In this episode of The Berean Bookclub Podcast, we dive into Deep Discipleship by JT English, exploring what it truly means to cultivate mature disciples in the church. Have we misdiagnosed the problem of discipleship, and how does that shape the way we approach it? Are we stuck in an either/or mindset, when discipleship requires both community and deep learning?

We also discuss what disciples actually need to grow—how Bible, Doctrine, and Spiritual Habits work together to form resilient faith. Finally, we reflect on how deep discipleship fuels mission and why a theologically rich church is not at odds with evangelism, but essential to it.

Join us as we wrestle with these questions and think deeply about how to build a culture of discipleship that is both faithful and effective.

Book Giveaway!

We’re excited to partner with Christian Book Discounters to give away a copy of Deep Discipleship by J.T. English this month! Want to enter? Here’s how:

Follow @thebereanbookclub on Instagram
Follow @christianbookdiscounters on Instagram
Tag two friends in the comments
Subscribe to CBD’s newsletter - link

Find all the links here: https://linktr.ee/thebereanbookclub

One lucky winner will be announced at the end of April, so don’t miss out.

In this episode, we explore Counterfeit Kingdom by Holly Pivec and Douglas Geivett, diving into the world of the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) and its impact on churches both globally and here in South Africa. We discuss the dangers of this movement and the theological flaws that can cause serious harm in churches and families.

Understanding these issues is crucial for discernment, so we encourage you to listen and learn what to watch out for.

Hope you find the discussion helpful!

Links:

Buy the book: https://www.goodneighbours.org.za/shop/doctrine-and-theology/doctrine-and-theology-other_religions/counterfeit-kingdom/

Holly Pivec's Blog on the NAR movement: https://www.hollypivec.com/

In this first episode of Season 4, we explore productivity from a Christian worldview by engaging with Redeeming Productivity by Reagan Rose. We discuss the five pillars of productivity—the "why" behind productivity—and the five practical habits Reagan offers to help us pursue fruitful lives for the glory of God.

Beyond methods and principles, we reflect on how our ultimate rest is found in God's finished work in Christ, which forms the foundation of our identity and motivates us to live for His glory.

We hope you enjoy the episode! You can learn more about Reagan and his work by visiting his website https://redeemingproductivity.com/.

Also, check out the proposed book list for Season 4 in 2025—available on Everrand https://www.everand.com/lists/26644465/The-Berean-Bookclub-2025.

Redeeming Productivity by Reagan Rose

Counterfeit Kingdom by Holly Pivec & R. Douglas Geivett

The Two Books of Homilies by Thomas Cranmer

Parenting by Paul David Tripp

Bavinck on the Christian Life by John Bolt

The Mission of God and the Witness of the Church by Justin Schell

Just Do Something by Kevin DeYoung

John Bunyan's The Pilgrim's Progress

Digital Liturgies by Samuel James

Deep Discipleship by J.T. English

What is Covenant Theology? by Ryan M. McGraw

Grace and peace

In the last episode for the year, we sit down with Ferdie Mulder, who recently returned from the UK, to learn more about his family, his current work, and the heart behind the Institute for Reformation in South Africa. We dive into their latest book release on the life and legacy of Tiyo Soga, exploring the key factors that shaped him into a pivotal figure in South African church history.

Links:

Tiyo Soga Book: https://www.reformationsa.com/product-page/tiyo-soga-and-his-mentors

The Institute for Reformation in South Africa Website: https://www.reformationsa.com/

IRSA Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@IRSAStellenbosch

Sola Platform Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SOLAplatform

In this episode, we discuss J. Gresham Machen's classic book, Christianity and Liberalism. We reflect on Machen's legacy and examine how this work clearly outlines the distinct differences between the Christian faith and the ways in which liberal Christianity undermines it at its core. Though written nearly a century ago, this book remains strikingly relevant to the challenges we face today. We hope you enjoy the discussion!

In the ninth episode of this season, we examine Compelling Community by Mark Dever and Jamie Dunlop. This thought-provoking book presents a vision of the church that goes beyond shared interests or demographics, aiming instead to display the supernatural unity found in Christ.

Together, we discuss how Compelling Community challenges us to cultivate church relationships that reflect the gospel, deepen our love for one another, and ultimately show the world a picture of the kingdom. Join us as we explore how to foster a church community that glorifies God.

In the eighth episode of this season, we dive into Untangling Emotions by Alisdair Groves. The book tackles the complex topic of emotions, emphasizing that our emotions ultimately flow from our hearts. To truly deal with and untangle our emotions, we need to better understand our hearts and align them with who God is—what He loves and what He hates.

In this episode, we explore how Alisdair helps us do just that, and we discuss practical ways to help ourselves and others manage emotions in a way that glorifies God.

This episode dives into Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy by Mark Vroegop, where we explore the pattern of lament and its powerful role in guiding us from suffering to praise. We discuss how following this biblical practice not only helps us process pain but also reveals our idols and misplaced trusts. Join us as we wrestle with the challenges of living in a broken world and find hope through the discipline of lament.

In this 6th Episode of season three of the Berean Bookclub we chat about Tim Keller’s little book: The Freedom of Self-forgetfulness.

In this book, Keller offers an alternative to both the ego which is puffed up and ego which is self-pitying. Based off of Paul's instruction to the church in Corinth, Keller shows how the gospel does not make the heart puffed up or deflated, but forgetful.

In this episode we speak about the difference between traditional and contemporary views of the ego, the evidence of pride in both the boastful and self-pitying heart, why forgetfulness might be a better alternative, and how the gospel of Jesus helps us to forget.

In this fifth episode of Season 3, we discuss "Raising Confident Kids in a Confusing World" by Ed Drew. This book offers Christian parents insights on grounding their children's identities in Christ and the implications for engaging with topics like gender, sexuality, and body image.

Joining me in this episode is my lovely wife, Jessica, and we share some of the practical applications for parenting that we gained from Ed's book.