When we tell stories of what God is doing around the world through Global Disciples, it’s not unusual for people to ask, “Why isn’t God doing that kind of thing here?” It’s a good question.  

Obviously, we can’t dictate how, when, and where God works. But we can prepare ourselves to be instruments in God’s hands, ready and available to be used in whatever way he chooses. We refer to this process of being prepared as “discipleship.” 

Discipleship is not a class. Although knowing and embracing biblical truth is important. A disciple is defined by their relationship with Jesus—a deep and growing love attachment. Disciples, having had a personal encounter with the Holy Spirit, are now able to learn to hear and obey his voice. 

Having been adopted into the family of our Heavenly Father, disciples of Jesus Christ have transferred their primary citizenship into the Kingdom of God. And when Kingdom priorities become our priorities, things begin to happen! 

Brother Tefera and I have seen it, we’ve tasted it, and we want to experience it with you. You don’t have to be satisfied with a domesticated expression of Christianity. We see God doing something new! 

Most of us in North America don’t need another discipleship manual. We do need to have our eyes lifted to see how God is working—to view the harvest with His eyes. What a privilege to have His work strengthen our faith. 

Brother Tefera and I sensed that God was calling us to take the heart of the Global Disciple Training used internationally and bring it home to our North American brothers and sisters like you. This is now Ordinary Disciples: Extraordinary Influence, available through online booksellers.  

Ordinary Disciples: Extraordinary Influence tells amazing stories of God working through ordinary people like you and me to transform lives and communities around the world. The nine discipleship themes used in our Global training are now in a practical form and powerfully illustrated with real life stories to ignite unshakable faith.  

We hope Ordinary Disciples: Extraordinary Influence whets your appetite for more of what God can do through you. And since effective disciple-makers are almost always formed in relationship with other disciples, you may want to use this practical book as a study guide with other disciples. Whether read with a group or on your own, we believe this will inspire and invite you into a deeper walk with Jesus—to be His disciple living in bold humility and fully available to Him.  

–Galen Burkholder, President/CEO