Discipleship and the Body of Christ is a call to radical commitment to Jesus and to neglected Scriptural revelation about His church, its ministries and gifts, and the Holy Spirit's empowerment of every Christian to an active, irreplaceable role. Originally published as Come, Follow Me. Christopher White is an evangelist and campus minister based in New York City, preaching and teaching there and in Colombia, South America. A graduate of Yale and Columbia Universities, he is a member of the Luis Palau Association's Next Generation Alliance.
An Excerpt from Chris White's book on discipleship and the Biblical church: The best description of the Christian life portrayed in the New Testament is that of discipleship leading to authentic, active membership in the Body of Christ. Therefore, the first part of this book describes what it means to become a disciple of Jesus. Once we become disciples, however, desiring to do God's will and not our own, then the issue arises of finding our place in the church, Christ's Body. But what is the church from God's perspective? In the second part of this book, we will explore the nature of the New Testament church, as well as what it means to become a fully functioning member of Christ's Body--in all the richness of its Biblical dimensions. Paul's prayer for the saints in Ephesians 3:14-19 was that they would not be satisfied with only a partial understanding of their calling in Christ, but that they might enter into the full dimensions of that calling. We are saved not just so that we may be freed from the power of sin and escape eternal death in hell--as wonderful as that may be. Rather we are saved so that we may be transformed into the image of Jesus, becoming living stones in the Lord's eternal temple and members of the Bride of Christ... Reviews of Come, Follow Me: Becoming Disciples and Members of the Body of Christ: Christopher White's Come Follow Me is God inspired and life changing. In a world full of books giving advice to Christians, this is where you want to spend your time. It is one of the best books I have read, succinctly and accurately addressing the historical drift of Christianity away from Jesus' call to wholehearted discipleship and the basic structure of the first century church. Throughout his book, he thoroughly analyzes Scripture and history to draw conclusions. If you have ever longed for more in your church or relationship with Jesus, this book will show you how to get there. --Jeremy Story, President, Campus Renewal Ministries If you, like many, long for something deeper in your Christian experience, for a new level of community in the Body of Christ; if you wonder what the New Testament church could be like today, then this book is for you. In this call to radical commitment to our Head, Jesus, and to Body life, Chris White has given us something of great value. I deeply appreciate his unswervingly biblical approach to the Church, his reasoned, logical development, all tied together by a call to commit everything to the Lordship of Christ. There is nothing dry or difficult here: just solid explanation of New Testament ministry and devoted discipleship to Jesus. I found myself reflecting and praying often as I read, and I think you will too. I strongly recommend this work. --Dr. Mike Packevicz, Missionary/Teacher in East Asia
