2012 Report
Building Healthy Churches. Is that really possible?
Read our 2012 report to see what we have been doing this year. And don't just take our word for it. Read below to see what pastors are saying about 9Marks.
Testimonials
Bret Capranica
Pastor-Teacher, Summit Woods Baptist Church, Lee's Summit, MO
From my first interaction through a Weekender conference, to a Pastors' retreat that providentially connected me with my current church ministry, 9Marks has been one of the most significant influences in my own pastoral ministry. Our elders regularly use 9Marks Journals and web resources to spark conversation in developing and strengthening our shepherding and our church consistently uses 9Marks books in small group equipping classes and personal discipleship. The Pastors' Network has also encouraged me to be a part of starting a local network call among almost a dozen like-minded area pastors. 9Marks is a trusted resource that strengthens our ministry as a local church as we seek to display the character of Christ in our world.
Phil A. Newton
Pastor, South Woods Baptist Church, Memphis, TN
I have closely followed the development of 9Marks since its inception, watching its increasing clarity in helping the local church think, live, and function to the glory of Christ. Often, I've found a book or Journal article or interview from 9Marks to be just what I needed at a particular junction in church ministry. 9Marks has become the go-to resource for practical ecclesiology in both my local church ministry and my broader ministry to other church leaders.
Mike Lumpkin
Pastor, University Baptist Church, Fayetteville, AR
9Marks has been a tremendous asset to my life and ministry. From conducting a regional workshop, distributing books, to utilizing relationships with 9Marks personnel, I have found 9Marks to be a great help to our Church. We regularly distribute 9Marks books to help new members and interns alike understand the value of a healthy local church.
Ryan Fullerton
Lead Pastor, Immanuel Baptist Church, Louisville, KY
I am blessed by the Pastoral Network calls of 9Marks. But more than that, they bless me every day because they have helped me to think clearly about how to build and preserve a Church full of truly born-again people. By helping me think biblically and wisely about the new birth, church membership, and church discipline, 9Marks has been one tool God has used to give me the privilege of shepherding a people who are truly new creations in Christ. My church still has problems, but more than anything what I notice about the people I shepherd is that they are truly marked by gospel driven love. Watching this is my highest pastoral joy this side of heaven. Thank you Jesus for 9Marks!
Matthew Hoskinson
Pastor, First Baptist Church, New York, NY
In God's kind providence, I serve as pastor for an historic, albeit struggling church on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. I am here because Mark Dever told me about this church's need for renewal and challenged me to consider it for my future. Two years after my pastoral installation, I am still here in large part because of the encouragement and counsel I receive through the 9Marks Pastoral Network and resources 9Marks generously sends my way. Nursing declining churches back to health for the glory of Christ—that's what 9Marks is doing for our congregation by the grace of God.
Eric Schumacher
Pastor, Northbrook Baptist Church, Cedar Rapids, IA
9Marks has aided me in developing a practical theology of local church health. This goes far beyond the why-and-how of elders, to the purpose and practice of church membership, discipline, counseling, preaching and corporate worship. Attending a Weekender provided an opportunity to see one way a church might apply these things. Conversations with 9Marks staff and pastors have encouraged me in difficult seasons of pastoral ministry. Their books and Journals are great resources to share and with other pastors. Their Church Essentials DVD curriculum has assisted us in familiarizing new members with the basics of local church health.
Jamus Edwards
Pastor, Pleasant Valley Community Church, Owensboro, KY
9Marks has been revolutionary for us in terms of understanding that our goal isn't merely to grow a 'big church,' but our goal is to grow a 'healthy church.' The Weekender was especially helpful and our church has since that time made significant changes in our everyday operations and practice - changes which have already yielded incredible fruit.
Allen Duty
Preaching Pastor, New Life Baptist Church, College Station, TX
As a pastor in a local church, I've been personally challenged and encouraged through many 9Marks resources, especially the Journal and podcast. Our church has benefited most from the books published by Crossway and 9Marks. What is a Healthy Church Member? and What is the Gospel? are staple resources that have helped our people grow in their understanding and application of the gospel. We are tremendously grateful for the 9Marks staff and regular contributors.
