Members of One Another: How to build a biblical ethos into your church

by Dennis McCallum

Dare to face an uncompromising look at the real need in modern western Christianity; something far more important than methods, structures, or gimmicks-- ethos . Once you build a biblical ethos into your group they will handle any obstacle and continue to thrive.

Readers will think through some of the most perplexing issues facing local churches The Lord will encourage you that New Testament church is possible, and He'll give you biblical and practical ideas for building a biblical ethos into your church.
- Pastor Ken MacGillivray, Hopevale Church

Members of One Another, is not a pharisaical firebomb being thrown at the church. It reflects a pastor's heart that doesn't want to beat up the church, but rather, wants to see the church built up. As a pastor, I was both challenged and convicted. This is a must read for the church and for every church leader.
- Patrick Schwenk, Teaching Pastor, NorthPoint Church

Genres: Christian, Christianity, Christian Living

324 pages, Paperback

First published December 2, 2010

About the author

Dennis is Lead pastor of Xenos Fellowship, which is a grassroots house church planting ministry. Since beginning the group as a student Ohio State University, during the Jesus movement, he has remained interested in reproducing church features found in the New Testament. Xenos focuses on Bible exposition at its meetings, and most of Dennis' books focus on Bible teaching.

Reviews

[Damon Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

The content is superb, powerful, and well-arranged. As you read, you can see the logic wheels turning in McCallum's head, particularly in the manner of the book's arrangement. It flows very logically, almost as if McCallum is anticipating your next question.

The only reason I did not give the book the full five stars is because it is badly in need of an edit. I'm shocked to see the book is in its 3rd printing as of 2015, yet is loaded with spelling and typographical errors. These should have been caught and dealt with prior to the 1st printing. They actually detract from the flow, serving as something of a pothole in the reading road.

[Kristina Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hands down the most important book I’ve read about church. Founded in Scripture with real life examples, I found myself wanting to be a part of the church described in Members of One Another. I will be referring to and recommending this book for years to come.

[Dr Wesley Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

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Members of One Another
How to Build a Biblical Ethos into Your Church
By Dennis McCallum
Review
McCallum’s deep understanding of God’s grace and salvation referenced to the early church provides more than just a “what to do and not to do” for church growth and development. This manual of discipleship, of church success and growth, captures the core issue of mindset. We learn that our paradigms, worldview, and fundamental belief system is seed from which our faith [and the church] begin; that the example of the early church is not old fashioned or lost. Important to the church is strength of convictions and the energy it provides for the church. The author reaffirms the great importance of Biblical doctrine and how the body of Christ (the church) can and does impact the surrounding communities of the world. We learn that through a true witness and unshakeable faith not only does the singular world of the church benefit, but reflects and influences the world surrounding it. We also are reminded, and justly so, that we are of one body; members all of the body of Christ and if we just allow the wisdom provided in the New Testament and example set by the church documented in the Acts of the Apostles the church will not only become strong but its vigor and purpose are magnified. In this same vein of thought we also discover that just as Jesus sent disciples out into the world as a testimony for the church that this depth of knowledge and faith, enclosing a spirit-filled heart are echoes of the church Christ founded and testimonials to a belief system or mindset that not only makes the believer secure but fuels the church for growth and expansion – a church that mirrors the early church and the pure principles and teachings it shared to the world.
There is much more to the theme of the book than can be addressed in just a few paragraphs here. However, I must get across the strength and incredible need of the church and the solution this book offers. Indeed the world is just as wicked and sinful as it was when Christ was among men, but thankfully we have the testament of His life and teachings as well as the standards necessary for the church and individual - as a true body of Christ that stands, often, in direct conflict with the world and the counterfeit belief system it imposes. Fortunately, and what a blessing it is, this book does not disguise or sugar-coat the message of an ethos that the early church would recognize and support. I trust that every Christian, every one, needs to be able to look at their faith through the eyes of the early church by and through the construct of this amazing work of faith, love, and the author’s unquenchable desire to fulfill his calling. I have included this with my other reference books that include the works of Eusebius, Josephus, and an in depth commentary of the Bible. As with any reference it contains the truth; the good and the bad that the body of Christ needs to recognize and address with the same spirit and conviction the early church exhibited. Allow this book to bare the church before the infallible word of God, as the paradigms and mindset of the church is weighed in the balance, the errors brought to light, and a course of truth set that will navigate the church through the influences of the world to a true paradise God has prepared for the church; a church that must accept its role and responsibility to itself and the discipleship needed as much today as at any time in the church. Don’t just take my word. Read it for yourself. Share it with one another and witness the new strength and power in the body of Christ.

