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6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
inspiring, January 31, 2005
This review is from: Reclaiming God's Original Intent for the Church (Paperback)
This book does a good job of showing the differences between 2 christian viewpoints on how to "do church". While they obviously favor one view over the other, the authors give a mostly accurate depiction of what really should take place in a christian community. For a short, easy read, I recommend this book.
I was happy to hear the true message of Jesus ring throughout the pages of this book. Self denial, sacrifice and suffering are three "s's" you don't hear very often in the typical church setting. Yet these authors have shed light onto the message of Christ and His intent for His people, living under His reign in His place.
The authors also did a good job of describing some admirable qualities of a true pastor. They fly in the face of the professional business CEO of a company model. Servanthood, committment to people and trust in the Lord despite circumstances are 3 in particular that were effectively drawn out.
Overall, this book inspired me to continually strive after the narrow path Jesus calls us on as disciples, as leaders and as dumb sheep that must follow the Shepherd. Though the book does not dive deeply into most of the issues, it is a good start to a recovery of what the Church should be.
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6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Bigger Is Not Always Better, January 27, 2005
This review is from: Reclaiming God's Original Intent for the Church (Paperback)
Beverly D. Berry
The Rev. Canon Dr. Jerry Smith
PT249fb-Field Base Seminar
27 January 2005
Book Review of Reclaiming God's Original Intent for the Church by Wes Roberts and Glenn Marshall, to be posted on Amazon.com
If you are a Christian pastor, lay leader, or "pew potato" who is tired of hearing that "bigger is better," this book is for you! In a straightforward and engaging style, the authors write about defining the "success" of Christian ministries not in secular terms, but instead measured against Biblical standards-what a novel idea! In order to reflect of the Biblical meaning of "success," we are challenged to examine the Bible carefully to see what the early (i.e. before it became institutionalized) Christian church looked like.
We find God's original intent for His church, the authors tell us, by going back to the "much older ways" of the apostolic period. In an environment which was hostile to Christianity, the early Christians were considered "weirdos"-but these weirdos were "authentically sold out to Jesus." In thirteen short chapters, Roberts and Marshall describe the early Christians who were focused on authenticity, calling, community, trusting God, and being a servant to God's people. The chief concern of the early church, the authors write, was being the people of God-far different from the norms in many Christian churches today where success is measured by how many people attend services and how many dollars are in the annual budget.
Indeed, the authors make it clear that the true meaning of being successful is found in discerning the Lord's will both individually and corporately and then in being obedient to that will. The reader is also challenged by being told that the task God calls His church to is a spiritual battle. This book would make an excellent resource and guide for an adult Christian education class. As a seminarian seeking ordination, I will keep it on my bookshelf for much future use.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great idea that never followed through, January 19, 2005
This review is from: Reclaiming God's Original Intent for the Church (Paperback)
Roberts and Marshall began their text with the wonderful intention of looking to Christianity's roots to determine how church should be carried out now. Their descriptions of early practice and the focused yet free nature of the early church were riveting and compelling. Unfortunately, they never seemed to get off the ground. They were both critical of making formulas for church success, and in this case seemed to eschew all practical advice for more esoteric and inconclusive musings.
If you are looking for an interesting book to present an opposing worldview to normalcy in Chistianity this is a great book, but if you are looking for application look elsewhere or be prepared to do the work yourself.
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