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The Gospel-Centred Church

How to run your church

THE GOSPEL-CENTRED CHURCH
By Steve Timmis & Tim Chester
The Good Book Company (www.thegoodbook.co.uk)
100 pages. £5.00
ISBN 1 873166 87 7

What does a 'gospel-centred' church look like? We all like to assume we're as close to the Bible as a church can possibly be, don't we? This book helps us to think again.

The introduction describes this book as 'an attempt at creating the outlines of a gospel culture for the whole church', and to see churches 'shaped by the content and imperative of the gospel'. No mean feat! Thankfully, the book does not give slick answers, neither does it claim to be a manual for success. Rather it provides a framework for discussion and positive action in church-based mission. It is intended for 'individuals... church councils, elderships and study groups'.

Clear and stimulating

17 mission principles are divided into three themes: 'The Priority of Mission', 'The Priority of People', and 'The Priority of Community'. Each chapter is helpfully arranged into five sections: a scenario; a key Bible passage (plus questions); an explanation of the principle; discussion questions; and some practical suggestions for action. The bibliography also will reward further study.

The thoughtful Christian will be stimulated by this book. Each chapter is clearly explained, forcefully argued and helpfully illustrated. There are a wide variety of helpful applications for churches to initiate (from the well-tried to the radical).

Given their aims, it is not surprising that the authors sometimes over-simplify. Occasionally I found myself saying, 'Yes, but...' as the book applied mission principles just a little too radically. (This may reflect more on me than the book; let the reader decide!)

Use it

Leadership teams will find clear principles for directing their church's mission, rich topics for discussion, helpful suggestions for action, and a few hot potatoes, over which they may forcefully disagree (both with the book and each other!) In other words, it's a useful book! Get it and use it!

Adam Laughton,
Southport