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Life in the Body of Christ
Practical, biblical instruction on a wide range of issues involving individual and corporate participation and responsibility in the life of a local church.
276 pages, Paperback
First published July 31, 2006
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
April 15, 2025
read through in small group. very short chapters. some (trivial) examples used were outdated now. overall content informative!
July 27, 2023
This book provides simple, straightforward, and concise advice on how, why, when, and where to be involved in your church body. Although it can be a bit simplistic and is at times outdated, it is helpful, godly advice that is supported directly by verse references and quotes. I highly recommend it for any church member—whether seasoned or brand new, a person in any walk of life could glean much from this book.
November 23, 2019
A very good read, especially for the younger pastor who is beginning to recognize he is out of his depth ("who is sufficient for these things?") and is willing to learn from an old hand. I will give my copy to a younger man.
May 9, 2012
If you are looking for a short, concise description of what a church member should be doing, then this book is for you. The chapters are brief, spanning on average two pages—there are a little over 50 chapters, then, and as you can imagine, the topics it discusses range very wide from salvation to prayer to dismissing a pastor. Each chapter has a verse quotation, a discussion of the topic at hand, questions for personal reflection/application, questions for group reflection/application, and a suggested verse for memorization. Simple, straight forward, and practical.
Book thesis: It is hoped that the work will be suggestive and will provide practical ways in which members can better serve their congregations and, ultimately, be better servants of our Lord.
The thesis is supported throughout, revealing the various ways that a church member can (or rather should) be involved with their local congregation. Coming to the end of the book, you will no longer wonder, “What is expected of me?” Provided, of course, that you agree with Thomas’ explanation of what the Bible expects of all believers. I know of several pastors who use this book for those who would like to be members of their church—informing them of what membership entails; I can see myself using this book, or at least sections of the book for the same purpose in the future.
If you want an in-depth look at a particular issue (e.g. biblical basis for membership, nature and significance of baptism, et cetera), then this book will not satisfy—look to Dever’s Nine Marks of a Healthy Church, Schreiner’s Believer’s Baptism, and other books more focused. If, however, you want to widen your gaze and be able to see the broad scope, then this book is certainly helpful. It is written at a level easy to understand, and is worth a few minutes per day.
Book thesis: It is hoped that the work will be suggestive and will provide practical ways in which members can better serve their congregations and, ultimately, be better servants of our Lord.
The thesis is supported throughout, revealing the various ways that a church member can (or rather should) be involved with their local congregation. Coming to the end of the book, you will no longer wonder, “What is expected of me?” Provided, of course, that you agree with Thomas’ explanation of what the Bible expects of all believers. I know of several pastors who use this book for those who would like to be members of their church—informing them of what membership entails; I can see myself using this book, or at least sections of the book for the same purpose in the future.
If you want an in-depth look at a particular issue (e.g. biblical basis for membership, nature and significance of baptism, et cetera), then this book will not satisfy—look to Dever’s Nine Marks of a Healthy Church, Schreiner’s Believer’s Baptism, and other books more focused. If, however, you want to widen your gaze and be able to see the broad scope, then this book is certainly helpful. It is written at a level easy to understand, and is worth a few minutes per day.
December 12, 2011
Loved this book! My wife and I read this together over a period of a few months. It is an extensive book elaborating on the many aspects of church life, and how one becomes connected to and serving in the church. The pastor has been a Christian for over 60 years, and in the ministry for over 35 years. Very practical, convicting, and essential reading for ALL church members. Highly recommended!!
January 29, 2009
Went through this book during weekly homegroup Bible study. The book has a lot of good, practical wisdom in regards to what biblical church life looks like for every believer. However, the book doesn't go in-depth on any of its multiple topics.
March 19, 2012
A succinct and comprehensive handbook for the local Southern Baptist church.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews