© 2017 by Jared C. Wilson

Published by Baker Books

a division of Baker Publishing Group

P.O. Box 6287, Grand Rapids, MI 49516-6287

www.bakerbooks.com

Ebook edition created 2017

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means—for example, electronic, photocopy, recording—without the prior written permission of the publisher. The only exception is brief quotations in printed reviews.

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is on file at the Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

ISBN 978-1-4934-0927-3

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. ESV Text Edition: 2011

Scripture quotations labeled KJV are from the King James Version of the Bible.

Scripture quotations labeled NIV are from the Holy Bible, New International Version®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com

“Jared does a great job, with his humorous yet serious style, reminding us of God’s perfection in the midst of our inconsistencies, fears, and falls—in other words he has faithfully ‘demystified discipleship.’ Whether you feel you’re barely hanging in there or riding a wave of joy-saturated obedience, the grace of God found in this book will encourage and remind the saint that there is only One who is perfect—and that perfection is enough for all who believe on the name of Jesus.”

Matt Chandler, lead teaching pastor, The Village Church

“Even though St. Paul wrote that the gospel was ‘of first importance,’ for some reason most people, even Christians (no less), don’t really believe it. What we want are practical steps about how to build a discipleship group and facilitate communication, and though those things aren’t wrong in themselves, we want to do it detached from the gospel itself. Which, of course, means that it’s doomed to failure before we even start. But this book is different. Jared ties everything he has to say about being and loving disciples to the realities of what Jesus has already done. And that, dear friends, is what sets this wonderful book apart from all the others. Please do buy it. Buy one for a friend. And then read it together—and rejoice in the gospel.”

Elyse M. Fitzpatrick, counselor and speaker; author of Because He Loves Me

“Too often discipleship is described in strings of clichés. In Imperfect Disciple, Jared Wilson cuts the string, shares his story, and helps readers envision following Jesus in clear, inviting, and realistic ways. It’s personal, prophetic, and pastoral and it will help readers reimagine discipleship as a real possibility in the midst of ordinary life.”

Mike Cosper, founder and director, Harbor Media

“Wilson takes our idea of discipleship—you know, the list ...