Discipleship

Book Review: The Hospitality Commands, by Alexander Strauch

Review by Brent Thomas | 12.30.2010

The heart of the book is a consideration of Scriptural commands to practice hospitality.

What are some practical ways a pastor can equip women for ministry?

9Marks
Pray for the women in your church. God uses our prayers to bring about growth and keep opportunities and concerns before us. Identify women of good character and train them to minister to other women. One way to train women for ministry is to offer Bible studies for women with the expectation that each attendee will take another woman through the study after the class is completed. This will help to develop a team of women who can counsel and encourage other women in the congregation.

Book Review: Counsel from the Cross, by Elyse Fitzpatrick and Dennis Johnson

Review by Deepak Reju | 9Marks Journal: Book Reviews on the Mission of the Church | 10.27.2010

These authors understand that the proper context for spiritual growth is a local church and not our own individualistic endeavors.

Using Small Groups to Cultivate Fellowship

By Michael Lawrence | 9Marks Journal: Miscellaneous Articles | 08.23.2010

It’s possible to be a biblical Christian without belonging to a small group. It’s impossible to be one without belonging to a church.

Book Review: The Masculine Mandate: God’s Calling to Men, by Richard Phillips

Review by Jonathan Leeman | 9Marks Journal: Hell: Remembering the Awful Reality | 07.13.2010

At the risk of undermining the reader’s confidence in my objectivity, I have to admit that I have nothing negative to say about the book.

The Genesis of Gender and Ecclesial Womanhood

By Owen Strachan | 9Marks Journal: Pastoring Women | 07.01.2010

Don’t miss the point here: gender is front and center in creation, the fall, and the curse.

Discipling Men vs. Discipling Women

By Deepak Reju | 9Marks Journal: Pastoring Women | 07.01.2010

How should the Bible’s teaching about men and women inform my pastoral work?

How Pastors Can Equip Women for Ministry

By Bob Johnson | 9Marks Journal: Pastoring Women | 07.01.2010

Equipping women for ministry is a necessary piece in the puzzle that is the local church.

Wanted: More Older Women Discipling Younger Women

By Susan Hunt | 9Marks Journal: Pastoring Women | 07.01.2010

Older women discipling younger women is not just a nifty idea someone concocted, and it is not optional. It’s a gospel imperative.

Why Complementarianism Is Crucial to Discipleship

By Jonathan Leeman | 9Marks Journal: Pastoring Women | 07.01.2010

In every domain—I think it’s safe to generalize—women will better be able to pursue godly femininity when they are surrounded by men who pursue godly masculinity.

Book Review: Family Driven Faith, by Voddie Baucham

Review by Michael Lawrence | 9Marks Journal: Family & Parenting | 04.02.2010

Baucham has done a service to the church by calling us back from a wrong-headed trust in programs and professionals.

How can I make the most of the preaching I hear every week?

9Marks
Throughout the week, meditate on the passage that will be preached on Sunday. Pray for your pastor as he prepares his sermon. Take notes on the text. Ask questions of the text. Pray through the text. Prepare for Sunday morning. On Saturday night or Sunday morning, pray for your upcoming opportunity to hear God’s Word preached. Pray that your heart would be soft and humble before it.

What should I do if I disagree with something my pastor said?

9Marks
Pray for humility and understanding. Ask a trusted, godly friend who knows the Bible well about the statement. Listen to their explanation and be open to the possibility that you either misunderstood, or that the statement the pastor made is biblically correct and you’re the one whose thinking needs to adjust.

I don’t like the direction my church is heading. How can I know when it’s time to find another church?

9Marks

Every situation is different, and it’s impossible to speak precisely about any one situation. That said, here are some criteria worth keeping in mind in every situation:

I don’t feel like there are opportunities for me to get involved in my church. What should I do?

9Marks

Sometimes we get so fixated on programs and official positions in the church that it’s easy to miss opportunities right in front of our eyes. To help remedy that potential near-sightedness, here are two ways that you can always get involved in any church.

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