Nathan Knight
Pastor, Restoration Church, Washington, DC
Through every form of 9Marks’ ministry, I have learned to delineate the important difference between crowds and God’s people. The Lord has kindly used books, talks, & conferences to form a congregation that is not a collection of individuals, but a singular body that works together for God’s glory & our joy.
Garrett Conner
Pastor, La Plata Baptist Church, La Plata MD
I serve in a role of church revitalization and no one has been more helpful in applying God’s Word to the situations that I face than 9Marks. The books and publications keep pastors well versed and grounded in Scripture. The interviews and seminars give us even more careful reflection. I find their attention to detail especially helpful when it comes to teaching and implementing authentic church membership. Putting to use the wealth that 9Marks generously distributes has proven to be incredibly fruitful for our congregation.
Walter Price
Pastor, Fellowship in the Pass Church, Beaumont, CA
Knowing that we share a common view and approach to doctrine and ministry, I frequently go to the 9Marks’ website to see what these guys think about an issue I'm facing. We have also been able to bless many folks, especially unbelievers and new Christians with their books, such as What Is the Gospel? Our prayer is that there influence will increase.
Thomas G. Mercer
Pastor, Christ Covenant Church, Raleigh, NC
It is a joy to give thanks to God for the ministry of 9Marks. It has been formative and encouraging in my understanding of the unique and glorious role of the church. The resources are excellent in being both accessible to a general readership and yet not lacking in depth of insight. Much of the literature is now part of our new members class reading. The members at Christ Covenant Church have been bettered from the influence of this most valuable ministry.
Kevin Wilkening
Pastor, Cedar Heights Baptist Church, Waterloo, IA
I praise God for the personal impact 9Marks has had upon my life and ministry. Their books, Journals, and other resources have been indispensable in helping me shepherd my local church. I would not want to do ministry without them. As a pastor, their shepherding role in my life has borne the most significant fruit. 9Marks is a ministry with whom I can share both my theological and practical ministry concerns, and I know they will shepherd me, as I shepherd my own congregation.
Dave Furman
Pastor, Redeemer Church of Dubai, Dubai, UAE
9Marks has impacted our ministry in numerous ways. They have provided resources and materials that have helped us point to scripture regarding our ecclesiology. Deliberate Church has been instrumental and has given us a framework for church membership and discipline, working together as elders and caring for our congregation. We took several elders to a Weekender last year and it was earth shattering for all of us in that it gave us a great foundation for discussing church-related issues. I can't think of a ministry that has been more influential regarding our practical ecclesiology than 9Marks!
Tim Cantrell
Pastor-Teacher, Antioch Bible Church, Johannesburg, South Africa
9Marks has been a God-send for me and for our church in more ways than I can count. Practically, we would never have been able to bless African pastors and strengthen churches across southern Africa without 9Marks’ generosity in sending speakers and books, year after year! Relationally, the mentoring and friendships that have flowed my way through 9Marks continue to bear fruit in my life & ministry. From crossing the Atlantic to attend a Weekender with my associate pastor, to being on a regular Pastoral Network call, to countless sage email replies to my ministry questions, to devouring the wisdom of the Journals - God has lavishly equipped and encouraged me through all of these and much more that 9Marks and its team has done for us and with us!
Matthew Shores
Pastor, North Shore Baptist Church, Bayside, Queens, NY
I am a young pastor that has recently moved to NYC to plant a church. I came out of a context of a church with a terrible ecclesiology: tons of "campuses," one guy being broadcast out everywhere, no elder involvement with the people, etc. It was through the writing ministry of Mark Dever and 9Marks, along with my attendance at a Weekender, that really helped correct my theology in that area. Thank you 9Marks for your emphasis on a rightly-ordered, biblical local church. I have personally benefited greatly from your ministry and I believe the church at large has as well.