I'm currently reading through this great book. It has been a great read for me because it puts into words the goals of Christ with His church. If somebody asks you why join a church, or what does the church have to do with ______, it's good to have a response. Here's a brief rundown of the 9 marks...
1. Expositional Preaching
It's sometimes easier for pastors to simply pick a topic they want to preach on, then find verses that can support their topic. This is topical preaching. Expositional preaching allows everyone, including the pastor, to look at God's word and learn from it. God continuously reveals things to us through the reading of His word. He speaks to us with instruction, and the good news that we are reconciled to Him through Christ Jesus. The Bible is important. "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." John 1:1 - "And the Word became fleash, and dwelt among us, and we have seen His glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth." (John1:14)
2. Biblical Theology
Through our reading of scripture, we form a Biblical theology. Why do we believe what we believe? What do we believe? Know who we are in light of knowing who God is. We don't just form our own opinions about who God is from what we think is good. God is who the Bible tells us He is.
3. The Gospel
The The good news is not simply that we are ok, that God is love, that Jesus is our friend, and that we should live right. The Gospel is knowing that because of our sin, we were separated from God, and only through our Savior Jesus Christ are we reconciled to God. We are dead to sin, and alive to God through Christ. (Romans 6)
4. A Biblical Understanding of Conversion
Is change needed? Is it possible? What change is needed? How are we changed? It's not simply saying the "sinners prayer." It's recognizing the Gospel, and asking God to soften your heart, to transform your life, and live in you. "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself up for me." (Galatians 2:20)
5. A Biblical Understanding of Evangelism
Who should evangelize? How should we do it? What is evangelism, and why should we do it? This chapter really hit home with me. I'm terrible at evangelism. I don't even know where to begin sometimes. I forget that it's not me that converts someone, it's God. it's not my eloquent speech, or my awesome knowledge of church practices or different theologies. It's not my testimony. It's presenting the Gospel and it's message, and allowing God to do the work. I am nothing but a tool.
6. A Biblical Understanding of Church Membership
This chapter deals with questions like why join a church? What is the churches purpose, and where do believers fit in that. It also defines the church, and the commitment Christians make when joining.
7. Biblical Church Discipline
What is church discipline, and what does the Bible say about it. How have Christians in the past dealt with church discipline, and why should we practice it?
8. A Concern for Discipleship and Growth
What is a Biblical theology of growth? How should churches grow, and why is it important? This chapter is important to me because of the explosive growth of The Summit. I pray that we continue to grow in a Biblical way, and continue encouraging others in Christ, and presenting a clear, true, Gospel.
9. Biblical Church Leadership
this chapter basically deals with the structure of the church, qualifications for certain areas of leadership, and others areas. Of course there are many references to Timothy and Titus. (which happen to be two of my favorites)
I would highly recommend this book, especially for those interested in church leadership or ministry. There is a ton of scripture references, and truth about God's plan for His church. It's about 250 pages long, so it's not an incredibly tough read. It clearly maps out the objectives at the beginning of each chapter.If you've read it, let me know what you think......
