The deliberative church. Religious book made by Pastors Mark Dever and Paul Alexander in 2005 and published by Faro de Gracia publishing house. This book is a novel volume in fact, it stands up to the avalanche of manuals of “church as a corporation; pastor as a head of government official “that fills life excessivelyof the church. Various techniques, theories, and practices on church building are proposed in this book, but not always come to a good result. Where will the problem be? Is there a way to strengthen the church, lead it with purpose and meaning, and extend God’s mission according to his will? Dever and Alexander propose a model of a church of complete dependence and submission to the gospel when considering building a healthy church. The Deliberative Church is a great resource for pastors, elders, and others interested in the vitality of their congregation.
Summary
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- 1 Synopsis
- 1 Argument
- 2 Structure of the Book
- 2 Author details
- 3 Sources
Synopsis
Book deeply embedded in biblical theology . Many pastors and churches have benefited from the fidelity of his deep reflection. But suppose you live and serve in the local church that is far from the healthy profile developed. So what? How to do it? Talking about “A Healthy Church”, and considering very well the biblical texts that justify it, surely constitutes part of the answer.
The book goes beyond that simplification to help pastors, and other leaders, lead the church toward spiritual health and growth. Once again, this book, co-authored by Mark Dever and Paul Alexander, is steeped in Scripture, but it is also packed with wisdom, years of pastoral experience, and godly understanding. No pastor struggling with “how to get it done” should miss this slim but priceless volume. Donald Carson , Professor of New Testament Research , Trinity Evangelical Divinity School.
Argument
The Deliberative Church is a novel volume in fact, it stands before the avalanche of manuals of “Church as a corporation; pastor as a chief of government official” that overfills the life of the church. Here is a book that carries a radical air and a refreshing breeze from the pages of Scripture that will breathe life into the church. Crucial reading. “R. Kent Hughes, Senior Pastor, Wheaton College University Church.
The Church of Jesus Christ is now confronted with a selection of advisers, consultants, and analysts all ready to distribute the latest board of directors. How will the church regain its orientation in the middle of this heap? Along with them comes Mark Dever with The Deliberative Church and just in time! Here is one of the most faithful and insightful pastors of our time, bringing up the most crucial issues in the life of the church.
The author refuses to separate theology from congregational life, combining pastoral insight with clear biblical teaching. This book is a powerful antidote to the pragmatic approaches of our day – and a rebuttal for those who say that theology is impractical “R. Albert Mohler, Jr. President of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.
Structure of the Book
- Section 1: The Church Meeting.
- The four “Ps”: preaching, praying, personal discipleship relationships, patience.
- Starting the work.
- Carrying out responsible evangelism.
- Taking new members.
- Exercising the discipline of the Church.
- Section 2: When the church meets.
- Understanding the regulatory principle.
- Applying the regulatory principle.
- The role of the pastor.
- The roles of the different meetings.
- The role of ordinances.
- Loving each other.
- Section 3: The meeting of elders.
- The importance of the elderly.
- Looking for some good men.
- Why the crucial character.
- How to start.
- The staff.
- Section 4: When the elders meet.
- The Word and prayer.
- The agenda: what to talk about.
- Decision making: How to talk about it.
- Appendix: Application form for Church membership.
Author details
- Mark Dever . Senior Pastor of Capitol Hill Baptist Church in Washington, DC and Executive Director of Marks Ministries. Dr. Dever has contributed to several books on church health and church leadership, and is a visiting professor at Beeson Divinity School and The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.
- Paul Alexander. A Master of Divinity graduate from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield , Illinois , he is currently serving as a contributing editor for Marks Ministries.
