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THE CHURCH: Why Bother?: The Nature, Purpose, & Functions of the Local Church
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE AND MISSION OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST?“Since Christ loved the church enough to die for her, every believer ought to share that passion. Jeffrey Johnson clearly does, and I believe you will find his enthusiasm contagious.” John MacArthurIn the Foreword he wrote for The Why Bother?, Dr. Richard Belcher states, “This is the day and age of lawlessness and looseness both outside of God’s church and inside as well.” How heart-breaking, yet, how true. Everywhere we look these days, it seems there are “churches,” gatherings in the name of Jesus Christ, that more closely resemble the sinfulness of the unbelieving, Christ-rejecting world than the Lord and Savior who purchased His beloved church with his death and atoning blood. Today, more than ever, is a clear need for Christians to understand the nature, purpose, and functions of the local church.What are some of the questions to be answered concerning a biblical understanding of the local church?Are Christians required to join themselves to a local church?What are the responsibilities of church membership?How is the church to be governed?The Why Bother? provides clear biblical instruction upon...1. The NATURE of the Local Church versus the emphasis some place on the facilities wherein congregations gather.2. The PURPOSE of the Local Church in standing firm for the truth and fostering unity and community in the pursuit of purity and holiness.3. The CULTURE of the Local Church in its motives and motivations versus minimizing the holiness of God’s people and the unholiness of the world.4. The ACTIVITIES of the Local Church in our worship of God through preaching the Word, prayer, fellowship, ordinances and song versus a focus and emphasis on programs.5. The WORSHIP of God in the Local Church with attention to God through Christ as opposed to an emphasis upon self; of striving for biblical regulated worship in our services than a free-for-all that falls far short of the glory of God.And much, Much MORE... Claim Your Copy Today!
135 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2012
218 people are currently reading
200 people want to read
About the author
Jeffrey D. Johnson
30 books67 followersJeff is the author of several Christian books, including the Amazon #1 Bestseller, The Church: Why Bother?
He is pastor/teacher of Grace Bible Church in Conway, Arkansas, a community where he also resides with his wife Letha and their two sons, Martyn and Christian.
Jeff graduated from Central Baptist College in Bible and earned his M. Rel. in Biblical Studies. He earned his Th.D in Systematics from Veritas Theological Seminary.
Along with his pastoral and publishing ministry, Jeff is a sought-after conference speaker and contributes regularly to the Reformed Baptist Blog.
He is pastor/teacher of Grace Bible Church in Conway, Arkansas, a community where he also resides with his wife Letha and their two sons, Martyn and Christian.
Jeff graduated from Central Baptist College in Bible and earned his M. Rel. in Biblical Studies. He earned his Th.D in Systematics from Veritas Theological Seminary.
Along with his pastoral and publishing ministry, Jeff is a sought-after conference speaker and contributes regularly to the Reformed Baptist Blog.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
January 11, 2021
Concisa, directa y pertinente.
Lo que el Dr. Johnson promete al inicio del libro lo cumple a la perfección, contar eficientemente qué es la iglesia y como se supone que esta debería funcionar y buscar de acuerdo a lo que las escrituras señalan.
En tiempos de tanta ambigüedad y distorsión de la verdad, la iglesia del Señor es el baluarte que debemos preservan santa y bíblica para cumplir nuestra misión en este mundo como pueblo de Dios.
Lo que el Dr. Johnson promete al inicio del libro lo cumple a la perfección, contar eficientemente qué es la iglesia y como se supone que esta debería funcionar y buscar de acuerdo a lo que las escrituras señalan.
En tiempos de tanta ambigüedad y distorsión de la verdad, la iglesia del Señor es el baluarte que debemos preservan santa y bíblica para cumplir nuestra misión en este mundo como pueblo de Dios.
January 9, 2024
This is one of the best books I’ve read on the church. Scriptural backing for the stances taken. Addressing aloooot of the issues we see in today’s church. Highly recommend!
