Description: The Reformers viewed the gospel as not merely one thing among many in the life of a church but rather the means by which the church exists. When the gospel is rightly declared and applied to God's people, the church becomes "a creature of the Word." She understands, embraces, and lives out the reality of Christ's birth, life, death, and resurrection in more than her doctrinal statement. The gospel impacts all the church is and does. Creature of the Word lays out this concept in full, first examining the rich, scripture-based beauty of a Jesus-centered church, then clearly providing practical steps toward forming a Jesus-centered church. Authors Matt Chandler, Eric Geiger, and Josh Patterson write what will become a center-ing discussion piece for those whose goal is to be part of a church that has its theology, culture, and practice completely saturated in the gospel.
Brief description:
Matt Chandler serves as lead pastor of teaching at the Village Church in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. He was involved in changing the theological and philosophical culture of the congregation, and the church has witnessed a tremendous response, growing from 160 people to over 11,000, with campuses in Flower Mound, Dallas, and Denton. Chandler is involved in church planting efforts both locally and internationally through the Village and various strategic partnerships. Prior to accepting the pastorate at the Village, he had a vibrant itinerant ministry for over ten years where he spoke to thousands of people in America and abroad about the glory of God and the beauty of Jesus. He was recently named president of Acts 29, a worldwide church-planting organization.
Review Quotes:
"In Creature of the Word you will learn that the Bible is not about us; it is about Jesus and how to live all of life with Him, like Him, and for Him. This is a foundational, practical, and helpful book for both Christians and church leaders."
-- "Mark Driscoll, pastor, Mars Hill Church, Seattle, Washington"