Do We Have a Policy for Church Health and Growth?

by Peter Masters

What are our aims for the shaping of our church fellowship, and for its growth? Do we have an agenda or framework of desired objectives? The apostle Paul had a very definite policy, and called it his ‘purpose’, using a Greek word which means - a plan or strategy displayed for all to see. This book sets out ten policy ideals, gleaned from Paul’s teaching, all of which are essential for the health and growth of a congregation today.

93 pages, Paperback

First published February 2, 2002

About the author

Peter Masters has served as Minister of the Metropolitan Tabernacle in central London since 1970 and founded the evangelical newspaper Evangelical Times in 1967. He directs the School of Theology, an annual conference for pastors and Christian workers, and initiated the London Reformed Baptist Seminary in 1976, now offering online studies. Masters edits the international magazine Sword & Trowel, continuing the legacy of Charles Spurgeon, and has authored over 30 books translated into at least 28 languages. His sermons have been broadcast on UK and international channels, emphasizing regular Gospel preaching, ministerial separation from non-evangelical churches, cessationism regarding sign gifts, and opposition to Darwinism, supporting a young Earth creationist perspective.

Reviews

[Kevin]

At the principle level I agree with many of Masters’ points, yet when it comes to application of these principles he goes much further than I would. I think having more trust in God’s people as regenerated children of God who are being guided by the Spirit would be good for Masters, rather than being skeptical of any influence outside of his own church. He’s also quite negative about the state of Christianity in the modern era, speaking quite often of the Church as being “ravaged”, “overtaken” or “destroyed” by some outside force. We must remember that Christ promised that the gates of hell would never prevail against his bride.

The chapter on being a loving church, on the other hand, is quite edifying.

[Peter Pinyol]

Que gran bendición ha sido releer este libro, me ha hecho acordar nuevamente el verdadero sentir de un pastor hacia su iglesia. Sólo el corazón de un pastor puede entender plenamene lo que este libro comparte. Es relativamente fácil dirigir un estudio bíblico al rededor de una mesa con personas interesadas en aprender de la Biblia, pero cuan imposible se hace humanamente dirigir a una iglesia y mantener el timón marcando el rumbo fijo. Alguien me criticó de predicar demasiado "apasionadamente" y que debería más bien discursar hablando a los hermanos, pero como puede uno no tener pasión delante de las grandes verdades Bíblcias? TAl vez el problema sea que algunos en vez de tener sangre tienen orchata en sus venas espirituales y prefieren el neutralismo antes que contender ardientemente por la verdad. Yo quiero que nuestra iglesia sea una iglesia que adorara, que ora, una iglesia santificada, una iglesia que trabaja, una iglesia que aprende, una iglesia evangelista, una iglesia separada, una iglesia sacrificial, una iglesia que ame una iglesia que cree. Ese es el tipo de pastorado que deseo continuar llevando.

[Zachary Houghton]

Dr. Masters goes to the New Testament to examine that question many a pastor and church planter has asked--"What sort of church are we?" Masters looks at the picture for the church we see in Scripture--his chapters on "A Working Church" and "A Praying Church" were especially convicting.

This is a short book, easy to read, but I cannot recommend it highly enough. It got me really thinking through some aspects of the church that never really occurred to me. Whether you are coming to a new church, an elder prayerfully considering the direction of the church, or a church planter, taking those first steps, this is an important book to have on your (very) short list. So many books will inundate you with gimmicks and growth strategies, but here, the emphasis is on "What Do We See In The Bible?", and that beats every coaching seminar, "200 Threshold Breaker" program, and workshop tie-in on the planet.

[Tim]

This should be required reading for all pastors and elders of churches. Masters' work is based upon biblical guidance for the life and ministry of local churches. Not another gimmick and show instruction manual filled with methods of modern church growth experts, Masters' gives the biblical view of church life, ministry and operation. Provided also are recommended titles by the author for further study on various subjects covered. Peter Masters has been Pastor of Metropolitan Tabernacle in London, England for forty-nine years. Metropolitan Tabernacle was founded around 1650, was bombed twice in World War II and was about to close permanently in the early 1970's. Through biblical guidance and the work of God's people, empowered with Scripture and the Spirit of God, the church today is a large congregation with multiple ministries and Sunday schools throughout London. Its influence is felt internationally, as well, through its missions and training programs.

[Casey Kuhlman]

Convicting. Challenging. Biblical. A good little book to re-read throughout the year.

[Germaine Andrew]

Good outline of a pattern church great read for any church leader or minister. Challenging to personal holiness also