The Bible Scriptures relate how Jesus instructed his followers to be reproducing, world-impacting disciples. A new book, written by the Rev. Allen L. Elder, teaches modern-day Christians how they too, can become effective disciple-makers.

Elder's book, "Building Disciples Requires Building Curriculum," is based on the author's personal studies and first-hand experiences, and is designed to equip Christians for the work of their own personal ministry.

"The book presents the mandate, models and method of building disciples of Christ and offers a system of collecting, classifying and communicating truth to growing Christians. It is intended to help people discover who they really are in Christ, and what they are supposed to do with their lives after they become Christians," Elder said.

The text of Elder's book is a reflection of his 20 years of ministry and Bible research. Included is information obtained through personal studies and sermons that were prepared for the churches he has pastored through the years. Elder's book is now being taught locally, nationally and in many foreign countries.

"The book features an easy-to-read format, and the small size of about 100 pages makes it a good choice for a weekend study. "Building Disciples Requires Building Curriculum" has become a valuable tool for church-wide Bible studies as well as smaller Bible study groups. The book has been taught at conferences in places such as Mexico and Cameroon, Africa, and is being studied in Germany, Spain, Japan, Nigeria, Canada, Uruguay, Brazil, Russia and Zambia," Elder said.

Building Disciples Requires Building Curriculum is written in a two-part structure. Part One discusses the principals of discipleship and Part Two focuses on obtaining and organizing resources.

Elder explained, "The first part is really a review of the process of how to train a Christian to walk on his own, and God commands us to do that. We have some biblical models of this in Jesus, the Apostle Paul and others. It also explains what the Great Commission is really saying to us.

"When we think about the Great Commission, we immediately think about going to a foreign country. That is not necessarily what God is saying. He wants us to go into the world, and Christians can do that without leaving their own neighborhoods.

"A Christian who can walk with Christ on his own can make a strong impact on the world according to the individual purpose that God has for their lives. People don't always have to go here and yonder to find something to do for God. They just need to discover exactly what God created them to do, and then go do it."

Elder said Christians are doing many different things in their churches, communities and the world, but most people haven't come to realize what their purpose in life really is and how to go about accomplishing it.

"In our churches, we are given a great deal of information that can be used in disciple-making, if only people knew what they should be doing with they hear, learn and obtain. Many times we teach because we know we are supposed to teach. We attend classes because that is what the church expects us to do. But what do we do with all that we hear and learn? Most people will admit -- not much of anything. We need to change that," Elder said.

Part Two of Elder's book explains the importance of filing information and offers instructions on building curriculum that will enable Christians to become disciple-makers.

Elder explained, "If you are going to teach somebody, you have to have something to teach them. There are many opportunities to obtain information. We collect truth from the sermons we hear and through Sunday school lessons. We take notes and highlight important scripture verses in lesson books. Part Two of my book explains how to file the 'truths' that are collected for future use in teaching others."

The idea of writing a book about building disciples, Elder says, developed during his years of service as pastor/associate pastor of Tucapau, Parkwood, Neeses and New Life Baptist churches. While Elder heeded the call to serve in the pulpit, he says the years spent in preaching God's word provided the foundation for his newfound ministry as a writer.

"God revealed to me that my purpose in life is to be a writer, and I am now committed to doing that," Elder said. "In addition to books that can be used for Bible studies and personal growth, I have also begun writing poetry, and I'm working on other topics for future teaching/training publications."

Although Elder is a newly published author, many people will immediately recognize his last name. He is the father of two outstanding Appalachian State University football players, quarterback Trey Elder and wide receiver Blake Elder.

"I can't take any credit for Trey and Blake's athletic abilities because they inherited that from my wife, Connie. My youngest son, Scott, a student at Byrnes High School, and I serve as their support team at the games. But I like to think that my commitment to serving God has played a part in my son's strong faith in God, both on and off the football field," Elder said.

Elder recently participated in a Great Commission Conference where more than 25 individuals studied his book and pledged to make at least one new disciple.

"This pledge came about because 25 people studied the book and learned how to make disciples the way Jesus did. By following this procedure, any Christian can make an impact on the world for generations to come." Elder said.

Elder obtained an associate degree in mechanical engineering from Spartanburg Technical College, an associate degree in ministry and a bachelor's degree in Christian Creative Writing from Newburg Bible College. He is presently employed with Spartanburg's Regional Utility Services.

Building Disciples Requires Building Curriculum by Allen L. Elder is published by 1st Books, a print-on-demand publisher, and can be obtained by calling 1-888-280-7715 or visiting www.1stbooks.com. Request item number ISBN -4033-9012-6. The book may also be ordered through most booksellers.

Elder said, "I am also available to teach the book at churches or small study groups through scheduled seminars," Elder said.

For more information, contact Allen L. Elder at PO Box 311, Startex, SC 29377.

T&D Features Writer Sonja Gleaton can be reached by e-mail at sgleaton@timesanddemocrat.com and by telephone at 533-5540. Discuss this and other stories online at TheTandD.com.

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