Key Traits of a Healthy Church to Develop within the Local Body
What is an ideal church, and how can you tell? How does it look different from other churches? More importantly, how does it act differently, especially in society? Many of us arent sure how to answer those questions, even though we probably have some preconceived ideas. This book answers those questions and many more.
Author Mark Dever seeks to help believers recognize the key characteristics of a healthy church: expositional preaching, biblical theology, and a right understanding of the gospel. Dever then calls us to develop those characteristics in our own churches. By following the example of New Testament authors and addressing all members of the church, pastors and laity alike, Dever challenges all believers to do their part in maintaining the local church. Part of the 9Marks Building Healthy Churches series, What Is a Healthy Church? offers timeless truths and practical principles to help each of us fulfill our God-given roles in the body of Christ.
Offers an Ideal Church Model: Encourages pastors and members to implement healthy church qualities within their local body Written by Mark Dever: Pastor, bestselling author, and president of 9Marks From 9Marks: Other titles in the Building Healthy Churches series include Church Discipline; Deacons; and Church Membership Replaces ISBN 978-1-58134-937-5
Series Preface
Preface: A Parable
Introduction: What Are You Looking for in a Church?
Part 1: What Is a Healthy Church?
Chapter 1: Your Christianity and Your Church
Chapter 2: What a Church Is . . . and Isnt
Chapter 3: What Every Church Should Aspire to Be: Healthy
Chapter 4: The Ultimate How-to Guide: How to Display Gods Character
Quick Tips: If You're Thinking about Leaving a Church . . .
Part 2: Essential Marks of a Healthy Church
Chapter 5: Expositional Preaching
Chapter 6: Gospel Doctrine
Quick Tips: How to Find a Good Church
Part 3: Important Marks of a Healthy Church
Chapter 7: A Biblical Understanding of Conversion and Evangelism
Chapter 8: A Biblical Understanding of Membership
Chapter 9: Biblical Church Discipline
Chapter 10: Biblical Discipleship and Growth
Chapter 11: Biblical Church Leadership
Chapter 12: A Biblical Understanding and Practice of Prayer
Chapter 13: A Biblical Understanding and Practice of Missions
Conclusion: Where the Rubber Meets the Road
Appendix: A Typical Covenant of a Healthy Church
Special Thanks
General Index
Scripture Index
Mark Dever (PhD, Cambridge University) is the senior pastor of Capitol Hill Baptist Church in Washington, DC, and president of 9Marks (9Marks.org). Dever has authored over a dozen books and speaks at conferences nationwide. He lives in Washington, DC, with his wife, Connie, and they have two adult children.
