Growing In Christ A Thirteen Week Follow Up Course for New and Growing Christians by Navigators, The [NavPress,2007]

Growing in Christ

by Jeff Schadt

Growing In Christ A Thirteen Week Follow Up Course for New and Growing Christians by Navigators, The. Published by NavPress,2007, Paperback

Genres: Christian, Christian Living, Religion, Discipleship, Nonfiction, Devotional

Paperback

First published October 1, 1985

Reviews

[Stephen Runyan · Rating 3 out of 5]

There were a few things I didn't agree with and there wasn't a whole lot of commentary, so it seems as though I have to admit that there is a somewhat higher percentage of per capita disagreement that I have with some of the things the author stated than I would find in most books. However, once again, the actual commentary was very light in this book; it was mostly Q&A, suggested reading, and practical exercises all of which I find useful for the average new Convert.

[Katy Sammons · Rating 5 out of 5]

We use this book for client Bible studies in our ministry. It is an excellent 101-type resource for new Christians with limited Biblical literacy.

[Julie Ruch · Rating 2 out of 5]

Bible Study Very basic

While this study is completely biblical, it is very simplistic. I have used it three times in discipling younger believers, and it works for learning the basics.

But, in my experience, it doesn't satisfy the yearning for spiritual growth that new believers so often have. And if using it with long-term baby Christians, it doesn't evoke deeper spiritual growth.

In light of that, I would recommend following this up with Continue: A Biblical Journey in Personal Discipleship. It covers more ground, with a much deeper daily study followed up by questions for personal reflection. In contrast, the homework for Growing in Christ can be done lickety-split at the last second.

Paul Chappell also has an introductory discipleship book that can be used in place of Growing in Christ, which I am planning to use next time: First Steps for New Christians: Establishing Biblical Direction for New Christians It has a bit broader scope, covering typical questions a new believer would have and giving some practical pointers.

[Kenneth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book delivers exactly what it promises. New believers must know the certainty of salvation, the inevitable attacks of Satan, and the truth of God's word.  These short lessons begin the process of exposing scripture to new believers while simultaneously encouraging habits of reading, memorizing, and praying.  While I am not the intended audience, I still found this a useful resource to remind me of the fundamentals that accompany being a new creation in Christ and I can see myself referring to it in discipling relationships.

If you think you are a Christian but cannot answer the question of whether you are headed to heaven or hell with 100% certainty, read this book or another like it.  Do not base the question of eternity on your feelings.  The heart is deceitful and wicked.  God's word is truth, and He gave it that we may believe and have eternal life.  Learn it, live it, He will give you the power to do it.

[Peter LaRuffa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Going through it with our Community Group, but I've read through it before close to 10 years ago. Excellent and easy to go through with just about anyone. We like to be a "no-homework" group, so we've been going through it together in group (although encouraging the Scripture memorization on your own in between groups). On the one hand, it's a very "101" level book on Christianity, but has still provided great discussion for Christian newbs & veterans alike.

In addition to benefiting from the time spent together in the book, one of my hopes & prayers is that people will realize they could easily go through this book with someone else in a discipleship-type relationship, instead of being intimidated by the thought of discipling someone

What would I say? What would we do? What would we talk about?

Here. You'd do this. For 13 weeks. It'll be awesome - lol.

[Lauren Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

I completed this book with two different bible study groups.
Within the groups it was not received well due to its simplistic nature. (Our groups typically do more heavy, in depth studies of a verse by verse nature.)

It essentially is a ‘back to basics’ of Christian faith and life and involves memory verses and a lot of single verses from different places of the Bible on a singular topic.

However having recently gone through quite a lot in my own life, including a long period during which I was unable to attend church and study, I thought it was wonderful and refreshing. It would be great for new believers as well.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Apparently this was on my “Reading” shelf for so long because there was one chapter I hadn’t read. That is easily remedied.

I really like this simple Bible study for the truths that are our foundation as followers of Christ, and the tools that are our practical steps in following Christ. One of the things I appreciate about this book, as well as the Design for Discipleship series, is that the authors don’t talk very much, but guide the reader in finding what the Bible says for him/herself.

The tear out memory verse cards in the back are helpful too.

[Misty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exactly what I needed. I had grown up catholic but after coming to saving faith in Christ I was only around Christians who were more mature in the faith than me and they always taught over my head. This book is amazing for Christians who need spiritual growth and if I could have given it more than five stars I would have.

[Sarah Piper · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this as my first group Bible Study book. It had some great questions to get you into some popular themes and Bible verses that lead to some very good discussions. I would recommend as an intro into Bible Study ... better as a group than on your own.

[JJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the punch out memory verse cards in the back of the book.

[Alexis Kalantzis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved doing this with a mentor. I do think it could be updated to be more modern.

[Michael A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Resource

Good read for the development of the believer and assist in the area of discipleship. This is a resource that will produce results.

[Amy · Rating 1 out of 5]

I personally found this study to be simplistic and elementary. The format is to look at one or two verses without the contextual support and answer obvious questions with no depth or interaction with the Scripture. At times, the out-of-context manner forces answers that are not necessarily supported by the verse if it had been studied as a complete passage or unit of thought. This type of study material does not lend an opportunity to profound spiritual growth, but leans toward a very thin, immature relationship with God. The memory verses did not always best reflect the topic of discussion. There are a myriad of better Bible study materials available. I would confidently recommend utilizing a different means of interacting with the Bible. This book is poorly written and sadly diminishes the beauty and complexity of God's Word - terribly disappointing.

[Kbkimes · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great study guide for taking believers, new and old, topically through the Bible. It sends them to the source while exploring the basics of our faith like salvation, prayer, victory over temptation, forgiveness, etc. Then it illustrates how we are to live, again, sending readers to the source and mostly allowing Scripture to speak for itself.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful enriching study guide that I have humbly learnt a lot from.