A Biblically Functioning Church: A Practical Guide to Biblical Church Polity

by M. Keith Foskey

The modern church is often driven by trends, traditions, and pragmatism. A Biblically Functioning Church argues that Christ has not left His bride without instruction. Scripture is the church's only infallible rule, and therefore it must govern her structure, leadership, worship, and mission. This book serves as a theological and practical guide to ecclesiology covering elders and deacons, the complementary roles of men and women, the proper understanding of spiritual gifts, and the active responsibility of the congregation in ministry and generosity. The aim is to call the church back to biblical faithfulness and to show that things are always better when they function by God's design.

158 pages, Paperback

Published April 28, 2026

Reviews

[Zack Slate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Foskys humorous bits on social media are what put his work on my radar. After watching a few, I ran across some of this serious clips. This is where I found he knows how to not only have fun, but that he also has serious solid roots too. Biblical roots, not the “Hebrews Roots” movement… (my attempt for humor)

This book was super easy to read. It was concise and covered a lot of ground. Dr. Fosky provided scripture references and arguments for and against a variety of topics. He points to scripture, not opinion, as the basis for church government, function, ministry, and giving, etc. It was well done. I’d love to see this book get into the hands of church leaders and members. The chapters on church discipline and giving were absolutely wonderful.

If you attend a church with a “board”, needs direction, or is unhealthy, this will be a great primer book to read and share with leadership. Once you get a glimpse of Biblical structure and leadership you can’t unsee it. After all, a God designed order is beautiful and works! This would be a great book study for current and aspiring church leaders and a wonderful sermon series.

For deeper reading on Eldership I’d also recommend The Shepherd Leader by Timothy Witmer and Biblical Eldership by Alexander Strauch

Thanks Dr. Foskey. Keep up the good work!

[Manoly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read. Learned a lot. Having attended non traditional or reformed churches, I didn’t understand how a church should properly functioned. It’s typically been one guy at the top making all the important decisions. I can truly appreciate the benefit of a plurality of leaders.

[Adam Kareus · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short but good book to get people to start thinking about church through a biblical lens. Too often we are ruled by tradition and pragmatism, but we need to church to be built and run on the firm foundation of the Word of God.