Helpful Resources

When thinking through making disciples, obviously the most sufficient resource is God's Word. Scripture, through the Spirit's illumination, (1) is able to make us wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus, (2) is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, and (3) is used make us competent and equipped for every good work (2 Tim. 3:15-17).
From start to finish, if all a person has is God's Spirit and God's Word then these are sufficient. A disciple will have all they need. As a pastor and disciple maker, I long for the flock I shepherd to desire God's Word. I know, however, that God alone creates this hunger in us, so I've learned a lot about pastoral prayer. Oh to see biblically saturated dads, moms, college students, and teens. To see a congregation where the Word of Christ dwells richly, where the Word really is a lamp and light, and to see lives that are truly guarded according to the Word. Currently, I am preaching through Galatians in our worship services and our people are studying 1, 2, and 3 John in our Bible study times. Nothing is better for God's people than God's Word.

Having now shared my earnest convictions in the sufficiency of Scripture and its uniqueness in literature, I realize that in making disciples there are other texts that can be helpful as well. Though the Spirit has made no commitment to bless these works in the same way He blesses His Word, the list below can be helpful in assisting a recent convert form a solid foundation as a disciple. I pass them along to you now:

Books I would read with someone I was mentoring (in addition to the Bible):
a. Lord Teach Me to Study the Bible in 28 days – Kay Arthur
b. According to Plan – Graeme Goldsworthy
c. Christian Beliefs or Systematic Theology – Wayne Grudem
d. The Story of Christianity – Justo Gonzalez
e. Nine Marks of a Healthy Church or What is a Healthy Church – Mark Dever
f. Desiring God – John Piper
g. Knowing God – J. I. Packer
h. The Pursuit of Holiness - Jerry Bridges
i. Let the Nations Be Glad – John Piper

Obviously there are other books that could be added, but this is a good starting point. The texts above cover bible study skills, a big picture of the Bible, theology, church history, ecclesiology, sanctification, and missions.

I pray you are making disciples today, even if and especially if its a 6, 2, and 1 year old in your home!