What Is a Healthy Church?

by Mark Dever

Overview

What is an ideal church, and how can you tell?

How does it look different from other churches? More importantly, how does it act differently, especially in society? Many of us aren't sure how to answer those questions, even though we probably have some preconceived idea. But with this book, you don't have to wonder any more.

Author Mark Dever seeks to help believers recognize the key characteristics of a healthy church: expositional preaching, biblical theology, and a right understanding of the gospel. Dever then calls us to develop those characteristics in our own churches. By following the example of New Testament authors and addressing church members from pastors to pew sitters, Dever challenges all believers to do their part in maintaining the local church. What Is a Healthy Church? offers timeless truths and practical principles to help each of us fulfill our God-given roles in the body of Christ.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781433520648
Publisher:	Crossway
Publication date:	06/19/2007
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	128
Sales rank:	261,565
File size:	448 KB

About the Author

Mark Dever (PhD, Cambridge University) is the senior pastor of Capitol Hill Baptist Church in Washington, DC, and president of 9Marks (9Marks.org). Dever has authored over a dozen books and speaks at conferences nationwide.

Table of Contents

Preface: A Parable     9
Introduction: What Are You Looking for in a Church?     13
What is a Healthy Church?
Your Christianity and Your Church     21
What a Church Is...and Isn't     33
What Every Church Should Aspire to Be: Healthy     39
The Ultimate How-to Guide: How to Display God's Character     49
Quick Tips: If You're Thinking about Leaving a Church...     57
Essential Marks of a Healthy Church
Expositional Preaching     63
Biblical Theology     69
A Biblical Understanding of the Good News     75
Quick Tips: How to Find a Good Church     79
Important Marks of a Healthy Church
A Biblical Understanding of Conversion     85
A Biblical Understanding of Evangelism     89
A Biblical Understanding of Membership     93
Biblical Church Discipline     101
Biblical Discipleship and Growth     107
Biblical Church Leadership     113
Conclusion: Where the Rubber Meets the Road     121
A Typical Covenant of a Healthy Church     125
Special Thanks     127