Jesus, the Church and the Mission of God: A Biblical Theology of Church Planting

Church planting is popular, but there needs to be more biblical and theological reflection on it. John Valentine's book provides a biblical theological perspective on starting new churches and revitalizing old ones, addressing the missiological practice of our day.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 512 pages
Publication date: 18 May 2023
Publisher: Inter-Varsity Press

Church planting has gained significant popularity in recent years, yet there has been a lack of sustained biblical and theological reflection on this topic. While there are notable voices from practitioners and planters themselves, there is a growing need for a deeper understanding of biblical theology to guide the missiological practice of our day. In response to this need, John Valentine has authored a comprehensive biblical theological exploration of the Bible's teachings on starting new churches and revitalizing old ones. Valentine's book, "Starting New Churches: A Biblical Theological Look at One Aspect of the Mission of God," delves into the hows and whys of church planting, offering valuable insights for practitioners and scholars alike.

The book begins by examining the biblical mandate for church planting, drawing from passages such as Acts 1:8 and Ephesians 2:19-22. Valentine highlights the importance of spreading the gospel to all nations and the need for believers to be actively involved in mission work. He also explores the historical context of church planting, tracing the development of the Christian church from its early days to the present.

Valentine then delves into the theological foundations of church planting, discussing the nature of the church, the role of the pastor, and the importance of spiritual growth and discipleship. He emphasizes the need for biblical teaching, preaching, and the application of the Scriptures in the life of the church.

The book also provides practical guidance for church planters, covering topics such as identifying target communities, developing effective ministry strategies, and building healthy leadership teams. Valentine offers insights from his own experience as a church planter and pastor, as well as from other successful church planters and pastors.

Overall, "Starting New Churches: A Biblical Theological Look at One Aspect of the Mission of God" is a valuable resource for anyone interested in church planting or biblical theology. It provides a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the Bible's teachings on church planting, offering practical guidance and theological insights that will be useful to practitioners and scholars alike. By engaging with this book, readers will gain a deeper understanding of the mission of God and the role of the church in fulfilling that mission.

Weight: 776g
Dimension: 155 x 233 x 50 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781789744279