A CHURCH AFTER GOD'S HEART

This book demonstrates a strong connection between two most essential aspects of church life: Small Ministry Groups and the Priesthood of All Believers. These two elements are a most effective ‘instrument’ used by the Holy Spirit to transform local churches into glowing and growing churches that are presently stagnating and even declining. It explains why, throughout the centuries, the institutional church has hindered church growth and the mission of the church. The present postmodern period has contributed to the decline in church attendance in Europe, and to a lesser degree in North America. It also describes how two important Reformation movements have demonstrated that churches, consisting small groups, can have a significant impact on society. Attention is called for the need to organize the local church in such a way that her institutional character is balanced with her (historically lost) organic character. This requires leadership that understands changing times and cooperation with a growing and emancipated laity, strongly grounded in the Word of God. Churches are also encouraged to think in terms of a global church that’s facing increasingly difficult times and growing pressures. This book is good for personal reflection, small-group discussions and edification of the church.