Church Planting [Paperback]

Stuart Murray (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 083619148X | ISBN-13: 978-0836191486 | Publication Date: June 1, 2001

Stuart Murray lays some theological foundations for church planting and invites church planters to think seriously about missiology and ecclesiology. 292 pages.

Product Details

• Paperback: 292 pages
• Publisher: Herald Press (June 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 083619148X
• ISBN-13: 978-0836191486
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6.2 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #212,579 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the finest books I have read!, June 24, 2001

By 

"gam2saints" (Boston, MA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Church Planting (Paperback)

Previously published in the UK, I paid 44 dollars for a copy of this book that was special ordered from England. I was furious at having to spend so much -- but upon reading it, I found that not a penny had been wasted...and that this book is actually worth its weight in gold!

Essentially, this book is a primer on issues of ecclesiology (the way in which theological assumptions and messages are found in how we structure the church and our efforts at building it up). Stuart notes that far too little attention has been paid by most church planters and people seeking to renew the church. He calls upon the church to take seriously how the shape of the church determines the message it will proclaim.

Murray takes the reader through a comprehensive and sweeping survey of many ways in which church planting is done and ways in which congregations are structured. What he is getting at here is not about what committees or boards a church may have -- but more fundamental issues of how laity and clergy interact, the significance of buildings and properties, and the relationship between notions of parish church versus a more missional organization.

Murray offers up useful commentary throughout this book, pointing out strength and weaknesses where he finds them. Even if one does not agree with every point he makes, he provides a priceless explanation of many different approaches to being the church today.

This is a SUPERB book. On a five star scale I would give it ten stars if they would let me. I give this book my highest recommendation.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Necessary Read!, May 26, 2003

By 

Paul D. Adams of www.tmch.net "PDA" (Surprise, AZ USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Church Planting (Paperback)

This is by far the best of the best. It challenges pragmatic approaches by most popular models/methods of church planting and calls for planters to understand their greater purpose as the missio Dei (mission of God). It is a trenchant critique of the idols of "purpose," "programs," and "personalities" over and above kingdom principles and perspectives.

Thoroughly biblical, yet liberating!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Finally, a Biblical view of Church Planting, July 9, 2003

By 

Mark Van Steenwyk "Van S" (Minneapolis, MN USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Church Planting (Paperback)

This book is insightful, thought provoking, and practical. This isn't a "how to" book, so anyone looking for a step-by-step book should look elsewhere. However, Murray offers something much more--an approach to church-planting that is both practical AND based in solid ecclesiology. Ecclesiology is lacking in my faith tradition (evangelicalism). This book helps to fill the void. Anyone considering being a part of a church plant MUST get this book.