There is no doubt that the ministry of 9 Marks and Mark Dever have been very helpful in clarifying the responsibilities and primacy of the local church. In this same vein Thabiti (pronounced thuh-BEE-tee) Anyabwile writes What is a Healthy Church Member? to demonstrate and encourage faithful church members. Which is another way of saying, he writes to encourage faithful Christianity.
The book is relatively short (120 pages) and is fairly small (7″x5″), and is packaged comfortably in hardback, making it less intimidating to those who may not usually be inclined to pick up a book.
Thabiti breaks out the book into 10 very helpful chapters. Each of the chapters below is rooted in biblical priorities while intersecting with practical everyday Christian life. So in this sense it is extremely appropriate for all Christians whether it be instructive or a refresher course.
Here are the chapters:
1. A healthy church member is an expositional listener
2. A healthy church member is a biblical theologian
3. A healthy church member is gospel Saturated
4. A healthy church member is genuinely converted
5. A healthy church member is a biblical evangelist
6. A healthy church member is a committed member
7. A healthy church member seeks discipline
8. A healthy church member is a growing disciple
9. A healthy church member is a humble follower
10. A healthy church member is a prayer warrior
I believe this book will be most helpful to those who have come out of churches who have had less than a biblical philosophy of ministry; particularly those coming from the burnt over districts left by the church growth movement. Pastors and friends may give this book to them to help show them what God requires of those who are members of Christ’s body.
Overall the book is to be commended for its simplicity and faithfulness; Anyabwile is not turning over any new rocks in this work but he is reminding us of the precious priorities that have long been understood but regrettably not always practiced.
Discounted copies are available at Westminster Books or Amazon.
