How to Grow

You get a bit of here and there in Christian living books. You apply a bit of this and that, but it's not very satisfying. Dash takes us through the application of the life and principles of Jesus for all areas of life.

That makes it a book worth reading. It's simple (almost simplistic sometimes), so you can read it without having to wade a thicket of theological language. It's an encouraging manual for discipleship groups

or for those trying to figure out this life of faith without friends to bounce ideas around with. Hey, if that's you, go find some friends! This life with Jesus is meant to be lived in community, right?

How To Grow by Darryl Dash

I really enjoyed this spiritually inspiring book because it is written in such a humble, conversational style. The author engaged me to want to grow spiritually and wasn't the least bit preachy or heavy handed. It was appreciated by me that the author who is a pastor writes very practical and easy steps to incorporate growing my spiritual side. My favorite quote from the book was: "We tend to believe nobody's watching, They are. Never give into the lie that you're too invisible to shape the lives of others. You are already influencing people more than you know."

I also liked that he discussed habits. He talks about how to shrink down a new habit you want to form so it is so easy you can manage incorporating it into your life by only doing it for one minute. I found this valuable because we are on auto pilot going through our habits most of the time. I find it appealing to motivate myself to give my self permission to just do a goal for one minute. I know I can succeed for one minute each day until I reach my goal.

Thank you to Net Galley, Darryl Dash and Moody Publishers for providing me with my ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Pretty good little book on how to grow holistically.
The fact that the author references James K A Smith and Dallas Willard is a great sign as well.

The author does a good job laying down a foundation of how habits are to be used in the spiritual life and has lots of practical application. Worth a read.

Discipleship can often be a forgotten word in the church today. We talk a lot of evangelism, love for Jesus and His church, love for the Bible and all of these are great and very important things to be discussed, however, not at the neglect of discipleship.

It is amazing to see a person come to faith and to see their lives transformed by the Holy Spirit, but how often is that all we talk about? Shouldn’t our celebrating be followed up by a passion to see these new believers grow? This is what God wants for all of His people, not just new believers, whether you’ve been a Christian for 6 minutes, 6 hours, 6 Years or 66 years, are you growing in your faith?

Dash says that “God made us to grow. It’s important to understand what growth is, and the pathway He’s designed for growth.”

This little book gives a very practical, habit-based way for every Christian to grow spiritually. Dash is very direct at saying what spiritual growth is not; it isn’t reaching a new level spirituality in a kind of ‘levelling up’ way, but it means to constantly return to the ABC’s of the gospel and grow in them and their applications. Spiritual growth is not something that we can muster up by ourselves, it’s not a form of self-help but it is an utter dependence and reliance on God and His grace.

“Any attempts to grow apart from God are doomed to fail.”

Often when it comes to things like discipleship Christians tend to focus on the individual, but spiritual growth is not about the individual rather it is about God. As we grow we become more like Christ, we grow in our love for God and our love for others, spiritual growth is God-centred.

One of my favourite quotes from How to Grow is…

“Spiritual maturity isn’t about white-knuckling it to sainthood. It’s about becoming a person who is fully alive. It means enjoying God and life in deeper and more abundant ways even in the middle of difficulty. It transforms our desires rather than denying them. Spiritual growth is the pursuit of God, and the pursuit of joy.”

So spiritual growth is not about us, but it also doesn’t only affect us, people are watching us and we can either be an example for people, or we can be a hindrance. As we grow in our faith and in our maturity, shouldn’t our desire be to live godly lives for those around us?

So, how do we grow spiritually? What is the magic formula?

Well, there isn’t one but Dash gives some really good practical habit-based steps that can help us all grow. Books on discipleship can often aim their practical steps either too high or too low for the average joe, which can result in them feeling disappointed and worthless. But Dash encourages you to shrink down a new habit until you are confident that you can do it every day.

This book is helpful and honest, it’s written by a man who has a pastor’s heart and he shows that in this book. In this world where we want everything now, where we almost live our lives on auto pilot, take time to read this book that will give you sound and biblical steps to grow. If you want to grow, or want to help other grow pick up this book and read it, maybe even read it as a group and grow together.

How To Grow is a great book to that tells you all about how to get a deeper relationship with CHRIST. If you are feeling like you want to get closer, deeper in your relationship or even start one with CHRIST this is the book for you. We have forgotten, in the church, about discipleship. We are so excited about the birth of a relationship with CHRIST but do we follow up with them to help them grow in CHRIST - to be a disciple in CHRIST? Do we yearn and ache to be a disciple in CHRIST? The author states, “God made us to grow. It’s important to understand what growth is, and the pathway He’s designed for growth.” Isn't that the truth. Do you grow daily or are you stagnate? This is definitely one fantastic book to read for all believers - new or old.

Title: How to Grow: Applying the Gospel to All of Your Life
Author: Darryl Dash
Genre: Christian
Rating: 4.5 out of 5

I want to call you to do ordinary things that will make an extraordinary difference, not just in your life but in the lives of others.

This quotation sums up the entire book in one simple sentence. This isn’t a complex book, full of convoluted to-do lists. Instead, the author offers simple, basic tenets of faith—praying, reading the Bible, involvement in a church—to build a foundation on, followed by “extra” things that can be added on after the basics are mastered. (Hint: the basics are never completely mastered.) The conversational tone and examples from the author’s life make this easy to read and apply. I highly recommend it.

Darryl Dash is an author, pastor, and church planter in Toronto. How to Grow is his new book.

(Galley provided by Moody Publishers in exchange for an honest review.)

I am always looking for resources to give to people that helps them once they have chosen to walk with Christ. This is an excellent resource that tackles some critical things for new believers to embrace, while keeping everything centered on the Cross. I love that. This is a book that as a pastor, I am buying and giving out to people that I know who have just started walking with Jesus. Good stuff!!!

Good basic info, would be helpful to pass on in select cases. Some similar books out there. May purchase a copy or two to pass on

I love books that are written in a conversational and readable style. This book examines the gospel, and our relationship with it, but without too much deep theological language that can sometimes bog us down. Highly readable and relatable.

Finding a path with God is often a varied and chaotic route. Each has to find their own way, ultimately. Daryl Dash has compiled a timely and easy to understand guide to help one who wants to learn and grow, incorporating God into daily life – not just a Sunday routine. His suggestions are thought provoking. His methods easily understandable.

His use of scripture to support his advice lends credence to his work. His clear prose and solidly expressed suggestions could well be invaluable to those new to the faith or looking to move closer to Him.

This book is a keeper. It will serve as an anchor point when one wanders from the path.

I think this book would be excellent for a new believer or someone wanting to work on their faith walk.