Vintage Church: Timeless Truths & Timely Methods

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Vintage Church: Timeless Truths & Timely Methods

by Mark Driscoll, Gerry Breshears, Johnny Heller (Goodreads Author) (Narrator)

3.91 of 5 stars 3.91 · rating details · 367 ratings · 26 reviews

Defines a biblical church as one that properly balances the eternal truths of Scripture with timely, relevant methods designed to engage the culture. The book in the popular Re:Lit series picks up where Vintage Jesus leaves off, beginning with a focus on the person and work of Jesus and then exploring the confessional, experiential, and missional aspects of his church. Thi...more

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Published June 1st 2009 by christianaudio Seed (first published December 23rd 2008)

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Aug 09, 2011 Chauncey Lattimer added it · review of another edition

Mark Driscoll & Gerry Breshears. Vintage Church: Timeless Truths and Timely Methods. Wheaton: Crossway Books, 2008. 336pp.

Mark Driscoll (pastor) and Dr. Gerry Breshears (professor/theologian) have joined once again to bring us Vintage Church: Timeless Truths and Timely Methods, the second “Vintage” title in the well-liked Re:Lit series. Many ‘church leadership’ books are lacking in that they are either all leadership philosophy/theology – with little or no hands-on practicality or they are ‘...more Mark Driscoll & Gerry Breshears. Vintage Church: Timeless Truths and Timely Methods. Wheaton: Crossway Books, 2008. 336pp.

Mark Driscoll (pastor) and Dr. Gerry Breshears (professor/theologian) have joined once again to bring us Vintage Church: Timeless Truths and Timely Methods, the second “Vintage” title in the well-liked Re:Lit series. Many ‘church leadership’ books are lacking in that they are either all leadership philosophy/theology – with little or no hands-on practicality or they are ‘how to’ manuals with little or no philosophical/theological foundation. Vintage Church overcomes that disparity by being exactly what it claims: “timeless truths and timely methods.” Questions are answered by means of the timeless truths of Scripture – such as the nature and mission of the church – and these truths are connected to timely (contemporary) methods for the 21st-century church.

The Preface of the book picks up where Vintage Jesus leaves off – focusing on the person and work of Jesus. It is here that Driscoll identifies the Christo-centric nature of their work: “Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to enable and empower Christians to continue his ministry on the earth, which is an overriding theme of this entire book” (9). He also identifies one of underlying beliefs and hope (as well as a general structure) for the book; i.e., that through “humility and discernment” the church will become “biblically rooted (prophetic/confessional), grace centered (priestly/experiential), and culturally connected (kingly/missional)” (11).

The basic organization for Vintage Church comes from twelve practical questions about church doctrine. According to Driscoll, it is his voice that is to be heard in the majority of the book, though admitting that many of the concepts (and editing) were provided by the professor – Gerry Breshears, as well as the writing of the “Answers to Common Questions…” sections found at the end of each chapter. Sequencing of the questions is accomplished in a very practical and developmental manner, as the authors begin by establishing the nature of the Christian life and defining the church, continue by laying out the leadership structure of the local church, the importance and necessity of preaching, and the meaning and practice of the sacraments of baptism and communion. This is followed by such ‘priestly/experiential’ topics as church unity, church discipline, and love. The final chapters are devoted to what is meant by ‘missional’ in terms of the call of the church, a statement/defense of the multi-site church philosophy (especially as utilized by Mars Hill Church), the use/misuse of technology in the church, and a look at how the church can transform the world.

There is far more to commend about the book than to criticize. This book is an excellent tool for all Christians who desire an understanding of the doctrine of the church from a biblical perspective, especially as it relates to recent developments in how the church is choosing to engage culture (emerging, emergent, missional, etc.). Those teaching an introductory course on ministry or the nature of the church would do well to consider using this as a part of the reauired reading. The writers have taken great care to provide biblical answers for each question raised, questions which are both relevant and pertinent. For instance, the chapter on church discipline (“What is Church Discipline?”) is both timely and much needed. As noted, most people only think of excommunication when they hear the words church discipline. The writers remind us: “Biblical discipline is, first and foremost, training.” They go on to provide a step-by-step biblical process, making the important distinction between formative and restorative discipline.

By way of criticism, and of particular note from the Stone-Campbell perspective, is a statement made regarding baptism. It should come as a surprise to read that the writers “stand more in the Reformed tradition and the teaching of John Calvin” (126). They have already written that the saved are “those who are saved by grace alone through faith alone in Jesus Christ alone without any false notion that they can in any way contribute to their salvation through human works such as morality, spirituality, or religious devotion (21). [Emphasis is mine.] Thus, when dealing with the necessity of baptism they make the rather bold statement, “Someone can be unbaptized and yet be a Christian who is destined for heaven” (119).

The biblical defense for such a statement is weak, to say the least. The approach is twofold: the thief on the cross was not baptized and the Philippian jailer, wherein they cite that Paul “did not mention baptism but simply said, ‘Believe in the Lord Jesus.’” The use of the thief on the cross is almost expected, but the Philippian jailer came as a surprise, especially since Luke will go on to record that “at that hour of the night… immediately he and all his family were baptized” (Acts 16:33). Driscoll does lessen the force of his statement by noting in the sentence that follows: “Nonetheless, even though one can be a Christian without being baptized, a Christian should be baptized” (119). In fact, he develops the fact that both Jesus and the apostles command us to be baptized. Thus, even in offering this criticism, the majority of the material dealing with baptism is first-rate and very biblical – including an excellent discussion as to the merits of credobaptism (believers’ baptism) as opposed to paedobaptism (infant baptism).

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Aug 08, 2011 Sean rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: the-church, in-my-office

Vintage Church can best be explained as a field manual on The Church. Chapters deal exhaustively with various issues associated with what the church is, what the church does, how the church does this or that, why the church does this or that, etc. Each point is well researched and well backed by Scripture with a lot of direct footnotes.

Reading this book can be exciting and encouraging, but you need to discern what is official and what is opinion. There are very many great resources, ideas, and t...more

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Jul 30, 2012 Jonathan rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I would have given the book an extra star but for the fact that Driscoll covers much of the subject matter in more detail in "Doctrine" and "On Church Leadership". By and large, the book is timely, well written and immediately useable. I think, however, toward the end of its pages, the author falls prey to his own preference for church location and method of interaction. While I would take nothing from Driscoll's thoughts on missional churches impacting culture, it seems to me to be incomplete a...more

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Jul 13, 2012 Alex rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: audiobooks

Vintage Church is classic Mark Driscoll (cowritten with Gary Breshears) - classic systematic evangelical theology delivered in a contemporary, relevant package. What I particularly like about Driscoll is he's unapologetic about defending a historic, biblical, evangelical faith. He is obviously familiar with church history, drawing on major Christian thinkers and coupled with a deep knowledge of Scripture writes with authority.

Driscoll grounds the church firmly in Christ and from there discusses...more

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May 11, 2011 Chris rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: christian

Vintage Churchis a very good book. In it pastors Mark Driscoll and Gerry Breshears present what they believe a church should be and do. The book answers 12 questions starting with what is Christian life and Christian Church, and ending with how can the Church transform the World. The answers to their questions are based in their understanding of the Bible, and they site the sources for their arguments. The arguments are easily understood, and the book is full of information.
I had ahardtime liste...more Vintage Church is a very good book. In it pastors Mark Driscoll and Gerry Breshears present what they believe a church should be and do. The book answers 12 questions starting with what is Christian life and Christian Church, and ending with how can the Church transform the World. The answers to their questions are based in their understanding of the Bible, and they site the sources for their arguments. The arguments are easily understood, and the book is full of information.
I had a hard time listening to the first chapter. Pastor Mark Dricoll wrote the most of main sections of the chapters, and I have listened to quite a few of his sermons. So, I could hear his style in those sections that he wrote. However, it was distracting that it was not voice that I was listening to. I did get used to it, and the content is very engaging and thought-provoking. So, the distraction was minor and passed quickly.
There were a few points that I disagreed with them on. For example, I believe and have heard very convincing arguments for observing the Sabbath on Saturday. With as much information as they cover, it would be odd if a person agrees with everything they say. Some of the information they cover seems to be targeted to pastors and church leaders. These chapters were not as interesting for me currently as I am not a leader in a church, and do not currently have much need to contemplate multi-campus strategies. It is good to know that the information is there.
This first time listening to the book I mostly listened while driving or packing, but I did take time after each chapter to ponder what they presented. It is not something I usually do, and I really like a book that requires that of me. I need to listen to the book again with a notepad and Bible so I can take notes and check the references given. I may need to purchase the print book, too. It would be good to have the print book not only to make it easier to check the references for their arguments, but also to look-up additional resources to further research the topics they cover. Which is easier for me to do when it is in print. I really enjoyed listening to the book. I am reviewing the book as part of the christianaudio.com review program.

Vintage Church: Timeless Truths and Timely Methods (RE: Lit: Vintage Jesus)(less)

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Aug 23, 2011 Tom Bazan rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: christian

Vintage Church is part of Driscoll and Breshears' Re:Lit group of books. Similar to Vintage Jesus, this has a bit of a textbook feel. Driscoll gets through a lot of topics very quickly. He doesn't waste a lot of time explaining things more than he needs to. He gives a lot of lists and groups. He doesn't mince words.

In summary, this book is about the body of Jesus Christ, the church. In each chapter, he looks at some of the issues that churches have to consider--many are doctrinal (such as the ro...more

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Jun 04, 2012 Ryan Rindels rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I would highly recommend every Christian read Vintage Church. There are so many aspects of the faith, and the church in general that are assumed and yet undefinable by most. What is the church of Jesus Christ? Why is church membership important? What about Church discipline? Mark Driscoll (and Gerry Breshears) answer these questions. Driscoll has a journalism background and it makes his writting easy to read. I appreciate the innovative aspects of his ministry at Mars Hill in Seattle. For instan...more

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Aug 04, 2011 Aaron Thomas added it · review of another edition

awesome stuff in here. It's a little dry at the beginning and Driscoll loves to use big words, but I have a man crush on this guy. It's one of those books where you can jump around b/c each chapter is a very independent subject. He's got some great stuff in here, particularly on "unity" and "church discipline".

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Dec 07, 2012 Dottie Parish rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: christian-non-fiction, church-renewal

This is an excellent book clearly describing what the church is and should be. Through out it exalts Jesus Christ as the head of the church. Chapter titles include: What is A Christian Church, Who is Supposed to Lead a Church? Why is Preaching Important?, How Can a Church be Unified? How Can a Church Utilize Technology? How Could the Church Transform the World?

In the chapter on church unity a detailed discussion of what divides the church including: heretics, pride, legalism, distrust, traditio...more

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Aug 11, 2011 Bill rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: ministry

I love the constant, plain, direct reference to the Bible as the way to define what church is. Driscoll is very comfortable in describing the current landscape, both of society in general and of the church. As usual, Driscoll's style is easy to read, which is an asset in this genre! Has significantly influenced how I'm thinking about church.

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Jun 03, 2009 Valerie rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

That's what I'm talking about. I love practitioners. Even if you don't agree with everything, you gotta love the relentless practicality and thoroughness... at least I do.

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May 23, 2013 Joel Blunt rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

One of the worst books I have ever read. The author makes zero attempts to prove any of his points. Driscoll's editor should not have allowed this to go to print.

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May 30, 2012 Jeremy Anderson rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Great content but can be difficult reading. Theology students and theo-nerds will dig it.

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Aug 11, 2011 Jared Totten rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: church-and-leadership

While the first half of the book deals with theological issues, the second half deals with more practical issues such as the use of media and interaction with the culture. A sound and thorough treatment of the idea of church. While it could have been split into two books, it was definitely a good read!

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Dec 01, 2010 Bobby Jones rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Great biblical perspective on the church!

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Apr 30, 2013 Cheryl Reber added it · review of another edition

Shelves: ministry

Great reference work in Driscoll style.

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Mar 09, 2009 Crystal rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Awesome! A must read.

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Dec 31, 2012 Job Dalomba rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: pastoral-ministry, theology

Really good

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Jun 01, 2009 Todd rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Love reading MD!

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Apr 12, 2010 Zach Gifford rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: everyone

Shelves: theology, church-ministry

This book, the second in the Vintage series by Mark Driscoll, looks at the church through the lens of Scripture and allows it to teach us what a church should look like.

I really appreciated the "fresh view" of a Scriptural view of church when so many people are trying to figure out the new way of doing things, or even turning away from church altogether. I definitely recommend this book to everyone who wants to be involved in the church.

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Jun 23, 2009 Jason rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2009

This was a great book that went over various aspects of the church and I, once again, found Mark Driscoll's writing very entertaining and enlightening.

If you are interested in finding out why churches do the things they do and having an inside look into the life of a church, check out this book.

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Jun 02, 2010 Aileen Benjamin rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: faith-related, non-fiction

I really enjoyed this book though it was not what I expected. I found the chapter on church unity especially encouraging and enlightening. Thanks again, Mark, for another clear, concise and helpful read.

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May 24, 2010 Peter Krol rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I didn't agree with everything, but I thought this was an excellent book on what the church is and does, written for the common man. Very, very practical and engaging.

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Oct 06, 2011 Tom rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I listened to this book after I downloaded it from audible. Pastor Driscoll brought up some interesting points. Worth a read/listen.

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Nov 18, 2011 Jonathan Render rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This a good book and if you have read vintage Jesus you should read vintage church. these two books go hand and hand.

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Dec 24, 2012 Tyler Hurst rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Just not very good. I would recommend several other books instead.

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Jun 17, 2013 Steve Hofstede rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Jun 14, 2013 Travis Carlstrom marked it as to-read · review of another edition

Jun 13, 2013 Shane Mcgrath added it · review of another edition

Jun 13, 2013 Jim Essian added it · review of another edition

Shelves: ebook, book, religion, general, christian, church

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About Mark Driscoll

Mark A. Driscoll is the founder and teaching pastor of Mars Hill Church in Seattle, Washington, as well as the co-founder of the Acts 29 Church Planting Network where he also served as President for a short period. Driscoll continues to serve on the board of Acts 29. He has contributed to the "Faith and Values" section of the Seattle Times and the "On Faith" section of the Washington Post.

More about Mark Driscoll...

Books by Mark Driscoll

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Doctrine: What Christians Should Believe

Vintage Jesus: Timeless Answers to Timely Questions

Confessions of a Reformission Rev.: Hard Lessons from an Emerging Missional Church

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