Seven Practices for the Church on Mission - Softcover

Fitch, David E.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0830841423 ISBN 13: 9780830841424

Publisher: IVP, 2018

Synopsis

Jesus gave his followers seven key practices:

• The Lord's Supper
• Reconciliation
• Proclaiming the gospel
• Being with the "least of these"
• Being with children
• Fivefold ministry gifting
• Kingdom prayer

When we practice these disciplines, God becomes faithfully present to us, and we in turn become God's faithful presence to the world. Pastor and professor David Fitch shows how these seven practices can revolutionize the church's presence in our neighborhoods, transform our way of life in the world, and advance the kingdom. Our communities can be changed when they see us practicing our faith. Go and do.

About this title

About the Author:

David E. Fitch (PhD, Northwestern University) is the B. R. Lindner Chair of Evangelical Theology at Northern Seminary. He is also the founding pastor of Life on the Vine Christian Community, a missional church in the northwest suburbs of Chicago. He is the author of Faithful Presence, from which this book is abridged.

Review:

"In a world filled with increasing hostility and polarization, the call to faithful presence for the sake of mission is desperately needed. David Fitch has provided a framework of discipleship and mission that powerfully echoes the life of Jesus and the best of Christian spiritual formation. I have found the path that Fitch outlines quite formative and powerful. The church is in urgent need of discerning the way toward healing in our local communities and the larger cultural landscape. Seven Practices for the Church on Mission offers us the practices to help us do just that." (Rich Villodas, lead pastor of New Life Fellowship Church, Queens, New York City)

"While missional might seem like a buzzword these days, it’s always been central to the call of the bride of Christ. More than ever this is a conversation that all churches should lean into. David Fitch offers practical ways for ordinary Christians to order their lives to participate in the mission of God. This book removes the intimidation factor and helps readers discover that mission may not be as daunting as they thought." (Tara Beth Leach, senior pastor of First Church of the Nazarene, Pasadena, CA)

"Seamlessly blending theological reflection, pastoral narrative, and practical guidance, David Fitch has given clergy and laity alike a field guide to missional, church-based ministry that both edifies the body of Christ and extends her life into the world for the sake of the gospel." (Tim Keel, senior pastor of Jacob’s Well, Kansas City, MO)

"The American church needs to demonstrate its commitment to Jesus with actions. Despite efforts to gain influence through politics or through entertaining weekend services, the church has lost credibility, particularly among younger people. David Fitch has offered biblical and practical guidance for how churches can regain some credibility by being agents of transformation in their neighborhoods. This book has helped our church to see the Lord’s Table as more than a ritual, to live more fully in our calling to be reconcilers, and has generally motivated us in our witness for Christ." (Dennis R. Edwards, senior pastor of Sanctuary Covenant Church, Minneapolis, MN)

"Seven Practices for the Church on Mission reminds us that it’s in the long-term communal devotion to small but transformative practices that our churches will discover and reflect the faithful presence of God." (Mandy Smith, lead pastor of University Christian Church, Cincinnati, OH)

About this edition

• Publisher: IVP
• Publication date: 2018
• ISBN 10: 0830841423
• ISBN 13: 9780830841424
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 144