The Deliberate Church: Building Your Ministry on The Gospel by Mark Dever and Paul Alexander is a brilliant how-to manual, a bright estimate of the church’s needs, and a breath of fresh air. This is a unique and helpful book. Considering the preponderance of literature on marketing the gospel and using the latest fads coming out of Willow Creek or Saddleback, this approach is truly innovative as it is grounded in the Gospel. Though the authors are Baptists anyone can benefit from this exceptional work. If you are serious about a theologically oriented approach that does not waste time encouraging widespread capitulation to culture then this is your book.
Personally, the chapter that meant most to me was the first. Plainly outlined as the 4 Ps: “Preaching, Praying, Personal Discipling Relationships, and Patience,” which sets the tone for what is to come. Here the writers, especially Dever, issue what is a true strategy for the pastor. In contrast to programs and plans for “Growing your church” this brief initial chapter highlights Scriptural truth coupled with some sound practical advice. For example, the many passages cited or referenced for “preaching” are then supplemented with the simple reminder: “God’s Word builds His church. So preaching His gospel is primary” (p.35). Furthermore, under “patience” one finds the encouragement to stay in a ministry for an extended period of time. Given the high turnover rate in my own denomination this is unusual, as it is sane advice. “Go where you can envision contentedly putting down roots for the rest of your life, and commit,” suggest the authors (p.40). This is exhorted in the context of the question: “are you building a career or a congregation?” A poignant question indeed, as many often leave ministries for “bigger and better” things!
If you were to buy only one book within the next year to help you with pastoral/church ministry this should be it. There are “Think Tank” sections with short exercises and questions designed to help you “get more out of the teaching.” Bibliographic material is interspersed throughout the text as well, which enhances the book’s overall value. Get it, read it and share it with your leaders, your church will be better for it.
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