Creature of the Word: The Jesus-Centered Church by Matt Chandler

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I always enjoy books that take Christian themes and look at things in a bit of a unique way. This book does just that. The reader is taken on a journey through how the church was supposed to be biblically, how it has lost its focus over time, and how it can become what God intended. The three authors seamlessly present their perspective, and it is fully backed by Scripture.

This book is divided into two parts, and the first part truly spoke to me. It was relatable and completely spoke to the average Christian in the church today. Though minor, my complaint involved the second part of the book. I felt as though this section addressed the church leadership, and I found little that I could glean practically for me as the church laity. Don’t get me wrong. I was still impressed with the writing, but I became bored as I could not readily apply it to me. Additionally, there were a few points in the book that assumed I knew something I did not. However, I do tend to have atypical ideas and experiences. I wish that the book had been split into two books rather than trying to make this a one book fits all, but the book still made its points reasonably well.

I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated in any way, and all opinions are 100 % mine

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The Reformers viewed the gospel as not just 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.” The Gospel impacts more than just her doctrinal statement, but impacts all the church is and does.
CREATURE OF THE WORD lays out this concept in full. First by examining the rich, scripture-based beauty of a Jesus-centered church, then clearly providing practical steps toward getting there. The authors present a centering-ing discussion piece for those whose goal is to be a part of a church that has its theology, culture and practice completely saturated in the gospel.

About the Authors
Matt Chandler serves as Lead Pastor of Teaching at The Village Church in Flower Mound, TX. He has served in that role since December 2002 and describes his tenure at The Village as a re-planting effort where he was involved in changing the theological and philosophical culture of the congregation. The church has witnessed a tremendous response growing from 160 people to over 10,000 with campuses in Flower Mound, Dallas and Denton.
Alongside his current role as lead pastor, Matt 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, Matt had a vibrant itinerant ministry for over 10 years where he spoke to thousands of people in America and abroad about the glory of God and beauty of Jesus. His greatest joy outside of Jesus is being married to Lauren and being a dad to their three children, Audrey, Reid and Norah.
Recently, Matt was named president of Acts 29, a worldwide church-planting organization. Over the last 10 years, Acts 29 has emerged from a small band of brothers to over 400 churches in the United States and networks of churches in multiple countries.
Matt speaks at conferences throughout the world and has written a book, The Explicit Gospel, published in April 2012.

Eric Geiger serves as the vice president of the Church Resource Division at LifeWay Christian Resources. Eric received his doctorate in leadership and church ministry from Southern Seminary. He is also a teaching pastor and a frequent speaker and consultant on church mission and strategy. Eric has authored or co-authored several books including the best-selling church leadership book, Simple Church. He is married to Kaye, and they have two daughters, Eden and Evie.
Josh Patterson serves as lead pastor of Ministry Leadership at The Village Church located in the Dallas/Fort Worth region of Texas. He and his wife, Natalie, are the proud parents of Lily, Luke, and Liv.

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