What others are saying:

“Joel Comiskey has not only shown us the need for relational disciples in our culture of isolationism, but he’s also instructed us on how to become relational disciples. You’ll discover how to practice the one-anothers of Scripture in daily life, how to be successful with those closest to you, and how small group community will transform you and those without Christ. I enthusiastically recommend this book.”
— RANDY FRAZEE Senior Minister of Oak Hills Church, author of bestselling books on community

“The Relational Disciple underscores the radical truth that Christian formation happens primarily in the context of relational community. Life-shaping occurs when we come to “know” and allow ourselves to be “known.” Chat rooms, texting, and even e-mails permit us to communicate in selective anonymity today. As Southwest Airlines reminds: “You can’t fax a handshake, mail a hug, or have a family reunion by e-mail.” While impression can take place at a distance—impact only occurs in some degree of closeness. This book will challenge today’s widespread acculturated western individualism. The identity of a true disciple of Jesus Christ is not created in isolation or at a distance. Experiencing life in Jesus is wrapped in “familiness” to allow us to thrive. That means we learn to be loved and accepted—to belong! So read and understand how to become what God has created us to be as brothers and sisters who in our togetherness reflect the Son, the Father, and the Spirit of Jesus in His world today.”
— JULIE GORMAN Professor of Christian Formation and Discipleship, Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena, California

“The Relational Disciple is an excellent help for believers, group leaders and pastoral staff alike. I especially appreciated Joel’s transparency, as he shared appropriate and insightful bits of his personal journey. Dr. Comiskey makes a case for “not forsaking the assembly of yourselves together” persuasively and inspirationally. His writing style is fresh, illustrations joyful, and arguments powerful. And all this in a book that is brief enough to encourage reading by non-readers! I want to recommend it to every church leader who has hoped for a way to promote effective evangelism in her or his church. It is so true that belonging precedes believing. By following Comiskey’s teaching, whole churches -- large or small -- could be transformed into more hospitable places where soul comfort and growth are stimulated. Thank you, Dr. Comiskey for writing this book.”
— CARL GEORGE Consultant and author of many books, including, Nine Keys to Effective Small Group Leadership.

“If one wants to catch a glimpse of the core changes needed for the church of the 21st Century, this is a crucial book. Joel Comiskey integrates good biblical theology and Christ-centered practice, with sensitivity to historical theology and western cultural resistance. This is a practical and accessible book for all who desire to reorient the church to an ancient and future pattern of relational disciple-making. The Contemporary Church is called to repent of inadequate ministry models, and be transformed by the full nature, being, and activity of God in Jesus Christ, by the power of the Holy Spirit in the reality of everyday human life. It is a brief but important read for every church leader.”
— GARETH ICENOGLE Senior Pastor, Westside Presbyterian Church, Ridgewood, New Jersey

“Joel has done a brilliant job of explaining the way back from the consumer-driven individualism and isolationism found in the American church today. Each chapter provides wonderful ideas for small groups and individuals who want to be highly relational disciples of Christ.”
— RANDALL NEIGHBOUR Author of The Naked Truth about Small Group Ministry and President of TOUCH Outreach Ministries, ouston, Texas

“The Relational Disciple is a significant book for today. It explicitly deals with the individualism that has crept into society at large as well as into the Church and describes and gives value to the importance of relationships and how we are discipled and changed through a relational process. It goes on to describe how this relational process is also how we do mission in the context of a wider world. I believe this book is really important. Through the credit crunch that is affecting us all we have seen the downside of individualism and people doing things without realizing their relational context or impact. This book will inspire us to be a part of community and to build community and to be changed in this process.”
— LAURENCE SINGLEHURST Director of Cell UK , worldwide speaker, and author of several books