5.0 out of 5 stars One of the most helpful books I've read in a long time.

H. · 3 April 2021

This is a very helpful book and having read it quickly because it is so easy to read; I know need to read it again to get the full meaning because it is so deep. There are many points which resonate with me but also challenge me.The chapter on grief and loss (ch 6) this quote made so much sense to me: 'This tendency to view loss and grief as an interruption also happens in our churches.' Pete goes on to recommend how you can overcome this. In fact, the entire book is written from experience and includes practical advice.I could sit here all day, writing about the points which struck me but I suggest you buy the book and read it for yourself!

5.0 out of 5 stars At last discipleship which extends beyond knowledge …

G.B. · 29 April 2023

This book explains the ‘invitation and challenge’ Jesus offers us who want to move beyond churchianity and evolve into true disciples of Jesus.

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent

M.S. · 18 May 2021

I read about 25-40 books a year and have done so for several years as a pastor. This book has immediately gone into my top ten books. It deals with so much of the superficial, consumeristic, worldliness that infects my heart and local churches, especially in the West. It's honest, vulnerable, relevant, real and deeply challenging. It is a must read, especially for church leaders.

5.0 out of 5 stars A profound and practical book on ministry

D. · 8 April 2021

This is a very timely and transformational book. Building of the author’s previous work this book presents a profound challenge to the way churches approach discipleship. The hard, heart- and back-breaking work of developing and encouraging deep discipleship is presented here simply and unpretentiously - with personal and congregational resources to draw upon.For me it is the section on grief that is the most important. The three steps of allowing a congregation to acknowledge a loss, live in the messy confusion, and then (and only then) allowing the old to birth the new. This has had a profound impact on my approach to ministry.It is a real gift of the audiobook to have the author himself read the text.

4.0 out of 5 stars Warning! Read Slowly and Will Change You!

S. · 12 June 2021

Has taken me absolutely ages to read - no detriment to the book or author here, but it can't be rushed. Ironically it is about slowing down and it requires slow, thoughtful, applied reading - ideally alongside others to be discussed, reviewed and applied. So apologies for being a slow Book Launch Team reviewer!Timely, because we in the church measure things by numbers (how many, how many, how many); by speed, by doings, by busyness. This is the opposite - discipleship is a slow, time consuming process; to measure growth and maturity by love for the Lord and others and not by attendance, doings, meetings alone; to allow time during the day and the week to actually be with God in silence, listening; and to learn a new non-defensive language to handle conflict, criticism and honest sharing; for leaders and for all to share their doubts, 'I don't knows', to wear their weaknesses rather than striking a bold, Captain America pose and confronting culture head on; to model our dependence and neediness in Christ rather than in our own strength and skills, and I guess to stop fixing each other or offering immediate advice, scriptures and solutions but to first sit alongside and listen without reaction or defensiveness. Easy to write, hard to do - would love to see more people reading this so we can apply together.I see the truth of this in the gospels - the disciples frequently misunderstood, judged themselves, judged others, judged Jesus, just didn't get it, were scared out of their wits and didn't heed Jesus' frequent admonions that He had come to die, was going to die and be raised again on the third day. And yet He stuck by them (even loved the betrayer in the midst); input, input, input and loved and cared for them. And how much more should that humble us who folow Him than puffing ourselves up.Another helpful part is in considering our pasts (whilst this may not work for everyone), it's worth considering what attitudes, assumptions, worldviews we bring from our background into our new family in Christ and the Church, and what they're doing to us and to others, as well as when we model our adult selves and child selves, and what is going on there.Still very much reflecting on this, but we can only share who and what we know; literally practising what we preach. If we are shallow disciples, we make, push and rush other shallow disciples, becoming activity focused first before God and other focused. Like the disciples, we need to take time to apply and practice what we're learning before sharing it with others; and yet we need others to learn and grow amongst.

1.0 out of 5 stars Won't download properly

M.O. · 17 April 2021

This book will not open in Kindle. Can you please fix this?

5.0 out of 5 stars Book

D.W. · 23 September 2022

Inspirational

This is life changing.

r. · 14 October 2021

The content is challenging and vital to a free and meaningful relationship of being a Christ follower. Haven’t finished the study yet but it’s a good beginning.

