This book was birthed by the Lord's response to the author's inquiry on what makes a healthy church. It is a testament that it does not have to be lengthly in order to drive vital points home. What you will find is a wake up call that every pastor needs to hear and have and every individual needs to measure themselves by. I call it a gentle rebuke but in a loving, constructive way.
The seven vital principles taken from the 7 churches in Revelation are full of sound wisdom and true substance. Author Darryl Henson reiterates that it is not whereby programs and works shine but where the love of God is evident, the truth of the Gospel upheld, and holy living is embraced with open arms. It is then, he declares, that the church will remain healthy and the sensitivity of the Holy Spirit's leading will be followed. Included is three steps needed to return to our first love where he goes into detail how individuals and the church can regain the ground that was lost through passivity and/or sin.
I felt this teaching is so needed as the present cry for discipleship and church growth is not highly effective today. It is when the love for Christ deepens, Henson states, that individuals are more compelled to reach out to those around them. When sin is tolerated the health of the church declines. Greater authority is released to individuals when they walk in surrender to God and in the fear of the Lord.
Leaders focus, he stresses, need to come off of how to bring people into the buildings and instead on how to lead others into a growing relationship with the Lord. My hope is that this book gets on the shelf of many ministries. If these principles are followed there will be a natural progression in church growth. These are not hard, costly principles but require spiritual discipline and a willingness to spend quality time with the Lord.
You will not be disappointed with this resource and the author writes from over 30 years of ministry experience. Each page was filled with great information and I give it a five star rating.
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