The Master's plan for the church /
John F. MacArthur, Jr.
- 287 pages ; 23 cm
Includes bibliographical references and indexes.
Shepherds and construction workers -- The anatomy of the church -- The skeletal structure -- The internal systems -- The muscles -- The head -- The dynamic church -- The pattern of the early church -- Elders, deacons, and other church members -- A look at the Thessalonian model -- Marks of an affective church -- The calling of the church -- The Lord's work in the Lord's way -- Qualities of an excellent servant -- Understanding the seducing spirit -- Understanding the duties of the minister -- Shepherding the flock of God -- Appendixes. Answering the key questions about elders -- Answering the key questions about deacons -- Qualifications for spiritual leadership -- Elements of church discipline -- Restoring a sinning brother -- Should fallen leaders be restored -- The danger of false teaching.
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.--Back cover.