Unfinished Business: Returning the Ministry to the People of God [Paperback]

Greg Ogden (Author)

Book Description

Release date: April 8, 2003

The Reformation restored the Scriptures to the people, but the job was only halfway finished. Today the church is awakening to the truth that ministry is not just the domain of clergy, but belongs to the entire body of Christ. God is moving her to complete her unfinished business of placing the ministry back in the hands of the people. Unfinished Business has played a pivotal part in helping the church reclaim ministry at the grassroots level. First published in 1990 as The New Reformation, it has become a classic resource for church life. Expanding on and updating the original material with fresh examples and references to eight key important movements, this new edition lays foundations for the church to move from: - Passive to active - Maintenance to mission - Clergy to people of God - Teacher/caregiver to equipping enabler Pointing us back to the church as an organism, not an institution, author Greg Ogden shows how each of us is called to help finish the Reformation's unfinished business: expressing the priesthood of every believer practically in the church, the world, and all avenues of life.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'Ogden writes with clarity and passion....[he] makes a compelling case...[that] helps pastors shift ministry from passive to active, from maintenance to mission, from clergy to laypeople....' -- enrichment <br><br> (enrichment)

From the Back Cover

The Reformation restored the Scriptures to the people, but the job was only halfway finished. Today the church is awakening to the truth that ministry is not just the domain of clergy, but belongs to the entire body of Christ. God is moving her to complete her unfinished business of placing the ministry back in the hands of the people.

Unfinished Business has played a pivotal part in helping the church reclaim ministry at the grassroots level. First published in 1990 as The New Reformation, it has become a classic resource for church life. Expanding on and updating the original material with fresh examples and references to eight key important movements, this new edition lays foundations for the church to move from: · Passive to active · Maintenance to mission · Clergy to people of God · Teacher/caregiver to equipping enabler

Pointing us back to the church as an organism, not an institution, author Greg Ogden shows how each of us is called to help finish the Reformation’s unfinished business: expressing the priesthood of every believer practically in the church, the world, and all avenues of life.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Zondervan; Revised edition (April 8, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0310246199
• ISBN-13: 978-0310246190
• Product Dimensions: 0.7 x 5.4 x 8.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #283,505 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Greg Ogden (D.Min., Fuller Theological Seminary) is the executive pastor of discipleship at Christ Church in Oak Brook, Illinois, and served previously as director of the Doctor of Ministry program at Fuller Theological Seminary. He has more than twenty-four years of experience in pastoral ministry in churches in California and Pennsylvania. With degrees from UCLA and Fuller Theological Seminary, Dr. Ogden is also author of Discipleship Essentials and Making Disciples Jesus's Way.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 18 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Finishing What We've Started August 21, 2003

By Dave Treat

Format:Paperback

The original version of this book ("The New Reformation") came to my attention several years ago. It completely transformed my thinking about ministry (and ultimately led to a career change!) The historical origins of "the way we do ministry" were both fascinating and insightful, and the contrasts between the historical norm, our current practice and the preferred future were radically enlightening. I simply could not think about ministry the same way again.

I met Greg Ogden, the author, several months ago. As we shook hands, I whispered, "You messed up my life!" and explained the impact of the original book, which I have recommended to key leaders and have given as gifts. When he said that the "revised" version ("Unfinished Business") was about to be released, I couldn't wait to get my hands on it! I wasn't disappointed! The new version has many additions and clarifications, and is messing with my head all over again. We are using the book as a tool to re-educate both church staff and volunteers in a new understanding of calling, spiritual gifts and equipping roles. Ogden's call for "One People... One Ministry" should be heard and answered by all who follow Christ... whether or not they formerly divided themselves into "Clergy" and "Laity."

With the current resurgence in interest in Martin Luther (a PBS special and an upcoming theatrical release), readers will be challenged by Ogden's position that Luther's Reformation was incomplete. After reading his clear and passionate reasoning, you'll be ready to take up arms yourself, to complete Luther's "Unfinished Business."

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Making sense of a paradigm shift August 23, 2004

By A. Minser

Format:Paperback

Reading this book helped me understand where and how my pastor was leading us and why. I highly recommend this book to others who wonder how the church can be more effective in today's time and culture. I also highly recommend it to the 20% of the church that is doing 80% of the work. We do not need to do it all...

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Read this book! January 3, 2006

By The Scribe

Format:Paperback

This book challenges the traditional system of the modern Church movement. It makes the reader reflect on the developmental history of the church and really what the body of Christ, the Church, should look like. Beware, it will challenge everything that you have been brought up to believe as functional in "ministry." It will challenge your concept of "ministry." If you are a believer in the risen and only Savior, Jesus Christ, but think you are a "non professional" minister and only a "lay leader," be prepared to remove the scales from your eyes because; you are the minister! This book will get you into the game! The clock is running and the Holy Spirit is calling. Will you answer?