Today I completed a 220-page book entitled “Rooted: Connect with God, the Church, Your Purpose.” It is a workbook written by various authors for discipleship groups within local churches or small-class get-togethers. Day by day, throughout 10-weeks, time was spent in each session to return to the basics of discipleship temporarily. Initially, my time here began within a local church I am trying out. However, due to the Coronavirus lockdown, I finished the remainder of it on my own. To get an in-depth look at its substance and what it says to build or further reinforce one’s faith, relationship with the Lord, and fellowship with people.
The book originates from Mariners Church in Southern California, and the material is nearly 100% sound best I can tell as there are core topics that come from traditional biblical principles. It isn’t an in-depth look at the principles behind various topics, but it is a useful view at the surface of what new and developing Christians should largely understand and do to deepen their faith. Topics cover the importance of disciplines in the word, prayer, fellowship, giving, evangelism, baptism, communion, church commitment, worship, and others. The book also covers service in a pronounced way, both separately and interwoven throughout a number of topics given for reading, discussion, prayer, and Q&A.
While the book does well at honoring the tenants of the faith and guides believers in the basics, it, at times, emphasizes community development with subtle unwanted attention concerning social justice. Correctly, the book doesn’t make heretical attempts to attach the meaning of the gospel to assumed activist “obligations” of workmanship as an extension of faith. The book is very good but watch for any subtle emphasis on ideas of corrective and necessary actions to make good on “inequality” as a matter of activism opportunities or requirements within the Christian faith. If during discussions within Rooted sessions, it appears that the social justice worldview is somehow attached to the doctrines of justification and sanctification, the Rooted course you’re in is guided by principles harmful to you while also hostile to the gospel.
It is time well-spent within the book as a companion to fellowship and outreach for the Kingdom. Especially if you’re with like-hearted people, it is an essential reference for newcomers and for people who wish to become more grounded. It goes quite a distance in honoring Christ’s great commission (Matt 28:19-20), and it reaches quite far toward the service of people to originate volunteers for purposes of community development. So there is a noticeable distinction there as compared to more focused discipleship in service of the Kingdom of God. While both are not necessarily mutually exclusive, primary attention appears placed upon secondary people’s interests rather than interests centering on Christ, the gospel, obedience, and His Lordship, among others. Fruitful and deeply cultivated groundwork provides for more rooted discipleship that yields a rightful service to the community as a byproduct of Kingdom service. Most especially within the body of believers. The effort should be, First God, then people, whereas the Rooted book is first people, and “partner with God” for His desired outcomes.
Notice what Jesus Himself said in the book of Matthew. “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey (observe or conform; τηρέω) all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” – Matt 28:19-20. While this command can include community service and development, the disciple is to become rooted in obedience and the Lordship of Christ and thereafter multiply or serve from there. Far too many Christ-followers do not know God’s word nor do they adhere to their commitments and precepts of Scripture because they are not well-grounded. With practice and consistency to build strength to have a persistent and powerful impact for God’s glory, His Kingdom, the needs of believers, and finally the community. The end outcome is not the advancement, prosperity, or well-being of the community, but it is to honor God the Most High and His interests. Which happens to include an authentic love for all people.
Various topics are reminiscent of the Navigator’s Wheel Illustration. Concerning the Lordship of Christ and the Christian lifestyle. This conventional and more historical illustration provides a comparative structure to build a balanced and concentrated effort concerning discipleship to accompany specific Scriptural support.
Scripture should be more interspersed throughout the Rooted lessons, especially when it comes to assertions made that are easily countered with other contexts of Scripture. I often found myself wanting to see a verse citation where instead, a reader is presented with meaningful opinions and views of influential church leaders. It’s good to see the comments of well-published leaders in the faith, but Scripture carries far more weight to validate and drive home points of interest in the workbook.
Overall, I recommend the book and the Rooted program for a basic introduction to early discipleship. It is time well invested and I really loved the lessons. However, check ideas, illustrations, and principles discussed in your small group with Scripture and be watchful about social justice advocacy or pressures that do not have a Kingdom-focused bearing on God’s purpose and mission for His glory, His Church, and everyone’s well-being.
In my experience, the Design for Discipleship (DFD) series for the development of Christ-followers is much better comparatively speaking. It is far more engaging, robust, comprehensive, and Scriptural. The DFD series is suitable for all new believers without undue divisiveness. The Rooted book is easy to complete without a lot of thought or effort, so it might be more suitable for groups and leadership that do not want to commit any time in God’s word along their growth trajectory. Moreover, the Rooted book does not require or involve the Bible as a companion. Design for Discipleship is rooted well below the surface with a biblical outcome for growth that lasts a lifetime.
Rooted Book Authors:
Kenton Beshore (Sr Pastor Mariners, MA at Talbot School of Theology), Muriithi Wanjau (Sr. Pastor Mavuno Church Nairobi Kenya, M.Div Fuller Seminary), Peter Kasirivu (Founding Pastor, Gaba Community Church in Uganda), Samuel Metelus (Pastor, Church of God in Haiti), Camile and Esther Ntoto (Africa New Day Ministries in Democratic Republic of Congo, B.A. Intercultural Studies), Daniel Nunez (Sr. Pastor Ministerios Transformation El Nino, church planter), Adrian DeVisser (Sr. Pastor Kithu Sevana Ministries in Sri Lanka, M.A. in Missions from Columbia).
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