At the heart of Jesus’ ministry is a simple, unassuming invitation: “Come follow Me.” Over two thousand years later, these words remain the catalyst for the world’s greatest spiritual movement. In “Come Follow Me: How Jesus’ Invitation Changes Everything”, Robbie Foreman offers a practical, story-driven guide to genuine discipleship. His message? Following Jesus isn’t about exclusive religious achievement, but about an open invitation into a radical journey that transforms every area of life—no matter who you are or where you start.
Through ten engaging chapters split into two key parts, Foreman challenges comfortable Christianity, clarifies the biblical blueprint, and provides real-world encouragement for living the joy—and cost—of the call.
Part 1: Hearing the Call
Chapter 1: Hearing the Call
Foreman opens by anchoring the reader in the event that launched the movement: Jesus, approaching everyday people—fishermen, tax collectors, outcasts—and giving the invitation to follow. There are no prerequisites. Your past, failures, or doubts can’t disqualify you, because Jesus’ voice is personal, present, and persistent.
Key points:
- Discipleship starts with listening, not performance.
- Every reader is included—regardless of background, doubts, or weaknesses.
- Saying “yes” to Jesus always starts with a moment of choice.
Reflection:
How do you tune out cultural noise to hear Jesus’ call? Foreman suggests practical steps: quiet time, reading the Gospels, journaling, and surrendering daily anxieties in prayer.
Chapter 2: The Call to Follow
What does “follow” actually mean? Foreman brings clarity by outlining discipleship as an active, daily pursuit—not simply believing, but aligning one’s time, choices, and relationships with Jesus’ example. He challenges “comfortable Christianity” and the myth that one can be a fan of Jesus without becoming like Jesus.
Key insights:
- Following Jesus is a commitment that impacts everything—attitude, career, vision for life.
- You can’t follow when you’re unwilling to move. Discipleship means stepping outside comfort zones.
- Foreman shares testimonies of people whose “yes” demanded sacrifice and stretched their faith.
Tip:
Choose one part of your life that needs realignment. What would it look like to say yes today—not just in theory, but in practice?
Chapter 3: Learning from the Master
No disciple is self-taught. Foreman points to the Gospels, showing how Jesus’ followers watched, listened, asked questions, and learned directly from His modeling of prayer, compassion, truth-telling, and joy. He emphasizes that discipleship isn’t a course you complete but a lifelong apprenticeship to the Master.
Takeaways:
- Humility and curiosity are essential. Stay a learner for life.
- Let Jesus’ actions—radical love, healing, justice—set the pace for growth.
- Embrace correction as a blessing, not a setback.
Challenge:
Identify a teaching or story of Jesus that unsettles or inspires you. How could it reshape your next decision?
Chapter 4: Serving Like Jesus
This chapter situates sacrificial service as the heartbeat of Christian living. Jesus redefined greatness by example—washing feet, feeding the hungry, touching lepers, prioritizing children and outsiders. Foreman asserts, “It’s impossible to follow Jesus without serving people, especially those who cannot repay.”
Actionable step:
Find a community need—at home, church, workplace, neighborhood—and take a small but intentional step to serve. Journal about its impact.
Chapter 5: Making Disciples
Every follower is meant to become a multiplier. Jesus’ “Great Commission” was to make disciples who make disciples. Foreman offers practical methods:
- Mentoring and accountability
- Spiritual conversations in ordinary moments
- Model not just words, but actions
He encourages beginning simply: “Invest in one other person. Share your journey, not just your theology.”
Application:
Pray for someone to disciple this season. Invite them for coffee, start a Bible reading plan, or just share life.
Part 2: Living the Mission
Chapter 6: The Blueprint of Biblical Discipleship
Foreman shifts from theory to practice, describing the rhythms of healthy discipleship:
- Commitment—not perfection, but perseverance.
- Community—spiritual growth is relational, not isolated.
- Mission—the “go” of the Gospel: living and sharing faith daily.
He unpacks practical ways to foster environments for growth—small groups, serving teams, honest friendships.
Blueprint tip:
Discipleship isn’t the pastor’s job alone. Whole churches shift when every person invests in the next, modeling prayer, honesty, and grace.
Chapter 7: Take Up Your Cross
Jesus promised that the journey would bring both joy and cost. “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily.” Foreman interprets the cross not just as suffering, but as dying to self—letting go of idols, comfort, and pride.
Key message:
- Saying yes to Jesus often means saying no to ease or popularity.
- Cross-carrying is deeply personal—maybe it’s a secret struggle, a difficult relationship, or a costly act of obedience.
- Joy and freedom are found on the other side of surrender.
