Synopses & Reviews
Here is one of the most faithful and insightful pastors of ourtime, addressing the most crucial issues of church life. Mark Deverrefuses to separate theology and congregational life, combiningpastoral insight with clear biblical teaching. This book is apowerful antidote to the merely pragmatic approaches of our day-anda refutation to those who argue that theology just isn'tpractical.
-R. Albert Mohler, Jr., President, The SouthernBaptist Theological Seminary
This book is the perfect example of what a truly practical bookon church health and growth should be-it gives concrete guidancefor and examples of biblical principles being put into practice inthe life and ministry of the local congregation.
-J. Ligon Duncan III, Senior Minister, FirstPresbyterian Church, Jackson, Mississippi
Rare indeed are books on the church that begin with the Gospel.Rarer still are books that derive methodology for building thechurch from the Gospel. This excellent book does both.
-C. J. Mahaney, Sovereign Grace Ministries
The Deliberate Church shares many of the ministrylessons that Dr. Dever and his colleagues have learned fromScripture and sought to implement in the life of their churchcommunity. This book is for anyone who wants to get serious aboutfollowing the biblical pattern for the church and is looking fordown-to-earth practical help.
-Philip Graham Ryken, Senior Minister, TenthPresbyterian Church, Philadelphia
Here is a novel idea: use the Bible as a handbook to gather andguide the church And The Deliberate Church is a novelvolume indeed, standing amid the spate of 'church-as-corporation, pastor-as-CEO' manuals that glut church life. Here is a book thatwafts a radical, refreshing breeze from the pages of Scripture thatwill breathe life into the church. A crucial read.
-R. Kent Hughes, Senior Pastor, College Church inWheaton (Illinois)
Synopsis
The church is God's design, not ours. So everything a church does must be grounded in His Word. With all endeavors, church leaders must be thoughtful, deliberate, and above all, faithful to the Gospel. Pastors Mark Dever and Paul Alexander provide a model of a biblical church in this resource for pastors, elders, and anyone interested in the health of their church. They invite church leaders to examine seriously their motivations and methods, then ask: are they consistent with the Gospel? Though highly practical, this book doesn't propose a program to be implemented, but an attitude to adopt--an attitude of complete reliance on and submission to the Gospel in building a healthy church.
Synopsis
Dever and Alexander propose a model of complete reliance and submission to the gospel when building a healthy church. Great resource for pastors, elders, and others interested in the vitality of their church.