Order from a Major Online Bookstore
Ultimate Book Price Comparison Engine
Save Your Time And Money
| AnyBook4Less.com | Order from a Major Online Bookstore |
|
| Home | Store List | FAQ | Contact Us | | ||
| Ultimate Book Price Comparison Engine Save Your Time And Money |
||
 |
Title: Outgrowing the Ingrown Church by C. John Miller ISBN: 0-310-28411-2 Publisher: Zondervan Publishing Company Pub. Date: 07 November, 1986 Format: Paperback Volumes: 1 List Price(USD): $12.99 |
Average Customer Rating: 4.5 (2 reviews)
Rating: 4
Summary: A Challenging Book
Comment:
I finished this book almost ten days ago and have not yet been able to write a satisfactory review of it. I began several times, but each time found I was missing some important aspect of it. I believe the source of my trouble is that I read this book only after reading many others that came after. If I had read this book when it was published (1986) I would seen it as groundbreaking. But today, when we are surrounded by books on the principles of church growth, this book does not seem to have much new to add.
One thing that is unique about this book is that it was written by a Presbyterian pastor who also taught at Westminster Theological Seminary. Though church growth and large churches are generally associated with evangelicalism, this book details the rise of a large Reformed church. Also, this book deals with outgrowing an existing church whereas many newer books that discuss church growth do so from a church-planting perspective.
The book traces John C. Miller's growing awareness of the problem of ingrownness in his calling as a pastor. Naturally his church was only as good as its leader and it also suffered from ingrownness. We see the discoveries the pastor made that led him to outgrowing his ingrown church. The author's journey began with a breakdown as he grew frustrated with his church and with being a pastor, so left the ministry. During a time of searching he came to realize that as pastor he was the source of the problem and to build his church into one motivated to carry out the Great Commission he would need to make changes. He details this journey and in so doing challenges others to discover the power of God rather than attempting to abide in their own power and with their own resources.
Though a good book full of solid teaching, I believe it would best serve as an introduction to church growth and to outgrowing a stagnant church. If you have read other books on the subject this many not excite you very much. Those wary of evangelicalism may also find comfort in the fact that this is written from a Reformed perspective. When it comes to specifics about church growth there have been many books written since this one that will probably prove more useful.
Rating: 5
Summary: Challenged to Change
Comment: In C. John Miller's book, Outgrowing the Ingrown Church,I found an answer to why the Church seems lacking in vitality and growth. Miller explains this as a failure of an ingrown Church to accept the challenge of living out its missionary purpose. I was amazed to find myself taking on the ingrownness of my own Church, renewing our vision, and leading us through the trials that followed with greater spiritual energy and deeper contentment that I'd ever known. Though I first read this book eight years ago, I continue to go back to soak up Miller's message. I encourage anyone who cares about the Church to read this book. You will find yourself saying "yes, yes!" as Miller renews your passion for the Church's great mission.
 |
Title: Ministries of Mercy: The Call of the Jericho Road by Timothy J. Keller ISBN: 0875522173 Publisher: P & R Publishing Pub. Date: 01 August, 1997 List Price(USD): $10.99 |
 |
Title: Worship by the Book by D. A. Carson, Mark Ashton, R. Kent Hughes, Timothy J. Keller ISBN: 0310216257 Publisher: Zondervan Publishing Company Pub. Date: 01 September, 2002 List Price(USD): $16.99 |
 |
Title: Planting New Churches in a Postmodern Age by Ed Stetzer ISBN: 0805427309 Publisher: Broadman & Holman Publishers Pub. Date: 01 June, 2003 List Price(USD): $27.99 |
 |
Title: Purpose-Driven® Church, The by Rick Warren ISBN: 0310201063 Publisher: Zondervan Publishing Company Pub. Date: 27 November, 1995 List Price(USD): $19.99 |
 |
Title: Equipping Church, The by Sue Mallory ISBN: 0310240670 Publisher: Zondervan Publishing Company Pub. Date: 01 October, 2001 List Price(USD): $21.99 |
Thank you for visiting www.AnyBook4Less.com and enjoy your savings!
Copyright� 2001-2021 Send your comments
