Book Review: Understanding The Congregation's Authority by Jonathan Leeman

Some time ago, I reviewed a book by Jonathan Leeman called, Don't Fire Your Church Members, which talked the congregation's role and authority in the church. Throughout the book, Leeman laid out Biblical reasons for the support of congregationalism in the church, which he communicates once again in a smaller book called, Understanding The Congregation's Authority.

This book is one of the many that has been released, with many more to come, in a series of book called "Church Basics". This book nearly follows the same pattern as Leeman's other one, but it addresses the same topics. Leeman defines what is congregationalism along with what the church is suppose to do with its authority.

Leeman also talks about the role of the pastor to his congregation. A pastor is to equip the congregation for the work of ministry and offer guidance. At the end of the book, Leeman answers the common questions/critiques as it relates to congregationalism.

This book is basically the cliff notes of Leeman's last book on congregationalism. I think this book will be a great starting point for new pastors as they begin their ministry. I do recommend that church leaders do read Leeman's Don't Fire Your Church Members for a more detailed look at congregationalism.

Thanks B&H Publishing for letting me review this book.

Book Review: Don't Fire Your Church Members by Jonathan Leeman

As a Christian who has been in Southern Baptist Churches from most of his walk with Jesus, one thing that was drilled in every church member was that there are two offices in the church, Pastor and Deacon. The pastor preaches and gives direction for the church while the deacons help make decisions for the church. If you read the entire Bible, you will see that it almost true, Yes, there are deacons in the church, but they serve the physical needs of the church while the elders (notice the plurality) take care of the spiritual needs of the church.

A great majority of the Bible shows that Elders and Deacons are the main two offices of the church. Jonathan Leeman contends that there is another office in the church. This office is one not discussed a whole lot. That office is church member.

Leeman writes about what he causes the case for congregationalism, in his book, Don't Fire Your Church Members. He does state that Elders and Deacons are essential in the church and you cannot have a church without them. The same thing can also be said about church members.

This book provides a good foundation as to why the congregation is important for discipleship as well as being leaders in ministry. Yes, Elders and Deacons fill that role, but they cannot be everywhere and do everything. Leeman gives solid, Biblical arguments as to why The Bible supports Congregationalism.

Congregationalism in no way diminishes what the Lord has established in the offices of Elder and Deacon, in fact, it affirms it. If you are not aware of what congregationalism is or don't support it, this book is for you. Elders and Deacons will benefit from this book as they begin to study on making their church healthy.

Thanks B&H Publishing for allowing me to read this book.

Other books by Jonathan Leeman:

Church Discipline

Church Membership

Reverberation

The Church and the Surprising Offense of God's Love

Baptist Foundations with Mark Dever