Suggested Resources on Evangelism and Missions

Our church is beginning a series through Philippians on Advancing the Gospel. Ultimately we learn about evangelism and missions by actually doing evangelism and missions. It’s kind of like fishing—you can read all of the fishing books in the world but until you actually cast a line into the water you’ll never catch a fish. Evangelism is the same way—we can have all of the training in the world and if we never venture out in faith to share the wonders of Jesus, then we’ll never truly be fishers of men.

At the same time there is nothing wrong with being equipped. Here are the best books that I’ve found to equip and inspire believers to do evangelism/missions:

Inspire:

Let the Nations be Glad by John Piper

A Holy Ambition by John Piper

Radical by David Platt

Revival and Revivalism by Iain Murray

The Diary of David Brainerd

Memoirs and Remains of Robert M. McCheyne

Equip:

Tell the Truth by Will Metzger

Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God by JI Packer

The Gospel and Personal Evangelism by Mark Dever

The School of Biblical Evangelism by Comfort and Cameron

Evangelism Handbook by Alvin Reid

Speaking of Jesus by Mack Stiles

 

What would be on your list?

Two Resources for Practicing Biblical Church Discipline

Our church wants to take the SBC Resolution on Regenerate Church Membership seriously. In order to do this we need to think through the issue of church discipline. What are the best books to guide us in practicing biblical discipline?

Typically I give you a lengthy list. Not this time. There are only two (plus one + plus one) suggestions.

The absolute best book I have ever read on church discipline is Jonathan Leeman’s book The Church and the Surprising Offense of God’s Love. If you want to develop a theology of church discipline this is the place to turn (apart from the Scriptures of course). Leeman has also published Church Discipline: How the Church Protects the Name of Jesus. I have not had a chance to read this book—but I believe it is a more immediately helpful and practical.

The other book that I have found immensely helpful is The Handbook of Church Discipline by Jay Adams. Leeman’s is better, in my opinion, but this one is certainly worthy of your consideration. There are a few charts in here and practical steps that warrant a purchase.

The last resource that I want to suggest is one that I have not read. I am always cautious in suggesting resources that I have not read, but I have always benefited from the work of Ben Merkle. I would be shocked if his book, Those Who Must Give an Account, is not also a solid read. (Have any of my readers read this book? Can you tell me if it’s as solid as I assume it is?)

There you have it.

For only about 30 bucks and some time you will have a few helpful tools in navigating the choppy waters of practicing biblical church discipline.