Along the Discipleship Road

Looking at discipleship by reflecting on Jesus' first disciples, Along the Discipleship Road observes how the obstacles and distractions those first travellers faced are remarkably similar to our struggles and difficulties today. Designed for individual or group study with questions to deepen faith and encourage growth at the end of each chapter.

Jay Colwill is Vicar of Christ Church, Orpington in Kent. Interested in food, film, football, mountain bikes and music, he has worked in a council estate, a new town and the London suburbs, using multimedia approaches to communicate the gospel. He has a passion for making Christian discipleship a serious consideration for people who may have ignored the church.

From his love of mountain biking with its challenges, dangers and exhilaration, the author, a parish priest working in ordinary parishes, illustrates the struggles and joys of those on today's discipleship journey. He explores the responses of some of those closest to Jesus - Andrew, Peter, James, Mary Magdalene, Thomas and Matthew - to illustrate the ways a close relationship with Jesus helps us to question, change and redirect the course of our lives. He examines the place of everyday issues such as isolation, opportunity, making decisions, ambition and selfishness, addiction and dependency, burn-out and failure, and how these things can become new beginnings. It is an easy-to-read book, good for personal reflection and possibly even better for group discussion and mutual encouragement for those 'called to be ourselves, his 21st century followers, putting the values of God's Kingdom at the centre of our lives'.

Reviewed by David Roberts

From: The Methodist Recorder - 03 August 2006

Jay Colwill gets a lot of miles out of a cycling metaphor. In Along the Discipleship Road he discusses the challenges of following Jesus today.

A keen mountain biker, the author, an Anglican priest, draws on his experience of taking long solo rides as a form of spiritual retreat. Exhausted, aching and saddle-sore toward the end of a journey, he always wonders whether the adventure was worth it. He says it is during those times that God speaks to him. Put another way, he says that Christian discipleship, as in cycling, can go so far that there is no turning back - only to face another hill.

His book tries to help disciples in such a position to press on and grow in strength and determination. His method is to explore the stories of some of Jesus' disciples: Andrew, Peter, James, Mary Magdalene, Thomas and Matthew.

The book is a worthy addition to the growing amount of literature looking at how Christians can sustain their discipleship.

From: The Door - July/August 06

The Revd Jay Colwill, who is vicar of Christ Church, Orpington in Kent, is a keen mountain biker. It is a sport that brings its fair share of challenges and trials, and demands considerable endurance and stamina from participants. He sees many parallels with the Christian journey, the ups and downs, and the qualities needed for success. Following Jesus today: Along the Discipleship Road is his exploration of this idea.

The book is first and foremost about discipleship. The author reflects on Jesus' first disciples, and their obstacles and distraction, and draws parallels with the struggles of living the Christian life today. The biking thread runs through the whole book: Thomas, for example, is 'side-tracked' by doubt, Matthew finds himself 'at a fork in the road', and James is 'on the downhill slope' and needs to 'put on the brakes'.

The book starts with an introduction on 'The long ride to freedom' and ends with a reflection on 'the next hill'. It is structured into six chapters, each focussing on one of the disciples, and with questions for reflection at the end, making it ideal for either individual or group study.

Colwill is clearly even more passionate about the discipleship than he is about mountain biking. The content is practical, common sense and relevant to today. He takes a hard look at the Church, society and individuals. You may not agree with all his generalisations, but there is certainly plenty of food for thought here, and a clear challenge to go forward in your walk with Jesus.

As the Bishop of Rochester says in his introduction, 'Jay takes us on a "bicycle ride" through the first century, but the purpose is to help us to live with Jesus now and to be followers of his in the confusing and fast-changing, but also exhilarating, world of the 21st century.'

And if you're a confirmed couch potato or car user, and not a mountain biker, don't let this put you off: there's nothing technical or alienating about the biking analogy. It's only a way of getting about.

Reviewed by the Revd Ben Phillips, Area Dean of Deddington and vicar of St John the Baptist Church, Bodicote

From: The Church of England Newspaper - 07 April 2006

Along the Discipleship Road by author Jay Colwill, vicar and mountain bike enthusiast, advises us on how to navigate those awkward 'obstacles', 'forks in the road' and 'mires' which challenge our spiritual lives. Focussing on his cycling experiences and the lives of Andrew, Peter, James, Mary Magdalene, Thomas and Matthew, the author presents a heartening message to any weary traveller. Covering issues such as faith and doubt in the light of St Thomas and dealing with addictions and dependency, via Mary Magdalene's example, there's something for everyone in this entertaining and encouraging read.

Review from a reader

"Along the Discipleship Road is not the sort of book which gives ten easy steps to a new life of discipleship. Jay Colwill loves mountain biking, even when it's hard going; even when it's exhausting. And he sees discipleship in much the same way. The challenge comes not on the downhill sections or even on the straight, but when we meet the hills. For the apostle Thomas that hill is a hill of doubt. Jay Colwill helpfully unpacks the different factors - personality, isolation and worldview - which can lead to doubt, but gives no easy answers. This is a book to think about, to reflect over: explore the scripture passages, follow up the quotations: pedalling hard and travelling slowly will bring more rewards than reading in a rush. As a notable politician once said "get on your bike"! Make this journey with Jay and although it might be tough at times it will be an interesting journey."

Mike Law, Manager at Christian Resources Project, Plymouth

• View other titles by Jay Colwill