Book excerpt: Pastor and author James Emery White leads his church and his life with a singular mission: to turn spiritual explorers into fully devoted followers of Christ. The obvious first step in this process is for someone to cross the line of faith--to say, "I believe." That was the heart behind his book Christianity for People Who Aren't Christians. But what comes after "I believe" is equally important, and it's the way someone truly becomes a fully devoted follower of Christ. This manual for discipleship takes new Christians through the basics of growing in the faith and connecting with the church, including - prioritizing Bible study - developing a regular prayer life - spending quiet time with God - plugging into the life of a local church - experiencing God in worship - finding ways to serve others - being faithful with finances - and more A perfect resource for pastors and ministry leaders to offer to the new believers in their midst, After "I Believe" is a solid foundation for anyone seeking to build a vibrant Christian life. "James Emery White has done a masterful job of explaining discipleship for new and seasoned believers alike. Often the great books on discipleship are deep but inaccessible. Others are easy to read but lack depth. Jim takes a wealth of knowledge and insight on the essentials of Christian discipleship and makes them wonderfully easy to understand but deep enough to authentically help you."--Carey Nieuwhof, leadership author, podcaster, and founding pastor of Connexus Church in Barrie, Ontario "Living a life with Christ is not a onetime commitment. White reminds us it is a lifetime of intentional choices and disciplined practices that help us in our desire to be followers of Jesus."--Suzanne Stabile, author of The Path between Us, coauthor of The Road Back to You, and host of The Enneagram Journey podcast "I have long loved the writings of James Emery White for his unique insights into the Christian faith and his knack for unraveling complex issues. Now he offers us an updated, refreshing guide for following Jesus in a confusing and sometimes hostile world. After "I Believe" is a practical resource for spiritual growth. Compellingly straightforward, this book will help you align yourself to biblical truth to effect real life-change. Jim's chapter on prayer alone makes this book worth buying. If you want to inject your Christian life with a good dose of adventure and wonder, then you'll want to read this book."--Skip Heitzig, pastor of Calvary Church in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and author of The Bible from 30,000 Feet "In After "I Believe," James Emery White combines a brilliant understanding of profound biblical truths with a heart to love and lead people toward a lifesaving relationship with Jesus. It lights the way for anyone seeking to take that next step in living life to the fullest as God intended."--Santiago "Jimmy" Mellado, president and CEO of Compassion International