Twelve Challenges Churches Face, Mark Dever, Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books, 2008). 185 pages.
Mark Dever serves as the senior pastor of Capitol Hill Baptist Church in Washington DC. In addition, Dr. Dever serves as the executive director of 9marks, a ministry to assist pastors and leaders int he area of church health.
Dever provides a good resource for pastors and leaders to consider when discussing the issues of church health. The strength of the book is it is an exegetical analysis of the book of 1 Corinthians with application to contemporary church, specifically addressing the church where Dever serves. The chapters appear to be a compendium of sermons preached at Capitol Hill Baptist Church (CHBC) out of the book of 1 Corinthians.
Noting the issues surface by the Apostle Paul regarding the church at Corinth, Dever addresses them and applies the biblical principle to contemporary church life. He does not sidestep any of the issues that make church folks “squirm;” rather, he addresses them head on from a firm theological position.
I would recommend this book as research for a pastor considering teaching through 1 Corinthians. It also is a useful resource for those interested in a personal, self guided study of Scripture. Additionally, the material could be adapted easily for discussion material for a church staff or small group.
Dr. Danny Akin’s endorsement summarizes the book nicely:
“Twelve Challenges Churches Faceis a careful exposition of 1 Corinthians. It is both theological and practical in its goal to foster healthy churches. You will be edified and encouraged by Pastor Dever’s treatment of important issues that confront the church on a daily basis.”
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