December 31, 2021
Es un gran libro que nos muestra biblicamente el por que debemos pertenecer a una iglesia local.
October 2, 2017
Excellent overview of the church, especially in its relevance to American. Johnson's perspective on worship was particularly refreshingly biblical!
Dr. Belcher said Introduced the book well in the Forward of the book, "Every age is different, as it seems our churches slip further and further away from Biblical truth...Here is a book which deals with the modern age in which we live, and the weaknesses of hte church and churches of our day, and without fear the author sets forth Biblical truth as to what the church of our Lord Jesus Christ needs to be today according to the Scripture!"
The weakness of this book was his section on missions. There really was not much to it, and the common American misunderstanding about the "wisdom" of sending money to national pastors instead of training and sending out missionaries.
Dr. Belcher said Introduced the book well in the Forward of the book, "Every age is different, as it seems our churches slip further and further away from Biblical truth...Here is a book which deals with the modern age in which we live, and the weaknesses of hte church and churches of our day, and without fear the author sets forth Biblical truth as to what the church of our Lord Jesus Christ needs to be today according to the Scripture!"
The weakness of this book was his section on missions. There really was not much to it, and the common American misunderstanding about the "wisdom" of sending money to national pastors instead of training and sending out missionaries.
August 4, 2018
Excellent All-Around
This is a tremendous book, and one I simply could not put down. Engaging, lively, and insightful, Dr. Johnson’s book seems equally suited for a church membership class, the concerned pastor, or the individual church member needing encouragement in what the church needs to look like.
We live in a time of watered-down ideas about the church, including a de-emphasis on the right ordering of the local body and an embrace of all manner of pragmatism. I am grateful for the guidance and advice Dr. Johnson has provide to call the church back to its God-ordained role by strongly pointing back to the Scriptures in this book.
This is a tremendous book, and one I simply could not put down. Engaging, lively, and insightful, Dr. Johnson’s book seems equally suited for a church membership class, the concerned pastor, or the individual church member needing encouragement in what the church needs to look like.
We live in a time of watered-down ideas about the church, including a de-emphasis on the right ordering of the local body and an embrace of all manner of pragmatism. I am grateful for the guidance and advice Dr. Johnson has provide to call the church back to its God-ordained role by strongly pointing back to the Scriptures in this book.
August 3, 2018
Define alguns conceitos da Igreja Batista, no geral. Por outro lado, também critica a posição de muitas igrejas locais para atrair os fies em número, através da adaptação do culto aos novos fiéis. No final de cada capítulo tem um questionário, suponho que é para usar em formação.
Reforça a responsabilidade dos membros para com o próximo, e a necessidade de evangelizar.
Os fiéis devem demonstrar um verdadeiro arrependimento do pecado e cumprir os sacrifícios em vez da vida fácil. Explica o porquê do respeito pela hierarquia da Igreja e, realça o seguimento dos valores do espírito em vez dos valores carnais.
A leitura não é longa, mas é densa. Torna-se algo confusa porque repete conceitos e opiniões, inclusive até no mesmo capítulo. O resumo e os questionários deveriam estar nos anexos.
Reforça a responsabilidade dos membros para com o próximo, e a necessidade de evangelizar.
Os fiéis devem demonstrar um verdadeiro arrependimento do pecado e cumprir os sacrifícios em vez da vida fácil. Explica o porquê do respeito pela hierarquia da Igreja e, realça o seguimento dos valores do espírito em vez dos valores carnais.
A leitura não é longa, mas é densa. Torna-se algo confusa porque repete conceitos e opiniões, inclusive até no mesmo capítulo. O resumo e os questionários deveriam estar nos anexos.
