Dr. Don Little has written a practical book regarding discipleship of believers from Muslim backgrounds (BMBs). Little writes from a background of academic research as well as many years spent in actually discipling BMBs. Much of his research and conclusions are drawn from his in-depth interviews with seventy-five seasoned disciplers of BMBs. Little spends significant time exploring the unique problems one experiences in discipling BMBs and offers helpful guidelines in dealing with such situations. Multiple books have been written concerning power encounter, signs, wonders and exorcism, but Little is unique in relating these subjects to discipling BMBs. His insights are valuable. I highly recommend this excellent addition to the literature that seeks to show disciplers how to become more effective in discipling believers.
-Phil Parshall,
SIM, author, The Cross and the Crescent
Seventy-five disciplers were interviewed for this book. These mentors have walked the road of discipleship with more than three thousand Muslim-background Arabs. This is substantial data. Yet contemporary information and strategy are only part of the research. Whole chapters bubble with Paul's and Luke's understandings of discipleship. Other chapters trace discipleship through church history and throughout the Western and Muslim worlds today. Although no fan of 'insider movements,' the author champions humble adaptation and relevant contextual communication. In particular, he wrestles with issues like the construction of identity, persecution, demonic realities, handling money and roles for expatriates. Workers in the Muslim world will find this book a stimulating dialogue partner and will learn a lot.
-Miriam Adeney,
associate professor of global and urban ministries, Seattle Pacific University
A well-written, comprehensive and scholarly work. It is very much worth reading. I will recommend it to my students.
-Nabeel T. Jabbour,
author of The Crescent Through the Eyes of the Cross
Don Little, from tons of 'hands on' experience and wide interviewing among workers with Muslims in many countries, in Effective Discipling in Muslim Communities has provided us with a severely needed though demanding practical guide that is destined to upgrade the discipling of Muslims toward becoming reproducers and a joy to God's heart.
-Greg Livingstone,
founder, Frontiers
This book comes at a critical time. More Muslims are coming to faith in Christ in the beginning of this century than in all the other centuries combined since the rise of Islam; yet there has been significant controversy over how they should be evangelized and discipled. Don Little has been one of the leaders who seek to foster understanding amongst evangelicals on these practices in a spirit of truth and grace. The present study, which draws broadly on Scripture, history and his experience, makes a significant contribution to the conversation. It thereby is a model for others to join that conversation from their different perspectives but with the same concern for truth and grace.
-J. Dudley Woodberry,
dean emeritus and senior professor of Islamic studies, School of Intercultural Studies, Fuller Theological Seminary
As the number of Muslims becoming Christians worldwide is growing, we need to assure that they do not haste into a kind of Western religion, but are wisely discipled as followers of Christ to be mature and credible testimonies within their own Muslim cultures. Never before have the problems and chances been discussed as broadly as in Little's book . . . knowledge that easily might influence the future of the relation of the two largest world religions.
-Thomas Schirrmacher,
executive chair, Theological Commission, World Evangelical Alliance (Bonn)
