex than this and has captured the imaginations of both lay and professional readers.

Tom Wright has undertaken a tremendous task: to provide guides to all the books of the New Testament, and to include in them his own translation of…


Book cover of The First Edition of the New Testament

R.G. Price Author Of Deciphering the Gospels: Proves Jesus Never Existed

From my list on the (actual) origins of Christianity and Judaism.

Why am I passionate about this?

I have been fascinated by the Bible since my earliest days in Sunday school, coloring pictures of Noah’s Ark. Yet, even as a young child I was very skeptical of the Christian interpretation of biblical stories, seeing that they couldn’t possibly be true. But I’ve always respected the Bible as a literary work and sought to understand its details. In my years of researching the Bible and Christian origins, several works stand out as being particularly important in shaping my understanding of Judaism and Christianity. These are those books.

R.G.'s book list on the (actual) origins of Christianity and Judaism

R.G. Price Why did R.G. love this book?

Trobisch is a highly respected Net Testament scholar, and his insights are on full display in this short, but important, work. The exact origins of the New Testament have long been shrouded in mystery. Many people think of the New Testament as a collection of independent writings. Here Trobisch provides an important framework for understanding the New Testament as a whole. He reveals many important clues about who, when, how, and why the first edition of the New Testament was created. Trobisch shows the overall unity of the editorial features of the New Testament.

By David Trobisch,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The First Edition of the New Testament as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The First Edition of the New Testament is a groundbreaking book that argues that the New Testament is not the product of a centuries-long process of development. Its history, David Trobisch contends, is the history of a book-an all Greek Christian bible-published as early as the second century C.E. and intended by its editors to be read as a whole. Trobisch claims that this bible achieved wide circulation and formed the basis of all surviving manuscripts
of the New Testament.


Book cover of Guide to Biblical Coins

Denny Sissom Author Of The Bridge to the New Testament: A Comprehensive Guide to the Forgotten Years of the Inter-Testament Period

From my list on the inter-testament period and the New Testament.

Why am I passionate about this?

Ever since I sought material to teach a class on the inter-testament period back in 1994, I discovered there was not much written on the subject. So, I decided to change that. From the creation of the world to the rebuilding of the Temple by Zerubbabel and reconstruction of the walls of Jerusalem by Nehemiah, nothing has piqued my interest as much as what happened after these events. The study of inter-testament history is fascinating, important, and lacking in most Christian educations. Through our learning of the inter-testament, we can better understand the people, politics, and history of the New Testament.  

Denny's book list on the inter-testament period and the New Testament

Denny Sissom Why did Denny love this book?

A deeper understanding about the history of a period can be gained by examining the coinage of that time. Coins were the billboards and TV commercials of ancient history. David Hendin is the world-renowned expert on Biblical and inter-testament coinage. He does an excellent job of showing multiple versions of each denomination (since ancient coin dies were never identical) and explaining their history as well. David was also kind enough to verify the authenticity of the coins I present in my book. He discovered that I had inadvertently acquired what I thought was a valuable coin (of Aristobulus I of the Hasmoneans), but it was actually an overstrike of a less-valuable coin (Alexander Jannaeus).

By David Hendin,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Guide to Biblical Coins as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

This is the fourth edition of the most widely used reference in the field of ancient Biblical and Jewish Coins, with more than 10,000 copies already in print. It is also the most complete edition yet, listing more than 550 different coins while maintaining the same numbering system as Hendin's popular third edition. Hendin has dramatically expanded the text with extensions and significant new material. This new edition contains a full 38 pages of photographic plates illustrating more than 500 coins and weights. Aimed at both beginning and advanced collectors, Hendin compiles the knowledge he has accumulated in the 34…


5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in New Testament, Jesus, and Christianity?

New Testament 49 books
Jesus 235 books
Christianity 674 books