Personal Reflection:
What is one thing you feel God asking you to lay down? What fear or “idol” resists that surrender?
Chapter 8: Not a Fan, a Follower
Foreman draws a powerful distinction between “fan-hood” and true discipleship. Fans admire from a distance, but followers get their hands dirty, make mistakes, and return again and again despite setbacks.
Stories:
He highlights real people who moved from Sunday-only faith to full-on, everyday discipleship—facing doubts, risking reputation, and sacrificing convenience for obedience.
How-to:
Make a list: Where are you still just a fan? What step moves you into real, risky, everyday following?
Chapter 9: Disciples Make Disciples
Discipleship multiplied is the engine of church renewal. Foreman offers guidance on:
- Building intentional, accountable relationships
- Creating discipleship environments at work, home, and online
- Using your story—including struggles—to nurture faith in others
Encouragement:
You don’t need all the answers to model Jesus. Openness and presence have more impact than expertise.
Chapter 10: Disciples Where You Are / He Chose You Anyway
The final chapter reminds us that location, personality, or past mistakes don’t limit your calling. Jesus chose flawed followers on purpose—fishermen, tax collectors, doubters—because His grace shines brightest in ordinary lives.
Celebration:
Discipleship happens everywhere: the dinner table, the gym, the break room, school, the local café.
Author’s Message: What Robbie Foreman Wants Every Reader to Know
- Saying “yes” to Jesus is the beginning, not the end. Transformation is a daily, lifelong process.
- Every person is called—no one is disqualified. God delights in using the ordinary and imperfect.
- You don’t have to wait—start following, serving, and making disciples right where you are.
- Multiplication is the true mark of discipleship. Your story, your presence, your small acts matter eternally.
- Jesus is more interested in your availability than your ability.
Reasons to Read “Come Follow Me”
- Relatable and Real: Filled with genuine stories that move the reader past theory into practical faith.
- Clear Steps: Each chapter ends with questions and actionable tasks that make biblical discipleship doable.
- Corrects Misconceptions: Debunks “superstar” Christianity and affirms God uses weakness more than strength.
- Empowering: You’ll finish equipped to make a difference, not just feel inspired.
- Great for Groups or Mentorship: Includes applications ideal for discussion, accountability, or leading others.
Quotable Insights
- “Jesus’ invitation isn’t to a club membership—it’s to a lifelong relationship grounded in grace and growth.”
- “Discipleship is not just something that happened to Peter, John, or Mary. It happens to us, in every ordinary day and every sacred risk.”
- “God works through the present, not some imaginary future version of yourself.”
Discipleship Toolbox: Tips for the Journey
- Daily Pause: Start each morning with a question—“Jesus, where are you inviting me to follow today?”
- Three-Minute Check-In: Reflect at day’s end. Where did I respond to the call? Where did I resist?
- Intentional Relationships: Reach out to a friend, spouse, or mentor to talk honestly about the discipleship journey.
- Document the Journey: Keep a gratitude and risk journal—track times when obedience, even small, leads to blessing or growth.
- Invite Others: Prayerfully ask who in your life you could encourage one step closer to Jesus this month.
Who Should Read This Book?
- New believers or seekers wanting a concrete path of faith.
- Seasoned Christians who’ve plateaued or crave new challenge.
- Pastors, group leaders, and mentors forming others in practical faith.
- Anyone who’s felt like an outsider or “not enough” for church.
- Readers hungry for a movement beyond programs—a movement of real disciples in real life.
Wrap Up: Living the Adventure of Discipleship
“Come Follow Me” by Robbie Foreman is both a revitalizing challenge and a gentle reassurance: Jesus’ call is personal, radical, and available to everyone. It isn’t about perfection but about persistent, everyday steps of trust, service, and courage—steps that can change a household, a workplace, a city, and even the world.
Will you hear the call, take the step, and invest your life in the greatest adventure ever offered?
If you’re ready to say “yes”—start today, right where you are. The world needs the ripples only your life of discipleship will create.
FAQs
Q1 What is the main theme of Come Follow Me?
The book teaches that discipleship is more than belief—it’s actively following Jesus in daily life.
Q2 Is this book suitable for new believers?
Yes, it’s simple, clear, and practical—perfect for beginners.
Q3 How does it differ from other discipleship books?
It balances biblical depth with real-world application, making it accessible yet challenging.
Q4 Can it be used in group Bible study?
Absolutely. Each chapter can spark discussions, making it great for small groups.
Q5 What’s the biggest takeaway from Robbie Foreman’s message?
That Jesus’ call is personal, life-changing, and meant to be lived out in everyday life.