[Jennifer Tse · Rating 5 out of 5]

McCallum did a wonderful job persuading us why we need to transform American churches into New Testament churches. Many churches have bought into Satan's lies in not wanting to confront members about idols like career, children, etc. I think the chapters about church finance, church discipline, student ministry, ministry to the poor, and missions are the best. Church discipline is a challenging chapter, but it's so true that we can please everyone and can only live according to God's words. He has many new insights and biblical references, so read this book to understand what kind of church did God intended in the book of Acts.

Favorite Quote: "Students want to be treated and viewed like adults. Maybe they aren't exactly adults yet, but they want to be treated that way. I think we should try to go along with that. I have seen youth groups where students get ordered around, publicly rebuked, or controlled in ways the leaders would never try with fellow adults. The resulting resentment from students is predictable." P. 231

"Poverty happens for reasons, including spiritual reasons. Alcoholism, drug addiction, crime, family breakup, and child neglect are all problems that require spiritual change, not just relief, and this kind of change isn't easy. Poor people need Christians who will go to them and form relationships in which they impart God's love and life-changing power. This won't happen at a distance. Merely throwing money at the problem doesn't help in the long run. If we really care about the poor, we have to be willing to take on the much more daunting task of lasting economic development." P. 248

[Tim · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is much to like in Members of One Another because of the radicalness of the ecclesiology described that runs counter to so much in American culture. It is radical about lay training and leadership (every member ministry), evangelism, and about connections between church members. I like its challenges a great deal and it provides a good final section on implementing changes at various levels in the church. What I do not like is the book's use of Scripture, piling up verses pulled out of context to support its dogmatic points. The author seems a bit of an either/or kind of a guy and I suppose that might make sense due to his struggle with a church caught in American culture, but it does lead him to say things that grate. He ignores and denigrates church history (only the early church matters - but then don't Acts and the epistles make it clear how dysfunctional the early church was at times?) and to make his interpretation of Scripture normative without much in the way of humility. When he says, "the church has drawn its definition of worship services from the Old Testament in a way not found in the early church," I go huh and really? His use of Colossians 2:16-17, torn from context, to support that comment only makes me more dubious. It is far from the only place. Great stuff to learn from but be critical. Another free e-book I was glad to pick up.

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

I believe that anyone who is serious about following Christ would be well served to read and to reflect on what the church is called to be, and to decide for themselves how to engage. You might find this book a bit "in your face", but sometimes medicine which is good for you doesn't taste very good. While there is much good in this book, an immature application would result in an overly man focused perspective that would talk about grace, but not live it out, and that would result in more trust being placed in methodology than in God directing His people. I would recommend reading this book along side Becoming a True Spiritual Community by Larry Crabb and maybe the Spontaneous Expansion of the Church by Roland Allen which I think provides a good counter balance. This book didn't change me because I was exposed to this content in classes taught by the author years before he wrote this book.

[Jacob · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book. It is a biblical look at the Church as God designed it. There are often some stinging contrasts when comparing these texts to the Church in America today, but there is much less in the way of criticism and much more in the way of helpful encouragement for us to examine our situation and ensure that we are consciously structuring our lives and relationships on a biblical model.

[Bob Ayres · Rating 4 out of 5]

The most helpful book I've read on the topic due to his extensive experience as a pastor/planter of organic churches. I've gained several insights from this book that has helped shape my perspective on "being church" in this century.

[Jessica Lowery · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best book on church I've read!