January 1, 2024
Brief but potent book on what church is, what it's for, and why we do the things we do. I thought the author did a good job of covering all the major topics of Protestant ecclesiology and sorted out all the relevant texts (such as the qualifications for elders and deacons) in such a way to be a great resource in the future. My main takeaway: it's Christ's church, and we would do well to obey what He reveals in the Word rather than consult our personal preferences for weekly worship services.
April 11, 2024
I started reading this due to some statements by a friend who said, “I don’t go to ‘church’, I just do Bible study with a friend because Matthew 18:20 and that’s just as biblical.”
Unsure how to respond, I read this book so I can appropriately and scripturally steer my friend in a way I believe in correct if a future opportunity arises.
Covering many other good topics like modern Christian music, the need for elders and deacons, the ordinary means of grace, etc.
Unsure how to respond, I read this book so I can appropriately and scripturally steer my friend in a way I believe in correct if a future opportunity arises.
Covering many other good topics like modern Christian music, the need for elders and deacons, the ordinary means of grace, etc.
May 17, 2017
This book presents many topics that are worthy to think through, though in general, I found the author's style a bit harsh and off-putting... almost like I was being lectured by a grumpy old man. Many of his points were quite valid, however they were diluted by what seems like a need to react against the activities of the modern church.
April 3, 2024
A short and powerful look at the church which would benefit almost any Christian. The benefit comes from considering once again why the church is important and how the church is called by God to function. This is a book which can be used to encourage your church and challenge your church members of why they are united with the church as a whole.
June 11, 2017
Explica de forma sencilla que es la iglesia.
Este libro le doy cinco estrellas porque explica claramente lo que es la iglesia, además de forma clara y precisa muestra lo importante que es conocer sobre este tema, lo recomiendo.
Este libro le doy cinco estrellas porque explica claramente lo que es la iglesia, además de forma clara y precisa muestra lo importante que es conocer sobre este tema, lo recomiendo.
February 27, 2018
As someone who holds a doctorate of ministry in church growth, I've read many books about church growth, church health, and the church in general. I stumbled upon this title by accident, and thought I'd give it a read.
June 16, 2020
Awesome
This book is a must read for every Christian striving to understand the local church and it's importance. Many Christians would benefit if they picked up this book and read it.
This book is a must read for every Christian striving to understand the local church and it's importance. Many Christians would benefit if they picked up this book and read it.
May 30, 2021
El libro que necesitamos leer
Cuando veas algo escrito por Jeffrey D. Johnson bendeciras tu vida al leerlo. Y este no es la excepción.De los mejores libros sobre la naturaleza de la Iglesia Local. Su lectura es urgente y necesaria.
Cuando veas algo escrito por Jeffrey D. Johnson bendeciras tu vida al leerlo. Y este no es la excepción.De los mejores libros sobre la naturaleza de la Iglesia Local. Su lectura es urgente y necesaria.
January 9, 2025
Excelente
Un libro que nos guía a través de sus páginas a contemplar la belleza de la iglesia, nos deja ver cada parte y momento, para que podamos ordenar la iglesia a la perfecta voluntad de Dios.
Un libro que nos guía a través de sus páginas a contemplar la belleza de la iglesia, nos deja ver cada parte y momento, para que podamos ordenar la iglesia a la perfecta voluntad de Dios.
February 16, 2017
Excellent book
I found this book to be a great blessing; the appendix describing the behavior of a church member was very good instruction and admonition. Thanks, Jeff!
I found this book to be a great blessing; the appendix describing the behavior of a church member was very good instruction and admonition. Thanks, Jeff!
August 23, 2018
Claro y directo
A pesar de ser un pequeño libro de eclesiología (en su extension), es profundo en cada jno de los temas que aborda.
Lo recomiendo sin lugar a dudas.
A pesar de ser un pequeño libro de eclesiología (en su extension), es profundo en cada jno de los temas que aborda.
Lo recomiendo sin lugar a dudas.
September 18, 2018
Muy edificante y confrontante
Es un libro corto, de lenguaje sencillo pero no simple, teológico, pastoral y que todo cristiano antes de unirse a una iglesia local debe leerlo.
Es un libro corto, de lenguaje sencillo pero no simple, teológico, pastoral y que todo cristiano antes de unirse a una iglesia local debe leerlo.
August 22, 2021
Gracias
Gracias por la claridad de la enseñanza. Este libro se lo recomendaría a todo hermano, ya que está basado en la palabra de Dios y traerá crecimiento a su vida.
Gracias por la claridad de la enseñanza. Este libro se lo recomendaría a todo hermano, ya que está basado en la palabra de Dios y traerá crecimiento a su vida.
November 10, 2021
This book is basic, but a very helpful look at the important of the church for all Christians.
November 9, 2023
If you are going to read one book about the purpose of the church and what it should embody—read this one.
June 5, 2025
Un excelente libro
Lo recomiendo, ha sido de mucha edificación en mi vida. Utilizamos el libro como texto para las clases de la escuela dominical de adultos.
Lo recomiendo, ha sido de mucha edificación en mi vida. Utilizamos el libro como texto para las clases de la escuela dominical de adultos.
September 21, 2025
I read this little book in one sitting--highly recommended.
April 25, 2025
exelente
Definitivamente este libro fue de gran bendición para mí, te lleva a entender desde una perspectiva bíblica la función de la iglesia en la adoración a su Señor. Doy gracias a Dios por autores como Jeffrey Johnson.
Definitivamente este libro fue de gran bendición para mí, te lleva a entender desde una perspectiva bíblica la función de la iglesia en la adoración a su Señor. Doy gracias a Dios por autores como Jeffrey Johnson.
March 16, 2017
In his excellent little book, Jeffrey Johnson examines the biblical purpose and functions of the local church - what it has become and what God intends it to be. This book is quite short, and easy to read, and each chapter ends with discussion questions, making it a good choice for group study or Sunday School lessons.
Johnson comments that the church is not supposed to be shaped and influenced by society, but is to be a "sanctifying influence" upon society. However, sadly, today's church has been greatly influenced by our culture, and it has resulted in a church that is weak and compromising both in its message and its lifestyle. It has sacrificed holiness for the sake of become worldly relevant. Johnson writes, "Once reaching man is more of a concern than glorifying Christ, then the pursuit of the church will be given to the method that is most effective in drawing people to church...That is, to overcome the secular culture's natural disdain for holiness, the church is tempted to take that which is holy and purposefully cover it with secular wrapping paper to make it more attractive to secular people who are shaped by secular values." Thus, the church begins to focus on "felt needs," "seeker sensitivity," and entertaining gimmicks to attract people.
On the other hand, the purpose of the church is glorify God, not to please men. He established the local church as a place for his people to worship Him together, to grow together, to build each other up in their faith, and to stimulate one another unto good works. The church's primary mission is to uphold truth and to equip believers to live and proclaim it. The author writes, "if churches want to get back to the biblical blueprint of how to worship God, then preaching must be placed back to its biblical priority!"
Jeffrey Johnson makes the following observation about the individualistic culture of our day:
"Today’s postmodern believer views the Christian life, for the most part, independently of the body of Christ…Viewing the church through the lens of ‘"self" leads people to judge a church based on how well the church meets their personal expectations [or needs, I would add]…This type of individualism, of course, is undermining church membership. With a low view of accountability, Christians have begun to believe that church membership is optional; a good thing maybe, but not a biblical necessity. Many people are content to church hop their whole life, or simply stay at home. Option B is to go to the woods to worship God in their own way, or attend a church but never join it."
There’s a saying that goes, “If you’re not committed to anyone, then no one is committed to you.” Being joined to a local church body is beneficial, dare I say essential, to the well-being of the believer. As a church member, you will be regularly strengthened in your faith, exhorted to holy living, encouraged, supported, and prayed for by fellow members, and nurtured and ministered to by its leaders. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to contribute to the body and use your spiritual gifts for the benefit of God’s people.
Can you say you truly love Christ, if you care nothing for His church? As another writer points out in his book, Jesus Loves the Church and so should You , it's for the church that Jesus came to die, and the church for which He ever lives to intercede.
Johnson comments that the church is not supposed to be shaped and influenced by society, but is to be a "sanctifying influence" upon society. However, sadly, today's church has been greatly influenced by our culture, and it has resulted in a church that is weak and compromising both in its message and its lifestyle. It has sacrificed holiness for the sake of become worldly relevant. Johnson writes, "Once reaching man is more of a concern than glorifying Christ, then the pursuit of the church will be given to the method that is most effective in drawing people to church...That is, to overcome the secular culture's natural disdain for holiness, the church is tempted to take that which is holy and purposefully cover it with secular wrapping paper to make it more attractive to secular people who are shaped by secular values." Thus, the church begins to focus on "felt needs," "seeker sensitivity," and entertaining gimmicks to attract people.
On the other hand, the purpose of the church is glorify God, not to please men. He established the local church as a place for his people to worship Him together, to grow together, to build each other up in their faith, and to stimulate one another unto good works. The church's primary mission is to uphold truth and to equip believers to live and proclaim it. The author writes, "if churches want to get back to the biblical blueprint of how to worship God, then preaching must be placed back to its biblical priority!"
Jeffrey Johnson makes the following observation about the individualistic culture of our day:
"Today’s postmodern believer views the Christian life, for the most part, independently of the body of Christ…Viewing the church through the lens of ‘"self" leads people to judge a church based on how well the church meets their personal expectations [or needs, I would add]…This type of individualism, of course, is undermining church membership. With a low view of accountability, Christians have begun to believe that church membership is optional; a good thing maybe, but not a biblical necessity. Many people are content to church hop their whole life, or simply stay at home. Option B is to go to the woods to worship God in their own way, or attend a church but never join it."
There’s a saying that goes, “If you’re not committed to anyone, then no one is committed to you.” Being joined to a local church body is beneficial, dare I say essential, to the well-being of the believer. As a church member, you will be regularly strengthened in your faith, exhorted to holy living, encouraged, supported, and prayed for by fellow members, and nurtured and ministered to by its leaders. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to contribute to the body and use your spiritual gifts for the benefit of God’s people.
Can you say you truly love Christ, if you care nothing for His church? As another writer points out in his book, Jesus Loves the Church and so should You , it's for the church that Jesus came to die, and the church for which He ever lives to intercede.
November 19, 2019
Definitely worth the read
I came to this book with no prior knowledge of the author. I wanted a book that answered the questions posed in the title, and after seeing some of the recommendations, actually forked over money for it (something I never do). I'm quite glad I did. He was straightforward, biblical, and made some truly valid and timely points. I especially appreciated his chapter on worship in the church --really thought provoking and right on.
I came to this book with no prior knowledge of the author. I wanted a book that answered the questions posed in the title, and after seeing some of the recommendations, actually forked over money for it (something I never do). I'm quite glad I did. He was straightforward, biblical, and made some truly valid and timely points. I especially appreciated his chapter on worship in the church --really thought provoking and right on.
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January 9, 2018Concise and sobering message about the church and the issues we face, in understandable and short chapters. The author has a high view of church and reminds us that the truths of Scripture are sufficient for the Bride of Christ in every generation. A few quotes:
"One of the main problems, if not the main problem, behind today's anti-confessional Christianity is mysticism. Mysticism attempts to find meaning without definitions. It seeks an existential experience for self-validation or a personal experience 'that speaks to me' outside of Scripture." Doctrinal Standards of the Church, page 137
"The sick, the mournful, the dying and those who know they are lost are not looking for a cool Christianity or a message that has been contextualized to fit a Hollywood culture, but a gospel that is serious, sincere and unadorned. The old, plain gospel is still relevant to those who are perishing." The Culture and the Church, page 56
"Christian fellowship, nevertheless, seems to have lost its importance in the priorities of many church members--five minutes before and five minutes after the Sunday morning service seems to suffice...
