Ok this one I did read this summer.--Dirk
The Deliberate Church: Building Your Ministry on the Gospel
By: Mark Dever and Paul Alexander
Why do churches function the way that they do? Have the leaders of those churches ever evaluated their action in light of Scripture? In this book Mark Dever discusses the functioning of Capital Hill Baptist Church where he is the teaching pastor/elder and through that he challenges ministers, and laymen, to evaluate the way their own churches function.
This book is broken down into short chapter that are broken up by “think tank” sections. “Think Tank” sections are reflection questions about the topic at hand and the Scripture that teaches about that topic. This type of structure makes for a easy read because of the frequent chapter changes. Although it is a easy read it can be time consuming (in a good way) because of the probing question that are asked. It is healthy for Christians to evaluate all that is done in light of scripture and the functioning of the local church is no exception
The Deliberate Church is broken into four parts: Gathering the Church, When the Church Gathers, Gathering Elders, and When the Elders Gather. In these sections almost all parts of church life are touched. Topics range from the preaching of the Word, the music, and the elder and member meetings. Dr. Dever has a high view of Scripture and a high view of the importance of the local church. These ideas and methods are firmly defended with scripture and Capitol Hill Baptist church seems to be a healthy and thriving local body that we all could learn from.
While this may be the best books that I have ever read on practices of the local church there are a few ideas taught in this book that I am not completely in agreement with. That however does not take away from the fact that I endorse this book wholeheartedly and recommend it for all pastors, elders, deacons, seminary students, and laymen who want to be challenged to evaluate the way their churches function. Dr. Dever has done the Church a great service by being willing to teach and disciple not only those at his local church, but others in Christendom as well.
This book is available in the GRBC library and at:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1581347383/sr=8-1/qid=1151290964/ref=pd_bbs_1/104-4833473-6924711?ie=UTF8
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2 comments:
I agree with your review of the book. I really enjoyed it and thought it was very easy to read. There were some parts I did not completely agree with, but they were things I have questions about and want to study more anyways.
It did give me a much deeper appreciation for the work of a pastor. There is so much I take for granted in their role, and this book has led me into more prayer for the leadership at GRBC and their families.
This book also made me excited to visit Dever's church when we move there soon!
Robin,
We will miss you two as you move off, but we know that there is at least one good church in that area that you can be a part of. Thank you for your insights too. There is much work that is done by our elders that needs prayer!--Dirk
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