The Life of the Church: The Table, Pulpit, and Square
by Joe Thorn is the third book in his series also containing, The Heart of
the Church and The Character of the Church. In this book, he seeks to answer the
question, “What should a church do?”
He begins by explaining that “a local church is an assembly
of believers in Jesus who are united together by a common confession, are
gathered in one localized body, are ruled by Scripture, and work together for
the mission given them by the Lord” (9).
What is that mission – “the primary responsibility given to the church”
(10)? Thorn argues it is making
disciples (10).
This occurs in three arenas:
First, the table. Here Thorn emphasizes the need for
believers to practice hospitality and meet in small groups to study the Word
and get to know each other and care for each other.
Second, the pulpit. Thorn explains that every Christian
is to meet and sit under the Word read and preached and see it affect every part
of the worship service, such that it is totally Word-centered. This is done because we exist to glorify God.
Third, the square. This means we are Christians, as well
as the church, are to be “present, engaged, and known” in our community (79). We are to be known by the community for our
doctrine and good works (80).
This is a particularly good primer on what it means to be
the church. It is a book that is very
accessible and can be used individually or in small group study – perhaps even
given to every church member and explains through a sermon series, small group
study, newsletter, or other means.
I would have preferred he start with glorifying God as
being the primary work of the church and then find the three areas flowing out
of it, but he does pick it up as the purpose we are to be aiming at, so it is
there.
This is a valuable book in a time when people think the
church is a babysitting organization.
[This review appears on my blog, my
YouTube channel, Amazon.com, and Goodreads.com.]
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