Fantastic!

M.V. · 19 October 2021

I am more emotionally aware as a result of reading this book. I have changed mindsets on what success is, embracing my God given limits and the power of vulnerability.

A Transformative Approach to Deepening Discipleship

B.I. · 3 May 2025

This book offers a profound exploration into the integration of emotional health and spiritual maturity. The author presents a compelling case that true discipleship must go beyond surface-level practices to address the inner emotional life of believers.The structure of the book is thoughtfully divided into two parts. The first part identifies common shortcomings in traditional discipleship approaches, such as neglecting emotional growth and overemphasizing activity over presence. The second part outlines seven transformative pathways that guide readers toward a more holistic and authentic Christian life.What stands out is the emphasis on practices like embracing limits, processing grief and loss, and leading with vulnerability. These elements challenge readers to confront areas often overlooked in spiritual development. The writing is accessible, filled with personal anecdotes, and grounded in scriptural insights.Overall, this work serves as a valuable resource for individuals and church leaders seeking to cultivate a deeper, more emotionally aware form of discipleship. It encourages a shift from doing for God to being with God, fostering a more intimate and resilient faith journey.

Great read not always sensitive

R.M. · 14 February 2024

This is a really great read but ironically holds pockets where it can be harsh on those (let’s be honest, all of us) who aren’t yet emotionally mature. Very helpful principles though. Definitely an important voice into the western 21st century church.

A Tremendous Resource

M. · 1 April 2021

Several years ago, one of my co-pastors purchased a copy of “The Emotionally Healthy Church” for every member of our staff (8 at the time). We read through a chapter every week or two and discussed it as a team. It was a great opportunity for us to think through ways in which we may be emotionally and/or spiritually unhealthy in our own lives as well as how we communicate with others throughout our ministry teams.Fast forward to today, and I have taken opportunities to lead through 3 "Emotionally Healthy Relationships" studies and 2 "Emotionally Healthy Spirituality" studies. Similarly, a ministry mentor walked through “The Emotionally Healthy Leader” material with me over a period of a few months. Over this period of time Peter and Geri Scazzero, as well as members of their small team, continue to update and refine the material to make it accessible and relatable to as many churches as possible.Now, 17 years after the release of “The Emotionally Healthy Church,” Peter Scazzero has updated the material by releasing “Emotionally Healthy Discipleship.” He has re-written 70-80% of the material in order to share new insights he’s gleaned as the EH material has been utilized by thousands of churches worldwide.As a brief overview, Scazzero provides four failures of modern discipleship methods throughout Christian churches today. These include:1. We tolerate emotional immaturity.2. We emphasize doing for God over being with God.3. We ignore the treasures of church history.4. We define success wrongly.After providing an overview on the current state of discipleship and breaking down these failures, Scazzero then turns to Seven Marks for Healthy Discipleship. These include:1. Be Before You Do.2. Follow the Crucified, not the Americanized, Jesus.3. Embrace God’s Gift of Limits.4. Discover the Treasures Buried in Grief and Loss.5. Make Love the Measure of Maturity.6. Break the Power of the Past.7. Lead Out of Weakness and Vulnerability.Throughout each chapter, Scazzero highlights ways in which he has personally benefited from practicing these principles for over 20 years. For me, I found myself highlighting a lot of the book – like, a lot a lot of it. And as noted above, I’m quite familiar with the EH material that’s been released over the years.I share all this to say, this is an excellent resource for anyone who is serious about growing in their own discipleship and/or leading other ministries or ministry teams who are charged with discipling others.My recommendation would be to:1. Read Emotionally Healthy Discipleship once straight through, quickly. This will provide a general overview of the book and help you to discern what sections or chapters may require additional focus on your second reading.2. For reading #2, go through the book much more slowly. Keep a journal handy and consider going through it with a small group or even one trusted individual to help you process through it. You may end up needing to focus only on a chapter a month to really put some of these principles into daily practice.3. For those who have not walked through the Emotionally Healthy Spirituality or Emotionally Healthy Relationships studies, take the opportunity to do so. These will provide specific resources to help you put the principles into practice in your own life, and in your relationships with others.Conclusion: 5 Stars. A resource I’ll be referring to for the next several years of ministry.