Abstract
Bill Hull is the author of more than twenty books and the head of Bonhoeffer Project. He brings his experience of being a pastor, teacher, and primarily a “discipleship evangelist” to argue, “all who are called to salvation are also called to discipleship” (219). He redefines the gospel, call, salvation, and the role of the Holy Spirit before discussing the ways and means of discipling in a church. He further elaborates on the need for the mission of discipleship within the church, by pastors, in order to continue the revolution started by Jesus. The main thrust of the book is that “conversion and discipleship, while distinct, are really two sides of the same coin” (19).
The context for Conversion and Discipleship is the American Evangelicalism that drifted away from the biblical model of salvation and discipleship by separating these two. The analysis and arguments for redefining the key terms and the practices of evangelism and discipling are deeply rooted in the Bible. He claims that the American churches, “are in the business of satisfying fantasies and fulfilling false promises, and so have recast the gospel into consumerism. But Jesus calls us to deny ourselves and to follow him to the cross” (143). His criticism of the current practices in the Western churches are very valid and relevant—for example, he says, “Both the Christian right and left attempt to get the government to promote certain behaviors and to prohibit others” (226), instead of transforming lives within the church.
On seeing the title, readers may expect an academic treatment of conversion, but the author chooses to place the discussion on discipleship before pastors and church leaders. The “Digging Deeper” columns are helpful to understand the themes under discussion. In his analysis of the gospel today, the difference between liberalism and liberation theology is mixed up; liberalism is not concerned about social justice but liberation theology.
Although the book is written for American evangelical churches, it is very relevant to churches globally, because most of the beliefs and practices are imported from the North America. This title is a must read for pastors, church leaders, and seminary students; it will change the way ministry is done.