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(What Is the Mission of the Church) [By: DeYoung Kevin] [Sep, 2011]
- GenresEvangelism
Paperback
18 people want to read
About the author
Kevin DeYoung
113 books1,239 followersKevin DeYoung is the Senior Pastor at University Reformed Church (RCA) in East Lansing, Michigan, right across the street from Michigan State University.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
June 26, 2024
Very helpful book!
I have often felt uncomfortable with the lack of 'social justice' or 'mercy ministries' the churches I've been involved with have participated in - and I still do! Yet, this book isn't primarily concerned with how many of these ministries the church is involved with, it's concerned with the mission of the church as a whole.
Primarily, the authors would say:
"I believe the mission... is to make disciples of Jesus Christ in the power of the Spirit to the glory of God the Father."
This focused definition comes from the basis of the church's mission, namely, the great Commission.
I was the target audience for this book to a large degree, so I've been left challenged.
Some good quotes that stood out:
"Tim Keller is right: ministering to the poor is a crucial sign that we actually believe the gospel"
"To be a Christian, then, is to receive God's good gifts and enjoy them the most, need them the least, and give them away most freely."
I would recommend this book to anyone thinking through the church's role in social justice and evangelism. Helpfully balanced discussion and good definitions.
I have often felt uncomfortable with the lack of 'social justice' or 'mercy ministries' the churches I've been involved with have participated in - and I still do! Yet, this book isn't primarily concerned with how many of these ministries the church is involved with, it's concerned with the mission of the church as a whole.
Primarily, the authors would say:
"I believe the mission... is to make disciples of Jesus Christ in the power of the Spirit to the glory of God the Father."
This focused definition comes from the basis of the church's mission, namely, the great Commission.
I was the target audience for this book to a large degree, so I've been left challenged.
Some good quotes that stood out:
"Tim Keller is right: ministering to the poor is a crucial sign that we actually believe the gospel"
"To be a Christian, then, is to receive God's good gifts and enjoy them the most, need them the least, and give them away most freely."
I would recommend this book to anyone thinking through the church's role in social justice and evangelism. Helpfully balanced discussion and good definitions.
November 22, 2024
Audible
The Great Commission is the primary mission of the church. There are many other things that could be done, but mission drift is a reality. I agree with their conclusions wholeheartedly, but I do also admit that sometimes I can oversell the position and use it to defend doing less that I probably should. Never forget that the greatest good is God Himself. People need Jesus more than they need anything else, but I can also agree that it's hard to hear the gospel with a stomach and brain that are screaming in hunger.
The Great Commission is the primary mission of the church. There are many other things that could be done, but mission drift is a reality. I agree with their conclusions wholeheartedly, but I do also admit that sometimes I can oversell the position and use it to defend doing less that I probably should. Never forget that the greatest good is God Himself. People need Jesus more than they need anything else, but I can also agree that it's hard to hear the gospel with a stomach and brain that are screaming in hunger.
September 27, 2024
Great book. So clear and balanced. Really helpful to clarify where our energies should be centered in the church as well as what some periphery interests may be. Good thoughts on social justice as well.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews