Vintage Church

Reviews

Vintage Church by Mark Driscoll and Gerry Breshears

By: Sam

This book pretty much does what it says on the tin. It beings by defining exactly what the church is (a very useful task), before laying out each aspect of this definition as 'timeless truths'. The book then moves into the 'timely methods' half, attempting to apply the model of the church to today's world in a way which is relevant and appealing.

Overall I really enjoyed this book - it's informative, challenging, and communicates its message well. But I do have one minor issue which I'd highlight. Driscoll tends to speak with a weighty, compelling authority on whatever he is speaking about, whether or not he should be the authority on that area or not. At times this means that his opinions and perceptions are presented as fact, for example when writing about the multicampus church model. It's very interesting to hear how Mars Hill Church does it, but you could read it and think that if you disagreed you were committing a sin, which I don't think is the intention.

The narration is clear and appropriately passionate - there are a couple of occasions where I could hear that Driscoll would have phrased something slightly differently, but I don't think it takes anything away from the audiobook at all.

My favourite chapter was around the church's missional role, but it's all good stuff to be honest. I'd recommend it to every leader in every church - it will challenge and provoke, and at least make you ask questions about why you do and believe certain things.

I got this audiobook for free from christianaudio.com. I'm not required to give a positive review. (Posted on 6/9/11)

Overall

Great Investment of Your Time

By: Dennis Colunga

The state of the church exists in modern American Evangelicalism in many forms today. You see a variety of churches differing on what the Scriptures say about the mission of the church and the offices of elders, deacons, etc. The major reason for the existence of these diverse views, from my understanding and from the wisdom from Mark Driscoll and Gerry Breshears in Vintage Church: Timeless Truths and Timely Methods, is a lack of knowledge of Biblical Christianity. I had the privilege of reviewing this audiobook from ChristianAudio.com; with this in mind, I would suggest one thing about audiobooks: You must consider the nature of the audiobook you are listening to. Most audiences, if they have had any experience with audiobooks, would be accustomed to hearing grand narratives that are delivered with great passion. Vintage Church is a theology of the church that comprehensively addresses a variety of issues, such as the offices of the church and the explanation of the necessity for expository preaching. So, knowing what you’re getting into before hand is a great idea. As I consider the delivery of this book orally, I would say that I recommend Vintage Church. Driscoll and Breshears greatly articulate the wide spectrum of the state of churches today (worldwide), but what I found most helpful was the absence of a critical spirit during the dialogue between modern churches and biblical Christianity. A trait that is commonly left out, but desperately needed. If you would like to learn more about the church according to Jesus and the Bible, I would recommend you picking up Vintage Church. (Posted on 5/31/11)

Overall

A Nice Intro to Thinking about the Church

By: Andrew Wencl

I just finished listening to the audiobook version of Vintage Church: Timeless Truths and Timely Methods by Mark Driscoll and Gerry Breshears. The book is easy to understand, relevant, and more-or-less a thorough treatment of the subject. The authors operate from a framework that desires to remain faithful to the biblical text, a refreshing and trustworthy method that appreciates the authority of Scripture.

The book could be split into two or three parts, with the first section covering a basic theological and doctrinal assessment of the church: its functions, goals, mandate, and structure. Though I am more cautious on the woman's role in teaching, I found this section to be encouraging and biblical. If you seek to operate your church biblically (or go to one that does), this piece will definitely aid you in knowing what's important.

The second section addresses modern expressions of the church. It somewhat blends the purpose statement in the book's subtitle, so it's somewhat doctrinal and somewhat practical. The last section covers the use of technology and the church's role in effecting cultural change. The whole book was quite practical, though most methods are admittedly a bit extra-biblical and are more or less subject to individual church preference.

The narration is well-done and the voice seems almost like a more mature Mark Driscoll, so it definitely retains the distinctive character of the author.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from ChristianAudio as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising." (Posted on 5/28/11)

Overall

Rather read the book...

By: JE

Johnny Heller narrates this audio book format of “Vintage Church,” by Mark Driscoll and Gerry Breshears. Heller presents the text in an awkwardly raspy voice, maintaining a clear dictation and smooth transitions within the punctuation. He maintains a honest presentation of the text that Driscoll and Breshears worked earnestly to present.


Read the rest on the Scripted Genius site... (Posted on 5/24/11)

Overall

Excellent overview of what a church should be and do

By: CHRISTOPHER

Vintage Church is a very good book. In it pastors Mark Driscoll and Gerry Breshears present what they believe a church should be and do. The book answers 12 questions starting with what is Christian life and Christian Church, and ending with how can the Church transform the World. The answers to their questions are based in their understanding of the Bible, and they site the sources for their arguments. The arguments are easily understood, and the book is full of information.
I had a hard time listening to the first chapter. Pastor Mark Dricoll wrote the most of main sections of the chapters, and I have listened to quite a few of his sermons. So, I could hear his style in those sections that he wrote. However, it was distracting that it was not voice that I was listening to. I did get used to it, and the content is very engaging and thought-provoking. So, the distraction was minor and passed quickly.
There were a few points that I disagreed with them on. For example, I believe and have heard very convincing arguments for observing the Sabbath on Saturday. With as much information as they cover, it would be odd if a person agrees with everything they say. Some of the information they cover seems to be targeted to pastors and church leaders. These chapters were not as interesting for me currently as I am not a leader in a church, and do not currently have much need to contemplate multi-campus strategies. It is good to know that the information is there.
This first time listening to the book I mostly listened while driving or packing, but I did take time after each chapter to ponder what they presented. It is not something I usually do, and I really like a book that requires that of me. I need to listen to the book again with a notepad and Bible so I can take notes and check the references given. I may need to purchase the print book, too. It would be good to have the print book not only to make it easier to check the references for their arguments, but also to look-up additional resources to further research the topics they cover. Which is easier for me to do when it is in print. I really enjoyed listening to the book. I am reviewing the book as part of the christianaudio.com review program. (Posted on 5/12/11)

Overall