The Reformers viewed the gospel as not merely one thing among many in the life of a church but rather the means by which the church exists. When the gospel is rightly declared and applied to God’s people, the church becomes “a creature of the Word.” She understands, embraces, and lives out the reality of Christ’s birth, life, death, and resurrection in more than her doctrinal statement. The gospel impacts all the church is and does. Creature of the Word lays out this concept in full, first examining the rich, scripture-based beauty of a Jesus-centered church, then clearly providing practical steps toward forming a Jesus-centered church. Authors Matt Chandler, Eric Geiger, and Josh Patterson write what will become a center-ing discussion piece for those whose goal is to be part of a church that has its theology, culture, and practice completely saturated in the gospel.
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"Very helpful. I'm still reeling from Center Church, which has some overlap. Creature of the Word is much more accessible, which is wonderful because most of my friends would not be able to finish CC! But because of that it goes into less depth so I missed that. That's just me though. Very good book!"
— Joy (4 out of 5 stars)
“In Creature of the Word you will learn that the Bible is not about us; it is about Jesus and how to live all of life with Him, like Him, and for Him. This is a foundational, practical, and helpful book for both Christians and church leaders.”
— Mark Driscoll, pastor, Mars Hill Church, Seattle, Washington“I love Matt Chandler, his heart for the gospel and his love for the church. I am so glad that he, Josh Patterson, and Eric Geiger wrote this book addressing the fact that God’s Word should be the foundation of the Church rather than the latest trend that seems to be working in the world. This book provides a fresh challenge for all of us and will help us establish a biblical foundation in regard to the ONE THING that Jesus promised He would build!”
— Perry Noble, senior pastor, NewSpring Church, South Carolina, and author of Unleash!: Breaking Free from Normalcy“Creature of the Word is a crystal clear call to the Church to recenter around Jesus and the gospel. Practical yet theological, I recommend this book as essential reading for anyone who would lead or plant a church.”
— Matt Carter, pastor, Preaching and Vision at The Austin Stone Community Church, Austin, Texas“Too often Jesus Christ is central to our theology but not to the way we do church. This book serves as a needed reminder and a powerful corrective for those of us who must continually recalibrate our ministry for Jesus with the person and work of Jesus.”
— Larry Osborne, pastor, North Coast Church, Vista, California, and author of Sticky Church" A very thought provoking and interesting read, talks a lot about things often overlooked in the church some of the common things the church mistakenly does and what the church should truly strive to do and be. I certainly recommend this book to anyone, not just my friends who are shepherds. "
— Aaron, 1/3/2014" Good treatment of what the Gospel is and its implication within all aspects of individual and church life. Probably also a good primer for a Staff read and discussion along with the ancillary videos. "
— Park, 8/13/2013" It is a lot more meatier than The Explicit Gospel, thus taking a little longer to read & digest. "
— John, 6/22/2013" This book is incredible. As a guy who is getting ready to start ministry it really put things in prospective for me. "
— Stephen, 6/15/2013" Excellent. Best thought, which is in essence the theme of the book: "The church does not create the gospel; the gospel creates the church." "
— Josh, 5/8/2013" Strong book on pastoral ministry. Gospel-centered and Christ-exalting! "
— Dr., 4/26/2013" Anyone planting a gospel centered church should read this book!!! It was an amazing help to me in terms of seeing how the gospel relates to every aspect of church! "
— Joshua, 4/10/2013" Amazing and challenging book. I will be working through it in my head for a while. "
— Patrick, 3/2/2013" This book is a must read for pastors, elders, and deacons alike. Chandler does an excellent job of reminding his fellow leaders that even the right actions, if not rooted in and formed by the gospel will find themselves faltering to produce true life change. "
— Matthew, 2/14/2013" Enjoyed the perspective on Church tremendously! "
— Kala, 1/18/2013" Excellent book, great for anyone in leadership. "
— Evan, 12/28/2012" An encouraging read and a good reminder to keep the gospel at the center of one's ministry. The authors do a good job of how to do that, even within children's and youth ministries and they also give some ways in which one can evaluate the centrality of the gospel in one's ministry. "
— Brent, 12/22/2012" A great call to An ecclesiology that is Jesus centric. Read this Christian. "
— Jonathan, 12/17/2012Matt Chandler serves as lead pastor of teaching at the Village Church in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. He was involved in changing the theological and philosophical culture of the congregation, and the church has witnessed a tremendous response, growing from 160 people to over 11,000, with campuses in Flower Mound, Dallas, and Denton. Chandler is involved in church planting efforts both locally and internationally through the Village and various strategic partnerships. Prior to accepting the pastorate at the Village, he had a vibrant itinerant ministry for over ten years where he spoke to thousands of people in America and abroad about the glory of God and the beauty of Jesus. He was recently named president of Acts 29, a worldwide church-planting organization.
David Cochran Heath is a professional actor with more than 30 years of experience on the stage in over 130 productions. He is also a lifelong fan of radio theater and has done a variety of narration and character work. He lives in San Diego with his wife, Beth.
David Cochran Heath is a professional actor with more than 30 years of experience on the stage in over 130 productions. He is also a lifelong fan of radio theater and has done a variety of narration and character work. He lives in San Diego with his wife, Beth.
David Cochran Heath is a professional actor with more than 30 years of experience on the stage in over 130 productions. He is also a lifelong fan of radio theater and has done a variety of narration and character work. He lives in San Diego with his wife, Beth.