In CONTAGIOUS DISCIPLE MAKING, David and Paul Watson, who are father and son, outline the methods that they have developed for spreading the good news, the gospel of Jesus Christ. These methods resulted from many years of trial and error while working in mission fields around the world. Admittedly they made many mistakes along the way, but they learned and improved until their own transformation and ways of discipling led them to share their journey in this book.

When I was still a skeptic where Christianity was concerned, I remember regarding missionaries as troublemakers --- people who would go unbidden into a perfectly good culture and try to change things. Obviously, I did not really understand the mission. However, while converting “heathen natives” to Christianity may have been the obvious goal, motivations may differ, and some may even have harmful intentions. But anyone who has moved from skeptic to believer simply wants to share the good news with others. The life-changing transformation that takes place after conversion is just too good to keep to oneself.

"Perhaps one of the most valuable aspects of CONTAGIOUS DISCIPLE MAKING is that it can be used by anyone who wants to share the gospel but has no desire to go 'to the ends of earth' to do it."

As part of a mainstream denomination, David Watson worked to “plant” churches in parts of the world where the primary culture did not revolve around Christianity. Though he had some success in achieving numbers, he was disappointed in the fact that most of the churches remained stagnant as far as growth was concerned. In other words, no discipling was taking place that would attract others to the church. After much study and soul searching, David began to understand that planting an American denomination's church in a native culture would not produce the desired outcomes.

As a result, David and his son, Paul, developed methods that would be more sensitive to the needs of the indigenous people. Rather than planting a church, they began building relationships. Rather than reproducing a religion, they began sharing the gospel. The plan required an “acultural” approach to Christianity, eliminating denominational requirements. David says, “The less religious I am and more spiritual I am, the more effective I become as a disciple-maker.”

The second two-thirds of the book is devoted to the main strategic elements required to be a contagious disciple-maker. Chapters outline the need to pray, how to engage lost people, and how to form discovery groups. The information is not only practical but inspirational as well. Anyone who has struggled with the idea of the Great Commission in which Jesus commanded his followers to “make disciples” will appreciate the information outlined in this handy instruction guide.

Perhaps one of the most valuable aspects of CONTAGIOUS DISCIPLE MAKING is that it can be used by anyone who wants to share the gospel but has no desire to go “to the ends of earth” to do it. The suggestions for reaching out to others are excellent and can be accomplished by simply being willing to serve. One might start by using this book as a guide for a discovery group made up of a few friends and neighbors. I can promise that you won't be able to read it without wanting to do something.