Invitation and Challenge into Legacy

Throughout our discipleship journey, we've seen the immense power in balancing invitation and challenge. These two elements are not just strategies but foundational principles observed in the life and ministry of Jesus. In the Legacy Edition, we emphasize, "Approval. Appetite. Ambition. Jesus embraced and restored them." By holding invitation and challenge in balance, we nurture spiritual growth and maturity in ourselves and others.

We often reflect on Jesus' interactions, especially in Matthew 4:19 when He invited His first disciples: “Come, follow me...and I will send you out to fish for people.” Jesus offered an inviting relationship and an immediate challenge. Reflecting personally, Sally and I have experienced tremendous growth when leaders lovingly invited us into deeper community and gently challenged us to stretch our faith and service.

Consider your discipleship context today—are you leaning more towards invitation or challenge? How might adjusting this balance enhance your spiritual growth and effectiveness?

For us, discipleship has always been deeply relational. Over time, we've come to understand that true discipleship transforms beyond Sundays—it becomes a daily, shared mission within our families and communities. Our book encourages readers to recognize that discipleship flourishes within the authenticity and intentionality of family-like relationships. This commitment shaped our understanding of discipleship as something we embody together, not individually. Our children, close friends, and spiritual family have consistently reminded us of the power of shared mission and collective effort.

Think about your current relationships—how can your family (whether biological or spiritual) grow in shared discipleship and mission? How can you intentionally foster deeper, Christ-centered community in everyday life?

In the Legacy Edition, Mike writes, "Your spiritual gifts uniquely equip you. Discover them, embrace them, and use them to lead others toward Christ." Each of us has the potential to leave an eternal legacy simply by sharing what we have received from God with others.

As you engage with this edition, consider the legacy you're creating right now. How are you intentionally using your gifts to disciple others? Our prayer is that your life and ours would collectively tell a compelling story of Jesus' transforming power.

What’s New in the Legacy Edition

When we revisited our original edition of Building a Discipling Culture, we were struck

by how the world and the church landscape have shifted. We realized we needed to

incorporate new insights, particularly reflecting on the profound lessons of recent global

events like the pandemic along with those in our personal life and family. In the Legacy

Edition, we share openly: "The pandemic taught us a hard truth: many were ill-equipped

to disciple without a church building." We believe discipleship must transcend the walls

of any physical building, equipping believers to carry the message of Jesus everywhere,

in every situation.In this updated edition, you will find new chapters and personal reflections on how to

practically disciple through times of uncertainty and disruption. We introduce expanded

insights on building genuine communities, strengthening family discipleship, and

adapting timeless truths for today's challenges.

We invite you to consider how these updates might renew your own discipleship

journey. What aspects of discipleship could use refreshing in your life or community?

How might God be calling you to rethink your approach in this new season?

Stay tuned next week as we explore the critical balance of Invitation and Challenge—key components of thriving discipleship.

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What’s New in the Legacy Edition?

This edition expands and builds upon the Third Edition of Building a Discipling Culture, offering fresh insights and refined applications, including:

🔹 Expanded Biblical Teaching – More in-depth scriptural exploration to reinforce the principles of discipleship.
🔹 New Reflections from Mike Breen and Friends – Fresh insights on discipleship in a post-pandemic world, equipping readers to lead in uncertain times.
🔹 Enhanced Practical Tools – Simplified and refined models for implementing a discipling culture, making it easier for leaders at any level to engage.
🔹 Clarifications & Refinements – Feedback from hundreds of disciple-makers has helped refine explanations, making this edition the most accessible and impactful yet.

Inside the Legacy Edition:

This updated edition expands on the foundational tools that have empowered thousands to become disciple-makers. It dives deeper into key discipleship principles, including:

📖 The Circle – Learning how to hear God’s voice and respond in obedience.
📖 The Triangle – Balancing relationships with God, community, and mission.
📖 The Square – Understanding the stages of spiritual growth and leadership.
📖 The Semi-Circle – Discovering the rhythm of work and rest in discipleship.
📖 The Pentagon: Fivefold Ministry – Unpacking Ephesians 4 to understand the different roles of disciple-makers in the church.
📖 Person of Peace Strategy – Identifying those God has already prepared to receive the gospel and build Kingdom relationships.

Through these practical frameworks, readers will be equipped to live out discipleship in every aspect of life.

Who Is This Book For?

✔ Church Leaders – Build a discipling culture in your church that goes beyond Sunday gatherings.
✔ Missional Communities and Small Groups – Equip your group with practical tools for spiritual growth.
✔ Parents & Families – Foster a culture of discipleship at home.
✔ Anyone Seeking Deeper Faith – Learn how to follow Jesus in a way that transforms your life and the lives of those around you

The Journey So Far

When we first started sharing our discipleship journey decades ago, neither of us could have imagined the incredible paths God would lead us down. Our early days were humble, marked by simplicity, scribbled ideas on napkins, and quiet discussions at our kitchen table. Yet, God took those simple conversations and sketches and transformed them into something far-reaching and life-changing. In the words from our upcoming Legacy Edition, "Discipleship tools from a humble kitchen table now change lives worldwide." It’s deeply humbling to think about how these simple tools have impacted thousands of lives around the globe. Through all this, Sally and I have learned the importance of focusing not on ourselves, but on Christ. As our book emphasizes, "Look to Biblical principles and Jesus—not just the person God used to deliver the message." Our prayer is that our experiences, victories, and even our struggles will always point you directly to Jesus.

Reflecting on scripture, we often return to Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” This verse has guided us profoundly, especially in moments of uncertainty. As we share more deeply in the Legacy Edition, trusting God’s path rather than our own limited vision has consistently proven essential. Our hope is that our story inspires you to trust God’s journey for your own life.

As you read this, we encourage you to take a moment to reflect. How is God leading you today? Where might you need to trust Him more fully?

Next time, we’ll dive into what’s new in this Legacy Edition. We can’t wait to share more with you.

Mike & Sally