The Way Forward: A Road Map of Spiritual Growth for Men in the 21st Century

A lot of Christian men – and small groups of men – feel stuck. They have a sincere desire to grow but feel confused about what to do next. The Way Forward is a road–map for men who want to cut through the noise and distraction of the 21st century and take definite steps toward spiritual maturity. This book follows the simple format of problem, solution, and plan. Men who read it will walk away with both a clear diagnosis for why they feel stuck and a practical action plan for moving forward.  

About the Author :
Joe Barnard is the pastor of Holyrood Evangelical Church in Edinburgh and the executive director of Cross Training Ministries, a discipleship ministry focused on training men in spiritual fitness. He is also the author of ‘The Way Forward: a Road Map of Spiritual Growth for Men in the 21st Century’. Joe is married to Anna. They have four children.

Review :
Most men hit a moment that they feel like their spiritual growth stalls out. I remember when I hit that point too—several times. And eventually, we all will. And the one thing that helps is a simple guide. This book is that guide for men—it’s a way to move forward. Joe Barnard begins this book saying he doesn’t want to induce a yawn by treating the same subjects in the same, timeworn ways. He doesn’t. The Way Forward is wise, learned, and biblical. You need this, as does the righteous men’s movement rising throughout the world. Trust me. Get this and live it. With so many books on discipleship being written, do men really need one more? Well, they do need a discipleship book that doesn’t rehash much of the same content, which is why men would do well to pick this up. In many ways, this is unlike most discipleship books. It imparts passion (like most) and encourages leadership (also like most), but this book provides men with a clear direction that many seem to lack. I plan to get this in the hands of my friends and work through it together. Joe Barnard has a passion to help young Christian men become more spiritually fit and effective in their families and communities. His book has much insight and a lot of practical help toward that goal. What he desires is more potent servants of Christ, and anyone who aspires to be such a servant will profit much from reading his book. Virtually every evangelical church talks about discipleship or uses some form of ‘disciple’ in articulating their mission.  I have found few, however, that are effectively engaging their men in the type of discipling that Joe discusses in his book.  His assessment of the obstacles, and ways to truly establish discipling relationships is clear, concise, and compelling.  Every church that seeks to actualize the Great Commission would be well–advised to give this book to all of their men. Jesus calls His followers to be disciples who make disciples. Men and women face similar and distinct challenges in obeying Christ’s command. The Way Forward provides a fresh look at the obstacles and opportunities men face as they seek to be built up into the image of Christ. As a pastor with a great desire to build men for the body of Christ, I was thrilled to read Joe Barnard’s book, The Way Forward. It is a very practical discipleship itinerary aimed at men, and in doing so addresses one of the great needs of our day. This book is packed full of gospel wisdom which edified me and will serve an individual Christian man or a church men’s ministry. Buy it. Read it. Be transformed by it. There are multiple resources on discipleship, but Joe Barnard, in The Way Forward, offers a simple ‘survival guide’ for men who know Jesus and want to take the next step in their spiritual journeys. This short and practical guidebook addresses problems men encounter (e.g., exhaustion, frustration, distraction) and offers meaningful and attainable solutions. These solutions are coupled with action plans that pave clear pathways to genuine growth in Christ.