Serving in the church takes more than zeal: it needs an understanding of what the church is and wisdom for shepherding. From true fellowship and the marks of a healthy church, to the leader's character and prayer, the pastor's charge and the pulpit, and finally outward to evangelism and disciple-making. Best read and discussed together as a ministry team.
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Life TogetherBegin at the foundation: Christian community is God's gift, not our ideal. Bonhoeffer wrote this in an underground seminary under the Nazis. Think of your own small group or ministry team as you read.About this book → -
Nine Marks of a Healthy ChurchThen the whole church: measured not by numbers and programmes but by faithfulness to Scripture. Use the nine marks as a mirror and discuss them one by one.About this book → -
Spiritual LeadershipNext, the leader: spiritual leadership is service and self-denial. Sanders led the China Inland Mission; many of his examples come from missionary lives, and he is candid about the costs of leading.About this book → -
Power Through Prayer Coming soonWhere does a leader's strength come from? Bounds reminds every servant that God uses not better methods but praying people. Before learning to shepherd and preach, return to the place of prayer. -
The Reformed PastorThen the shepherd's charge: Baxter calls the pastor first to watch over his own soul, then to care for each household personally. Many pastors reread it every year.About this book → -
Preaching and PreachersThen the pulpit: after thirty years in London, Lloyd-Jones lectured seminarians on preaching — not rhetorical technique but God speaking through a person set on fire by the truth. A challenge to everyone who teaches God's Word, in the pulpit or in a small group.About this book → -
The Master Plan of EvangelismFinally, outward: after five books on building up the church, this one turns outward. Coleman studies how Jesus chose, stayed with, trained and sent his disciples. The church's calling is to raise up disciples who make disciples.About this book →