Wednesday, July 23, 2014

I Am a Church Member by Thom S. Rainer


I Am a Church Member

Sunday, Pastor Brad mentioned this book. I needed something to read and he said the keyword for my life lately – short.

“I Am a Church Member (based on an idea originally taken from author Thom S. Rainer's daily blog) discusses the attitudes and responsibilities of church members. Rainer addresses in detail what congregations should really be focusing on — praying for church leaders, being a functioning member, treasuring church membership, and more.” From Lifeway website.

I got the book on my Kindle about three hours ago and I've already finished it. A perfect example of “good things come in small packages.”  It was a small jewelry box filled with huge gorgeous diamonds! This book is a keeper and one I am sure to use for many future references.

Easy to read, convicting and so very practical. I can see a new Christian enjoying it as well as a seasoned Christian. It’s a great “teaching” guideline for new believers and a very great reminder for those of us who have been around churches for several years.

I not only recommend this book for you as an individual but I highly recommend this as a small group study. If you are not a part of a small group, this book is an excellent way to have a 6 week study with a group of friends. - Invite them to your home, have someone volunteer to bring a simple snack, and go through the book. It teaches itself, all you need to do is facilitate. An added bonus is that the discussion questions are already included!

From the book:

"We may discover that the reason our nation is in such bad shape is because our churches are so unhealthy."  (If I take this comment a step further - I may discover that I am an unhealthy church member.)

“God did not give us local churches to become country clubs where membership means we have privileges and perks.  He placed us in churches to serve, to care for others, to pray for leaders, to learn, to teach, to give, and in some cases, to die for the sake of the Gospel.”


“Thom S. Rainer is president and CEO of LifeWay Christian Resources. He is author of more than 20 books including Simple Church and The Millennials. Prior to coming to LifeWay, he served as pastor to churches in Alabama, Florida, Kentucky and Indiana and was founding dean of the Billy Graham School of Missions, Evangelism and Church Growth at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.” From Lifeway website.


Follow Thom S. Rainer on Facebook or on Twitter

His Blog

Lifeway – where I’ve been able to get some great Bible Studies and Bible Helps.


I highly recommend this book.