Stott (rector emeritus of All Souls Church in London and prolific author) draws on over 60 years in pastoral ministry to outline the essential marks of a living church. Named one of
Time's 100 most influential people in 2005, Stott is noted for his efforts in worldwide evangelism as well as his firm insistence on remaining an evangelical within the Church of England. Here he explores biblical approaches to worship, evangelism, ministry, fellowship, preaching and giving that lead to a healthy church, whether traditional or emerging. Stott applies New Testament accounts of the early church and the teachings of Paul to the contemporary context without compromising his evangelical vision. Urging Christians to have more impact on the surrounding culture, he concludes: There is such a thing as goodness: pursue it. The postmodern mood is unfriendly to all universal absolutes. Yet the apostle says there is such a thing as truth: fight for it. And there is such a thing as life: lay hold of it. This short, well-organized book—when Stott says there are five paradoxes to preaching or 10 principles of giving, he promptly follows through—is perhaps most useful for those clergy and laity who are directly involved in ministry.
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"Young pastors with a love for Jesus' church will be blessed by this timely gift from one of the most important evangelical voices." (Mark Driscoll, pastor, Mars Hill Church, and president, Acts 29 Church Planting Network )
"I have relied on John Stott's books for decades as both guides to practice and nourishment to belief. Our church, Redeemer Presbyterian in New York City, has attempted to incarnate all that I, and a generation or more of Christians, have learned from him. This new book promises to be just as helpful in navigating modern controversies and issues." (Dr. Timothy Keller, senior pastor, Redeemer Presbyterian Church, New York City )
"While many high-profile churches come and go, All Souls, Langham Place, in the heart of London has maintained its spiritual vitality and mission commitment over many decades. Its effectiveness has depended not on a formula for success but on an unswerving commitment to fundamental biblical principles.
The Living Church establishes the foundations for a biblically balanced approach to ministry that is comprehensive in its scope and expressed with John Stott's characteristic clarity. It provides a valuable resource for church leaders seeking to revitalize existing churches and for those birthing new faith communities." (Eddie Gibbs, senior professor, Brehm Center for Worship, Theology and the Arts, Fuller Seminary )
"A gem of a book, which every committed Christian needs to read. Here is the heartbeat of a godly minister of the gospel." (David Jackman, president, Proclamation Trust )
"Inspiring and nourishing reading." (Ajith Fernando, national director, Youth For Christ in Sri Lanka )
"Exceptional clarity, profound concern and strong counsel." (Dick Lucas, rector emeritus, St Helen's Bishopsgate, London )
"The reader is given a vision for a church whose roots are deeply biblical and whose touch reaches a dying world." (Amy Orr-Ewing, Zacharias Trust )
"Vintage Stott: faithful, rigorous biblical exposition; crystal clarity; challenging contemporary applications with plenty of punch; great wisdom." (Vaughan Roberts, author, God's Big Picture )
"Gold on every page." (Richard Bewes, rector emeritus, All Souls Church )