Spiritual fellowship around Christ, however, is not something that can be neglected by either Christians or churches striving after the New Testament model...
True Christians love one another. They love the Lord, and thus desire to be around those who have the Lord living in their hearts."
"One of the main problems, if not the main problem, behind today's anti-confessional Christianity is mysticism. Mysticism attempts to find meaning without definitions. It seeks an existential experience for self-validation or a personal experience 'that speaks to me' outside of Scripture." Doctrinal Standards of the Church, page 137
"The sick, the mournful, the dying and those who know they are lost are not looking for a cool Christianity or a message that has been contextualized to fit a Hollywood culture, but a gospel that is serious, sincere and unadorned. The old, plain gospel is still relevant to those who are perishing." The Culture and the Church, page 56
"Christian fellowship, nevertheless, seems to have lost its importance in the priorities of many church members--five minutes before and five minutes after the Sunday morning service seems to suffice...
Spiritual fellowship around Christ, however, is not something that can be neglected by either Christians or churches striving after the New Testament model...
True Christians love one another. They love the Lord, and thus desire to be around those who have the Lord living in their hearts."
December 15, 2015
Ambiguous treatise on churches today
This book seems to want to define what a true church is, but seems to poorly try to defend why they are the true church and other churches that are different then what theirs is are not true churches.
There was a lot of ambiguity in their definitions. It's not how you dress for church, but how you dress matters. Its not the type of music a worship service has, but the type of music matters. God isn't interested in Christians caring about the poor, but caring about the poor is commendable.
In conclusion, if you read this book and see your particular church they way they describe a true church you will probably feel good about it. If you do not, you will unlikely find the book persuasive.
This book seems to want to define what a true church is, but seems to poorly try to defend why they are the true church and other churches that are different then what theirs is are not true churches.
There was a lot of ambiguity in their definitions. It's not how you dress for church, but how you dress matters. Its not the type of music a worship service has, but the type of music matters. God isn't interested in Christians caring about the poor, but caring about the poor is commendable.
In conclusion, if you read this book and see your particular church they way they describe a true church you will probably feel good about it. If you do not, you will unlikely find the book persuasive.
March 10, 2016
This book: why bother?
I wanted to find a way to give the book two star because the author does have some solid, but ver basic points to make. Unfortunately the rest of the book overwhelms these points. Filled with false dichotomies exaggerated extremes and straw men arguments, the book reads more like a rant against every innovation of the last 50 years than a treatise on the importance of the church. Perhaps most interesting is the authors dismissal of contextualized ministry with seemingly little recognition that the ecclesiology he espouses is itself the result of an earlier contextualized contemporary theology.
I wanted to find a way to give the book two star because the author does have some solid, but ver basic points to make. Unfortunately the rest of the book overwhelms these points. Filled with false dichotomies exaggerated extremes and straw men arguments, the book reads more like a rant against every innovation of the last 50 years than a treatise on the importance of the church. Perhaps most interesting is the authors dismissal of contextualized ministry with seemingly little recognition that the ecclesiology he espouses is itself the result of an earlier contextualized contemporary theology.
February 12, 2017
Muy bueno, importante para el crecimiento
En estos tiempos en que estamos viviendo en que la iglesia está haciendo atacada por muchas diferentes doctrinas este libro ayuda a enfocarnos en lo que en realidad es muy necesario yo recomiendo este libro si quieren aprender las funciones del iglesia
En estos tiempos en que estamos viviendo en que la iglesia está haciendo atacada por muchas diferentes doctrinas este libro ayuda a enfocarnos en lo que en realidad es muy necesario yo recomiendo este libro si quieren aprender las funciones del iglesia
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews