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The Master's Plan for the Church
It is absolutely essential that a church perceive itself as an institution for the glory of God.And to do that, claims John MacArthur, the local church must adhere unfalteringly to biblical leadership principles. Christ never intended church leadership to be earned by seniority, purchased with money, or inherited through family ties. He never compared church leaders to governing monarchs, but rather to humble shepherds. Not to slick celebrities, but to laboring servants. Drawing from some of the best-received material on church leadership, John MacArthur guides the church with crucial, effective lessons in leadership. This book is valuable not only for pastors and elders, but for anyone else who wants the church to be what God intended it to be.
288 pages, Paperback
First published May 9, 1991
95 people are currently reading
371 people want to read
About the author
John F. MacArthur Jr.
1,344 books1,979 followersJohn F. MacArthur, Jr. was a United States Calvinistic evangelical writer and minister, noted for his radio program entitled Grace to You and as the editor of the Gold Medallion Book Award-winning MacArthur Study Bible. MacArthur was a fifth-generation pastor, a popular author and conference speaker, and served as pastor-teacher of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California beginning in 1969, as well as President of The Master’s College (and the related Master’s Seminary) in Santa Clarita, California.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
November 21, 2020
Macarthur provides an in-depth look at every aspect of the church, and how it should be handled biblically. There are a few times where his reasoning is based on his own experience rather than Scripture first and foremost.
August 28, 2022
Detailed book about what the church is and it answers many practical questions with strong, biblical answers.
August 6, 2022
Despite my love of John MacArthur’s preaching, I do not read many of his books. However, this book was a worthy read.
The book is classic JMac, in the best way of saying. The Master’s Plan for the Church is written as a manual, warning, and word of encouragement for every pastor, every leader, every congregant—every Christian. MacArthur walks through virtually every issue, question, task, purpose, objection, and teaching of ecclesiology as it pertains particularly to the local church. If anything, this book is the standard read for what a local church is, and why the local church matters.
The book is really just the Bible’s teaching on the subject of the local church, but has with it MacArthur’s personal insight and experience from his own pastoral ministry that greatly helps add some applicable color and flavor to the doctrine within the text of Scripture he’s pointing the reader to.
It’s hard not to overstate the value this book is for every Christian to understand the local church, and why/how they are to be involved in the life and ministry of the local church. This current generation of Christians would do well to read this excellent resource.
The book is classic JMac, in the best way of saying. The Master’s Plan for the Church is written as a manual, warning, and word of encouragement for every pastor, every leader, every congregant—every Christian. MacArthur walks through virtually every issue, question, task, purpose, objection, and teaching of ecclesiology as it pertains particularly to the local church. If anything, this book is the standard read for what a local church is, and why the local church matters.
The book is really just the Bible’s teaching on the subject of the local church, but has with it MacArthur’s personal insight and experience from his own pastoral ministry that greatly helps add some applicable color and flavor to the doctrine within the text of Scripture he’s pointing the reader to.
It’s hard not to overstate the value this book is for every Christian to understand the local church, and why/how they are to be involved in the life and ministry of the local church. This current generation of Christians would do well to read this excellent resource.
July 11, 2021
"The Master's Plan for the Church" by John F. MacArthur Jr.
I have had to think long and hard about what rating I give this and why.
I got this book in 2009 when I was right into all JFM's work, why? because it gave black/white answers to every question. (4 stars for that)
This book is pitched as being a text-book on the topic of local church. And yes it is ... (another 4 stars) from a staunch Calvanistic Reformed worldview (which is where he clearly stands, credit to him for being up front [3 stars], but by implication everything else is supposedly wrong... [no stars for that]).
Lots of great stuff about the koine Greek and etymology and the broad scope of the Scriptural landscape (yep, 4 stars).
But ultimately the brutal dismissal of women in leadership just puts him on the wrong side of history (-6 stars), and from there on his obtrusive repulsion towards other demographics puts him at odds with most of humanity (a further -6 stars),... which only makes him and his followers more snug in their convictions that they must be right (-2 stars).
Dear reader: eat the meat, spit out the bones.
[total tally = 1 star]
I have had to think long and hard about what rating I give this and why.
I got this book in 2009 when I was right into all JFM's work, why? because it gave black/white answers to every question. (4 stars for that)
This book is pitched as being a text-book on the topic of local church. And yes it is ... (another 4 stars) from a staunch Calvanistic Reformed worldview (which is where he clearly stands, credit to him for being up front [3 stars], but by implication everything else is supposedly wrong... [no stars for that]).
Lots of great stuff about the koine Greek and etymology and the broad scope of the Scriptural landscape (yep, 4 stars).
But ultimately the brutal dismissal of women in leadership just puts him on the wrong side of history (-6 stars), and from there on his obtrusive repulsion towards other demographics puts him at odds with most of humanity (a further -6 stars),... which only makes him and his followers more snug in their convictions that they must be right (-2 stars).
Dear reader: eat the meat, spit out the bones.
[total tally = 1 star]
April 12, 2020
Excellent high level overview of the Biblical plan for operating a church. It covers the church's priorities, purpose, agenda, polity, as well as some practical wisdom on how to accomplish these things. My only complaint would be that it is a bit too brief at times when more explanation might be beneficial. Much of the missing detail, though not all, is covered in the 11(!) appendixes. The subject matter is organized topically following a "body" analogy, which is a bit strange. Highly recommended for church leaders who wish to follow a biblical model for the church.
January 8, 2025
Prior to reading this book I (unknowingly) had misunderstood what the purpose of the church was. I noticed the trend at church to act more like a business or a country club than a church and decisions were made at church that often had me scratching my head but...after reading this book MacArthur helped me to understand biblically what the Church is truly all about.
Read this book. Then grab a copy of your church by-laws and the Bible and compare them to see if your church leaders know what God's plan for the church is.
Read this book. Then grab a copy of your church by-laws and the Bible and compare them to see if your church leaders know what God's plan for the church is.
September 27, 2017
This text is for those looking for a detailed discussion of what God's Word says deacons and elders. MacArthur also highlights the importance of expository preaching in a biblical church. A number of appendices provide the reader with even more, including a FAQ on elders and deacons. Excellent as always, and highly recommended.
January 14, 2024
Great start for those who want to learn about biblical ecclesiology as a practice in Grace Community Church! One can benefit especially from chapters that is focused on biblical expository preaching and how it worked in Grace Church, encouraging people to do the same.
January 31, 2026
Read in Romanian with quite a decent translation by Cristian Rau!
Although there are a couple of minor issues where I have a different understanding I strongly recommend this comprehensive treaty on Church written by one of the best contemporary pastors and authors!
Although there are a couple of minor issues where I have a different understanding I strongly recommend this comprehensive treaty on Church written by one of the best contemporary pastors and authors!
June 8, 2017
Few books cover such a vast topic so thoroughly with such efficient economy of words. Profitable read for laymen and church leader alike.
May 21, 2020
La estructura de la iglesia debe ser como indica este libro maravilloso, no hay más. Revelador y poderoso.
October 21, 2021
Excellent.
May 4, 2022
The book explained the blueprint for the church's organization. How ministers could be categorized and what qualifications they needed to have to ministers congregation.
July 22, 2022
One of Dr. MacArthur's "meatiest" books. A thorough treatment of the subject and well worth the time.
January 5, 2023
Good.
Repetitive.
Repetitive.
January 22, 2023
Solid. Plain handling of the issues which is to its credit. What I would expect from JMac.
February 2, 2014
This book answers the question of what is the church and how to do church. The strength of the book is that it sticks to the Scripture for the answer. It’s important that if the church is God’s institution, one must consider first what God has revealed His will from His Word before any other consideration. The author, John MacArthur, has a reputation of being a solid expositional Bible preacher who desires to be faithful to the Word of God in his teaching. This work is a fine example of him applying it to the question of the church. Yet the book is not a dry academic exercise: I felt that among all of MacArthur’s work, this one seems to me to be the most pastoral. There are bits and pieces of information given throughout the book that gave a window of the life of Grace Community Church, the church where MacArthur has pastured for over forty years. It was also an encouraging work for me to read as a Pastor who desires to please God in how I lead the church. Other members of the church will benefit from reading it as well.
The book is divided into three parts followed by the appendixes. Part one of the book explains the anatomy of the church in terms of the illustration of a human body, with a chapter on the skeletal structure, then one on the internal system, the muscle and the head of the church. Part two looks at the dynamic of the church. Among the chapters I appreciated in this section is MacArthurs’ look at the epistles to the Thessalonians for a biblical model of doing church and the chapter on the marks of an effective church. Chapter thirteen has a wonderful section on the shepherd and the sheep. It is one of the most detailed explanations about sheep I have found in my reading and it certainly illuminates the Bible’s motif of sheep/shepherd. It’s clear John MacArthur has done his homework. Finally, part three looks at the qualities of an excellent servant with three chapters.
The bulk of the appendixes is devoted to the topic of Elders and Deacons of the Church. John MacArthur puts a lot of emphasis on the moral and spiritual qualification of the leaders of the church (Elders, Pastors, Deacons) and rightly so, since this is the emphasis in the New Testament. The appendix on church discipline and restoring a believer is one that the church sorely needs to understand and apply today. If I have one minor criticism of the book it comes from the observation that the appendix makes up nearly half of the book. Maybe it’s better that the publishers call them chapters instead of appendixes given how some of them are longer than the chapters? Excellent work.
The book is divided into three parts followed by the appendixes. Part one of the book explains the anatomy of the church in terms of the illustration of a human body, with a chapter on the skeletal structure, then one on the internal system, the muscle and the head of the church. Part two looks at the dynamic of the church. Among the chapters I appreciated in this section is MacArthurs’ look at the epistles to the Thessalonians for a biblical model of doing church and the chapter on the marks of an effective church. Chapter thirteen has a wonderful section on the shepherd and the sheep. It is one of the most detailed explanations about sheep I have found in my reading and it certainly illuminates the Bible’s motif of sheep/shepherd. It’s clear John MacArthur has done his homework. Finally, part three looks at the qualities of an excellent servant with three chapters.
The bulk of the appendixes is devoted to the topic of Elders and Deacons of the Church. John MacArthur puts a lot of emphasis on the moral and spiritual qualification of the leaders of the church (Elders, Pastors, Deacons) and rightly so, since this is the emphasis in the New Testament. The appendix on church discipline and restoring a believer is one that the church sorely needs to understand and apply today. If I have one minor criticism of the book it comes from the observation that the appendix makes up nearly half of the book. Maybe it’s better that the publishers call them chapters instead of appendixes given how some of them are longer than the chapters? Excellent work.
July 23, 2015
I really appreciate Mr. MacArthur's commitment to preaching the Word of God and for encouraging others to do the same. He is not afraid to buck the trends, and I think this is exactly what the church in general needs more of. You can call him old-fashioned or you can call him conservative, but his encouragement to preach and teach and live by the Bible is a welcomed relief from the modern trends that would have you question Biblical fundamentals and foundations. Mr. MacArthur's review of God's plan for the church is refreshing, indeed.
With all the praise, why not 5 stars? For one, it's the constant plugging of his church. I understand that it is easier (and safer) to write about your own church, as opposed to someone else's church, but still, the plugging got annoying after some time. I don't believe he intended to hold up his own church as a perfect example, but it sure felt that way after a while.
Despite the chest-thumping, this book is well worth the read and might help to invigorate church leadership if they take Mr. MacArthur's advice.
With all the praise, why not 5 stars? For one, it's the constant plugging of his church. I understand that it is easier (and safer) to write about your own church, as opposed to someone else's church, but still, the plugging got annoying after some time. I don't believe he intended to hold up his own church as a perfect example, but it sure felt that way after a while.
Despite the chest-thumping, this book is well worth the read and might help to invigorate church leadership if they take Mr. MacArthur's advice.
November 15, 2016
Excellent book about the church.
A book that every Christian needs to read. I highly recommend that every church encourage each of their members to read this book. Every Christian and church leader needs to read this book to have a comprehensive understanding of the church.
This is an excellent resource to work through in a mid-week Bible study context (provided all your members faithfully attend Bible study) or in a Bible hour after the main church service. Either way, encourage member in your care to read this book
A book that every Christian needs to read. I highly recommend that every church encourage each of their members to read this book. Every Christian and church leader needs to read this book to have a comprehensive understanding of the church.
This is an excellent resource to work through in a mid-week Bible study context (provided all your members faithfully attend Bible study) or in a Bible hour after the main church service. Either way, encourage member in your care to read this book
November 23, 2013
Done. Finally. Probably not going back to this book. I really enjoyed the first four chapters and then it felt a bit repetitive to me after that. A lot of good nuggets in the later chapters, but I had a hard time finding them for all the repetition. Also, J Mac uses a lot of contractions and less flowery language, which bothers me, for some reason, in a theological book.
February 21, 2016
Encouraging book. It takes you to the scripture to give answers to the leadership and congregational challenges of the church today.
It focuses on the bible as the source of information on the life of the church. It is a reference material that needs to be read by those who want their churches to conform to the desire of the Master.
It focuses on the bible as the source of information on the life of the church. It is a reference material that needs to be read by those who want their churches to conform to the desire of the Master.
August 21, 2010
Como la iglesia esta pensada e ideada por Dios desde la perspectiva bíblica. Desde el gobierno, y sus "ciudadanos", como cada uno es parte integral de la iglesia, y no solo integral sino activa. Respuestas a muchos interrogantes actuales sobre diáconos, ancianos, pastores. Un buen libro.
June 5, 2013
A valuable book that captures the high calling of pastoral ministry and the specifics of biblical church life. Its stand-out appeal is MacArthur's sobering call for pastors to be their congregation's examples of morality and devotion to Christ.
December 1, 2008
Excellent ecclesiology book. His chapter on the requirements for elders and deacons are especially helpful, and provocative.
March 27, 2015
The appendices were the most helpful part.
May 31, 2018
This is my second time reading this book, and I still think that it is a solid read on what the church is and how it should function.
Read
July 10, 2024Excellent, important, succinct content, but weakened at times by the stilted, monotone writing style that normally accompanied Macarthur’s books.
Read
April 17, 2009The Master's Plan for the Church by John F. MacArthur (?)
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews