The DNA of Healthy Discipleship by Dave Criddle
 

'Accessible, rich in insights and practical wisdom, this is a book for anyone who is serious about following Jesus and helping others to do the same – and just wants to get on with the job' 

The DNA of Healthy Discipleship
By Dave Criddle
Mathetes Publishing
ISBN: 978-1068708305
Reviewed by Alex Harris

In The DNA of Healthy Discipleship, Dave Criddle presents a practical vision from the Bible for what it means to be everyday, nitty-gritty disciples of Jesus. This book genuinely avoids being “yet another book on discipleship” by offering tangible and achievable steps out of often comfortable conventional church into a more authentic experience of discipleship.

Dave has a careful blend of biblical exposition and practical application rooted in the intentional discipleship of oneself and others. It is rare for a reader to know an author well enough to comment – but I do know Dave that well and I know what he writes is also what he is trying to be and do. That made reading it richer.

One of the most striking aspects of this book is its focus on the subtle shift from merely faith in Jesus to actively being and making disciples of Jesus. The book begins by addressing the need for a renewed focus on discipleship within the church. Dave's assumption is many Christians have settled for a superficial faith that is more cultural than Christ-centered. He calls on readers to discard this veneer and instead plunge into the depths of a genuine relationship with Jesus. This call is not just theoretical but deeply practical, as Dave emphasises the importance of living out faith in the everyday moments of life.

One of the key strengths of The DNA of Healthy Discipleship is its grounding in Scripture. Dave consistently points readers back to the Bible as the primary source of wisdom and guidance for the Christian life. Built around four key focusses, each rooted in Scripture, he urges readers to move beyond a passive faith that is content with simply going through the motions and instead embrace a faith that relates to Jesus through confidence, obedience, dependence and experience. Dave isn’t about some great hero-acts of faith few of us will even have opportunity to discover within us but rather about the realistic, mundane, everyday type of discipleship.

One of the most practical aspects of this book is its emphasis on action. Half of the book is dedicated to exploring what it means to live out the principles of healthy discipleship in everyday life. Each of the four main sections includes a ‘toolkit’ that does exactly what it suggests – gives tools to put into practice what we’ve just read. Dave’s approach is both practical and accessible, making it easy for readers to apply the book’s teachings to their own lives.

This combination of biblical depth and practical application makes The DNA of Healthy Discipleship a valuable resource for both individual Christians and church leaders. For ordinary Christians, the book offers a clear and compelling vision of what it means to be a disciple of Jesus in today’s world. It challenges readers to take their faith seriously and to invest in their own spiritual growth as well as the growth of others. The book's emphasis on practical discipleship means that it is not just another theoretical treatise but a guide that can be put into practice in real and tangible ways.

For church leaders, The DNA of Healthy Discipleship offers a new tool for helping their congregations grow in faith. As I note in writing the foreword for Dave, the book provides an “effective new crook and hook” for pastors and ministers who are committed to raising up disciples who will, in turn, make disciples. Dave’s approach is not complicated or convoluted, but rather straightforward and deeply rooted in the teachings of Jesus. This makes it an ideal resource for pastors who are looking for practical ways to encourage spiritual growth within their congregations. It would be a good book to read together with a leadership team, or alongside your small group leaders and discuss together.

One of the most commendable aspects of the book is its accessibility. Dave writes in a clear and engaging style that makes the book easy to read and understand, even for those who may not have a background in theology or ministry.

At the same time, the book is rich in insights and practical wisdom, making it a valuable resource for seasoned church leaders as well. I would have loved more stories of ordinary people living this out, or examples drawn from Dave’s own experience – but perhaps that would have dated the book? But the combination of the qualities in The DNA of Healthy Discipleship make it a book that can be used in a variety of contexts, from personal study and reflection to small group discussions and church-wide initiatives.

In conclusion, The DNA of Healthy Discipleship is a book for anyone who is serious about following Jesus and helping others to do the same – and just wants to get on with the job. Whether you are a church leader seeking to inspire your congregation or an individual Christian looking to grow in your own walk with Christ, this book offers accessible insights and practical guidance that will help you on your journey.

Highly recommended for anyone who is serious about making discipleship a central part of their Christian life.
 
Review by Rev Dr Alex Harris.
Regional Minister for Pioneering and Church Planting, Yorkshire Baptist Assocation & Director of Planting, St Hild Centre for Church Planting.
Co-Author of On This Rock and Scattered Not Small & Co-Leader Firestarters Network: growing churches helping churches to grow