More Than Spectators: Fulfilling Your Role in the Local Church

by Paul W Downey PH.D. M.Min.

More than Spectators by Paul Downey explains how Christians can fulfill their role in the local church. Since God expects our total commitment to a local church, it is our responsibility to get involved and become more than a spectator. Pastors will not develop righteousness in the members of their congregations by pandering to their every desire. If they want the righteousness of Christ to be seen in the congregation, pastors must emphasize Christian responsibilities. Downey examines questions about true worship, personal Bible study, prayer, financial commitments, outreach ministries and missions, and much more.

251 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2002

Reviews

[Aaron Downs · Rating 1 out of 5]

I admit that I sped-read this book, and by speed read I mean that I spent an hour quickly reading through the gist of each chapter. However, I will attempt to give a fair and charitable treatment to this book. I expected it to be a book that biblically defined church membership and the responsibilities of the church member. The first section of the book did a decent job of fulfilling that purpose. However, the rest of the book was basically a commentary on Dr. Downey's church's covenant. This covenant appears to be similar to the New Hampshire Confession of Faith, so it holds a strong, conservative Baptist influence. This influence is not a bad thing, especially if you agree with everything in this particular covenant! However, he takes on some hefty topics such as social drinking and the use of contemporary music in worship that is difficult to deal with in such a short book. As a book educating and encouraging readers in church membership and involvement, I give it one star. As a book commentating on his church's covenant, I give him 4 stars because he does explain how their covenant ought to affect a holding members daily life.

[Michael Miller · Rating 2 out of 5]

I agree with Paul Downey, but I don't like his book. It's a somewhat feeble attempt to justify his own traditions (most of which I share). As an example of the weak reasoning of the book, take chapter 4, "Is it necessary for me to join a local church?" His analysis is riddled with terms such as "seems (multiple times), likely, evidently, implies, probably, must have been, would be helpful." From this cocktail of assumptions and possibilities he draws conclusions that are certain. His whole argument is shaky and comes off as a desperate attempt to baptize his beliefs with Scripture whether it fits or not. Chapter 17, "Abstaining from Intoxicants," is truly awful. Having leveled these criticisms, I still must say that I could recommend the book overall. Just read with care and examine his argument carefully.

[Andy]

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