Begin with the end.
Root your family's legacy.
Forge faith that endures.
Move forward by planning backward.
Nearly two-thirds of church-involved kids disengage from their faith as young adults, meaning many churches are producing more prodigals than disciples. Instead of only asking why some walk away Backward Discipleship asks a better question: what shaped the one-third who stayed? Dr. Ron Hunter begins with young adults who remain strong in their faith and works backward to uncover the practices that formed their resilient faith long before life’s storms arrived.
At the heart of the book are the Faith-Forging Five, five characteristics consistently found in resilient believers. Through a simple process called backward planning, leaders, mentors, and parents learn how to shape discipleship today so the next generation stands firm tomorrow. Download a sample and discover why Backward Discipleship is becoming a foundational resource for churches that want lasting faith.
What Ministry Leaders Think
Ron Hunter masterfully diagnoses the discipleship epidemic facing the church today—and offers a transformative solution: backward planning that starts with the end in mind. Every pastor, parent, and ministry leader serious about raising resilient disciples who endure and multiply should read this book and implement its proven generational strategies.
Robby Gallaty
Author of Growing Up and Movement Ready Church
Rather than reacting to obstacles day by day with no clear plan, Ron emphasizes the importance of working backward from a desired outcome to the present. Intentional, strategic, relational discipleship—where churches and parents partner together—is the answer. It isn’t easy, but it is right. I truly believe you will find this book convicting, motivating, and deeply practical.
Jim Putman
Author of Disciple Shift and The Disciple’s Journey
It turns out “begin with the end in mind” isn’t just a good business principle, it’s a key discipleship principle. Ron Hunter uses his extensive knowledge and experience in family faith formation to give parents, pastors, and church volunteers a plan forward—by working backward.
Arlene Pellicane
Author of Parents Rising
and host of the Happy Home Podcast
Backward Discipleship is a wake-up call the church desperately needs. My friend, Ron Hunter Jr., challenges us to stop reacting to faith loss and start preparing disciples who will endure. This book is biblically grounded, research-informed, and intensely practical. If you care about the next generation following Jesus, you need to read this and put it into practice.
Shane Pruitt
National Next Gen Director of North American Mission Board
Faith-Forging Five Discipleship Assessment
The free Faith-Forging Five Assessment allows your church to evaluate the discipleship practices that research consistently connects to lasting faith. Invite the adults and teens in your congregation to participate and gain a clear picture of how faith is being formed across your church today. When the assessment is complete, you will receive a personalized, easy-to-read report based entirely on your congregation’s responses—highlighting strengths, revealing growth opportunities, and helping your leadership see your church in the mirror. Use these insights to shape intentional conversations, strengthen discipleship practices, and begin making a backward plan today that helps the next generation carry their faith into tomorrow.
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