True Discipleship: Growing in the Knowledge of Jesus

Discipleship. We think we know what it is. My own “pew” research has shown that even those of us who comfortably wear the mantle of evangelicalism are a tad indefinite. We have an idea, to be sure, but not a sure idea. Generally, believers think it has something to do with training: teaching (or learning) how to do a list of common Christian practices, like how to pray, how to witness, how to have a devotion, etc. These are all commendable and we should be doing them. But none of these are what the Bible presents as the method for growing in Christ. When these kinds of activities become ends in themselves, or worse yet, marks of maturity, then they are nothing more than noble substitutes for that to which God has primarily called us. This is lamentable. But it is not terminal.

True Discipleship is a fresh approach to the issue of discipleship. Although evangelical Christians are fairly united as to the goal of discipleship (Christ-likeness), there is a lack of clear direction as to how to get there. Having a correct destination in mind without clear directions in hand is frustrating at every turn. This book seeks to provide that needed direction by laying before believers the biblical light God has provided on how we grow toward Christ-likeness. God’s treasure map for that destination calls for us to grow in the knowledge of Jesus. Explaining what that means and how that works is the purpose of this book.

“True Discipleship by Gary Crandall is a wonderful, practical manual on how a person grows in the knowledge of Christ. Gary’s years in pastoral ministry and teaching in national and international settings are evident by the practical application throughout his message. Written in down-to-earth language, Gary supplies personal illustrations for each of his twelve main ideas that bring the truth home in a personal way. The book presents a simple, clear pathway to spiritual growth for believers who desire progress in their walk with God by growing in their knowledge of Jesus Christ.” —Dr. Steve Pettit, President, Bob Jones University

GARY CRANDALL is a pastor, teacher, author, former Bible College teacher and international bible conference speaker. Most recently he spoke at a pastor's conference in the Philippines. Besides pastoring churches in the mid-west, Gary and Sherrie have ministered in France, Africa, Central America, Micronesia and the Philippines.

He has a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) from Grace Theological Seminary, Winona Lake, IN, 1986, Cum Laude and a Master of Sacred Theology (S.T.M.) with an emphasis in Biblical Exposition from Dallas Theological Seminary, Dallas, TX, 1996, Magna Cum Laude.

Gary and Sherrie reside wherever the Lord has them at the moment but their home is in Heaven.