The Imperfect Disciple by Jared C. Wilson

Too many discipleship books are written for perfect people who know all the right Sunday school answers.

This book is for the rest of us–people who screw up, people who are weary, people who are wondering if it’s safe to say what they’re really thinking. With incisive wit, warm humor, and moving stories, Jared Wilson shows us how the gospel actually works through us and in us, even when we can’t get our act together. The result is a faith that weathers storms, lifts burdens, and deepens our friendship with God.

(excerpt from the back of book)

The Imperfect  Disciple takes what  most  readers expect in a book on Christian discipleship and turns it on its head in all the right ways. I have read many books in the last few years and most books on discipleship and life growth are at best engaging and at worst exhausting in their never-ending list of things to do. Wilson strikes a fascinating balance in his simplicity - keep pointing back  to the gospel while sharing what you know best. The result is a book that is not only engaging but eye-opening, encouraging, and unflinchingly honest in it's message.

I loved Wilson's method of delivery. 

He's not one to pull punches, stating his case without pretense. However, this directness is tempered  by the  ever present infusing of grace, openness, and vulnerability as Wilson invites readers into the gospel as it  interacts with every day life.

Wilson's background in preaching definitely comes through within his writing as the book is less a to do list (as many books on this topic are likely to fall  back on) and more teaching intermixed and conveyed through story. This allows the teaching not only to feel more personal but also more achievable. Wilson makes the concept of discipleship  not only a possibility but impractical and harder  to not involve in daily life as a Christian.

I really feel this is one of those  books that can be reread multiple times with different gleanings each time one goes through it just due to the  scope of material and the practicality of how life changes as we journey on.

5 out of 5 stars

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc."