Deep Roots of Resilient Disciples

Developing faith for the long-haul

(From the July - September 2021 issue of VOX)

Rick Hill spoke to VOX magazine about his new book on discipleship and why he believes this is a vital topic for Christians in Ireland today.

Tell us a bit about yourself.

“I’m passionate about seeing every follower of Jesus equipped and mobilised to serve in God’s mission.”

I’m a speaker, leader and writer based near Belfast. I’m married to Sarah, who is a teacher, and we have two young sons, Noah and Micah. Having served in a variety of ministry roles over the past 15 years, I now work for the Presbyterian Church in Ireland in the areas of discipleship and leadership. I am plugged into local leadership in Carnmoney Church, preaching regularly and co-ordinating our discipleship ministry. I spend much of my time training leaders and developing resources across a wide range of churches and I’m passionate about seeing every follower of Jesus equipped and mobilised to serve in God’s mission. Beyond that I am a keen runner and embrace almost anything sport-related.

What prompted you to write this book on discipleship?

Two things were stirring in me in recent years and they collided in leading me to put pen to paper; a frustration and a realisation. The frustration arose out of seeing large numbers of my own generation and below drop out of church and Christian faith. Working in youth ministry, I have seen so many teenagers and 20-somethings start well, only seemingly to move away from Jesus. This has troubled me but also caused me to consider what really helps to develop faith for the long-haul.

The realisation came as I interacted with others who not only continue to follow Jesus but have flourished in their faith. As I observed and reflected on what I saw in these people, I began to see common trends emerge; a mix of outward practices and inward principles that have created a kind of resilience in their faith.

So, I began to write into that space, exploring key principles and practices that might help to future-proof our faith. I was already saying many of these things with young Christians I sought to disciple or emerging leaders I was training, and I liked the idea of capturing it all in a more structured or coherent way.

What are some of the key issues that you touch on in your writing?

The book explores some of the key aspects that help develop resilience as disciples. This is by no means an exhaustive list, and there may be others to add but each of the eleven markers are seen in the life of Jesus Christ and offer postures and patterns for a life of long-haul faith.

The themes are a mix of both the personal and the corporate. The personal aspect is found in chapters exploring the nature of apprenticeship to Jesus and our reliance on the Holy Spirit. The corporate chapters explore our relationship to the church and how we can contribute to building authentic Christian community. I consider how we can cultivate spiritual habits that will shape and sustain us and touch on issues such as how we relate to and engage with our culture as followers of Jesus, how we share our faith with those around us and how we can become disciples who make disciples.

“It is critical we consider how we relate to a culture that will form us in its image if we allow it.”

Some themes feel weighty, such as understanding the nature of the cost in discipleship. Knowing that trials aren’t possibilities but promises, should prepare us for following Jesus in the lowest of valleys as well as the high points of life. I share examples of how suffering has produced and developed fresh resilience in people’s faith.

One key theme is engaging with culture. Christianity is no longer a dominant worldview or an accepted norm and so as 21st century Christians we find ourselves pushed to the edges of contemporary culture, exiled in a strange land. This will cause some to choose comfort or lead others to weaken the root systems of their faith. It is critical we consider how we relate to a culture that will form us in its image if we allow it. I suggest that modern-day disciples should neither escape culture nor embrace it but rather actively and critically engage with it.

Why is it so important for churches and Christian leaders to engage with this topic?

We are all being discipled. Everyone in our churches is participating in formation and discipleship, whether they are aware of it or not. By accident or by intention, we are being formed and transformed; disciples of someone or something. And so, it is vital for Christian leaders and churches to grapple with a conversation about what really contributes to spiritual formation and develops resilience in faith because the impact of society’s discipleship is strong.

The kingdom of self conditions us to think that the world is all about our needs, our desires and our rights. The kingdom of consumerism pushes us to own, have and spend, producing envy within us and creating the assumption that we need more stuff to be happy. The kingdom of digital technology turns us into people of the screen as we become fixated on the next buzz of our phone rather than listening to the voice of God or the needs of others.

Every day we are being discipled. It is time for followers of Jesus to wake up. We need to be proactive not reactive by developing intentional and sustainable rhythms that shape us more than the dominant narratives of society. So, this topic is of critical importance and I hope that this book can be a useful resource in offering a framework for a life of intentional discipleship - one that is grounded in faithfulness but also pulsing with faith-fueled adventure.

What have others said about “Deep Roots of Resilient Disciples”?

“Rick Hill cares deeply about loving and intentional discipleship, proving it in his life and ministry. He has written a book about resilient discipleship, which is rich in content - an impressive synthesis of spiritual formation and the mission of Jesus - in a biblically faithful and thought-provoking way. While Rick’s brilliance is evident through his writing, it’s the reality of how much he cares about this topic, which shines through every page. The effect is therefore much more than a stimulating read and a practical resource but an impartation of God’s heart for passionate, whole-hearted and deeply-formed Jesus-followers.” Alain Emerson, 24-7 Prayer Ireland, Lead Pastor of Emmanuel Church, Author of ‘Luminous Dark’

“Rick brings significant expertise to this book on discipleship, both academic and his experience as part of a local church. Alongside this... Rick brings his love for God and desire that Christians would grow and continue in their relationship with Jesus. That heart for God and God’s ways resounds through the pages of this book.” Rev Dr Heather Morris, Secretary of Conference, The Methodist Church in Ireland

“Rick’s writings tackle the challenge we all need to face: how do we help those who begin a journey with Jesus keep walking to maturity. If you’re a parent, a youth leader, a pastor or someone wondering how to keep going, this warm book will draw you in, guide you and give you hope. It’s a book many need to read.” Rev Dr Neil Hudson, LICC Associate, Senior Leader Salford Elim Church & Author of Imagine Church

“Rick paints a rich picture of resilient discipleship. You will find yourself drawn in through his questions and stories but more than that he invites you to participate, with vulnerability, courage, and an ever-growing reliance on God.” Dr Helen Warnock, Principal at Belfast Bible College

How can VOX readers get hold of Deep Roots of Resilient Disciples?

It can be ordered directly from Deep Roots of Resilient Disciples – SimplyOrderIt and it is signposted from my website www.rick-hill.com. It should also be available from a range of Christian bookshops.