Review of book The Trellis and the Vine: The Ministry Mind-Shift That Changes Everything

The book, Trellis and the Vine is an excellent resource for any church seeking to make disciples.  When a church is faced with the question, "how do we disciple and train our people more effectively" I believe this book answers that question.  Discipleship is primarily driven by one on one time.  People investing in other people.  Not a "training class" and not a "latest trendy program" but rather people walking life together and growing in God's word.  This work isn't easy.  It's hard.  It's time consuming and not glamorous but it's rewarding because it's obedience to God's word.  


Marshall & Payne argue (and I believe rightly so) that too much time is spent on the trellis (the church structure, building, programs, classes, etc.) and not on the vine (the people).  The trellis maintenance is with good intention.  A certain amount of trellis work is necessary, however, trellis work should not drive ministry.  Ministry is about the people and building them one by one to be effective disciples of Jesus Christ.  


My only complaint about the book is it brushes off small groups.  It's my personal experience that small groups, done correctly, is the most effective form of discipleship outside of personal one on one, which isn't always as feasible because of the large amount of time needed.  My guess is this small group dismissal is because the authors have not seen small groups done well.  They are not social, gossip, eating sessions.. but some small groups within churches would have you believe that is their primary purpose.  Small groups are teaching, prayer, accountability and service.  Those four elements summarize a small group's core.  Teaching God's word.  Praying for one another and the church.  Holding each other accountable and in that process pushing each other to godliness.  Serving each other in time of need and serving outside through compassion ministry, evangelism and flock care.


I would rate this book a 4.5 out of 5 and would recommend it for anyone seeking to understand discipleship within the context of the church and solid ideas for how it should look.