Followers of the Way: Ancient discipleship for modern Christians

Discipleship is a lifelong process that requires long-term skills, and Simon Reed argues that we can look to Celtic Christianity to inspire authentic Christian discipleship. The Celtic and Desert Christians modeled this through the practice of living by a Way of Life.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 144 pages
Publication date: 21 October 2022
Publisher: BRF (The Bible Reading Fellowship)

One of the most pressing concerns in today's church is the question of what discipleship means and how we can help people become true disciples. According to Simon Reed, discipleship is about establishing a deeper connection with God and integrating God into all aspects of life, which is a lifelong journey that necessitates the development of long-term skills rather than short-term courses.

The Celtic and Desert Christians, by drawing on Old and New Testament practices, exemplified how to achieve this through the practice of living by a Way of Life. In this updated edition, Followers of the Way explores how we can look to Celtic Christianity for inspiration in cultivating authentic Christian discipleship in the modern world.

The Celtic Christian tradition offers a rich tapestry of insights and practices that can contribute to the development of authentic Christian discipleship. One of the key aspects of Celtic Christianity is its emphasis on the importance of community. Celtic Christians believe that the church is not just a gathering of individuals but a living body of Christ, where members are interconnected and support one another in their spiritual journey.

This emphasis on community is reflected in the way that Celtic Christians approach discipleship. Discipleship is not just a one-time event or a program that can be completed in a short period of time. Instead, it is a lifelong process that requires ongoing formation and growth. Celtic Christians believe that discipleship is about being in relationship with God and with one another, and that this relationship is fostered through the practice of prayer, meditation, and communal worship.

Another important aspect of Celtic Christianity is its emphasis on the importance of nature. Celtic Christians believe that God is present in all of creation, and that the natural world is a reflection of God's love and beauty. As a result, they place a high value on the practice of ecological stewardship and the preservation of the natural environment.

Celtic Christians also emphasize the importance of personal growth and transformation. They believe that discipleship is not just about acquiring knowledge and skills but about becoming more like Christ in our thoughts, words, and actions. This involves a process of self-reflection, repentance, and reconciliation, as well as a commitment to living a life of service and compassion.

In addition to these core aspects of Celtic Christianity, there are also many other practices and traditions that can contribute to the development of authentic Christian discipleship. For example, Celtic Christians have a rich tradition of storytelling and myth-telling, which can be used to teach spiritual lessons and inspire personal growth. They also have a strong tradition of hospitality, which can be used to welcome and care for others, including those who are marginalized or oppressed.

Overall, the Celtic Christian tradition offers a wealth of resources and insights that can help us cultivate authentic Christian discipleship in the modern world. By embracing the importance of community, nature, personal growth, and transformation, we can become more deeply connected with God and with one another, and live out the teachings of Jesus in our daily lives.

In conclusion, discipleship is a critical aspect of the Christian faith, and the Celtic Christian tradition offers a rich and inspiring perspective on what it means to be a true disciple. By embracing the importance of community, nature, personal growth, and transformation, we can become more deeply connected with God and with one another, and live out the teachings of Jesus in our daily lives.

Weight: 165g
Dimension: 198 x 130 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781800391628