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Paul Luckraft reviews ‘Biblical Church’ by Beresford Job (Bethany Publishing, 2007).

This excellent book challenges the traditional way that Christians do ‘church’, and explains what should be in place instead. The author aims to show that the church-going practices Christians generally observe are based upon teachings that have little or nothing to do with the Bible. Rather, they originated with men who led the Church after the Apostles were dead and the writings of the New Testament had been completed.

Though now over ten years old, this remains another useful resource for Christians who are currently ‘out of church’ – or who are seeking to rethink their current approach to church.

Delving into Ecclesiastical History

The book is in three parts. The first, called Traditions, starts by reviewing the Jewish ‘traditions of the elders’, which Jesus opposed. The author draws heavily on the teaching of others in these early chapters and the material may be familiar to many, but it forms a necessary background to his argument: that we have made the same mistakes, by building our own church traditions.

In chapters 4 and 5, Job looks in detail at the traditions of the early ‘Church Fathers’. He focuses on six from the two centuries after the Apostles: Clement of Rome, Ignatius, Justin Martyr, Irenaeus, Tertullian, and Cyprian of Carthage. Job is clear that they didn’t get everything wrong; in fact, he praises them for spreading the good news and preserving the truth of the Gospel in the face of heresy. For this they deserve honour and respect.

But Job does take issue with the church practices they introduced, which stemmed from a fundamental flaw regarding leadership. By introducing a clergy/laity divide, they created a new priesthood and layers of hierarchy which led to further errors.

This new system of ecclesiastical power and authority made it inevitable that any teachings introduced from the top would be readily accepted - whether in line with Scripture or not. In time, without the necessary input from Scripture, it was unavoidable that the Church would morph into a human organisation you could join, rather than a living organism - Christ’s Body.

Job traces how over several centuries, the Church morphed from a living organism – Christ’s Body – into a human organisation.

Job’s revealing analysis of modern-day church is summarised helpfully with a ‘Not-To-Do’ list: things which believers unquestioningly accept but which actively go against Scripture (p100).

In Chapter 8, he considers common objections to his argument: God still seems to bless such churches. The Holy Spirit is still at work. So why cause trouble and upset people? Here the author offers an honest assessment of these questions, but remains adamant that the status quo means we are missing out on God’s best!

Discovering Biblical Church

Part Two, entitled Biblical Church, is more positive in outlook and considers in detail what biblical church should look like. The author repeatedly stresses that he is not drawing a contrast between true and false churches, but between biblical and unbiblical practices.

He highlights four key areas that, for him, make up the minimum for a biblical church:

• Leadership should reflect that in Acts, with elders as overseers, not a ruling hierarchy;
  
• Home meetings are best for developing fellowship and deep relationships;
• Worship should be led by the Spirit and reflect the unity of the Body of Christ, and
  
• The Lord’s Supper should be celebrated with a proper meal, not just a quick snack of tokens.
  

Like Steve Maltz’s work on Hebraic church, Job emphasises function over form. Get the function right and the correct form of church practice will emerge.

Job acknowledges that biblical churches are not guaranteed to be problem-free. They can still be unloving or undisciplined. But if they have the right ‘shape’ then there is greater opportunity for the Lord to change people.
The author closes Part Two with a chapter entitled ‘What the Experts Say’. He wants to show that all he has been proposing is not just his opinion but is backed up by theologians.

The author repeatedly stresses that he is not drawing a contrast between true and false churches, but between biblical and unbiblical practices.

What to Do?

Part Three brings something new and special to the growing debate on ‘out of church’ Christianity: If you do want to change, how do you go about it?

Job offers many pieces of good advice and some sound ground-rules, drawing on his own experience and testimony. For those who end up leaving their current churches, he insists there is no need for unpleasantness and advises on how to leave peacefully, retaining bonds of fellowship with those who remain. He also stresses that changing to meeting in a home may not itself be the answer – and that any attempt to start up a new form of church should be preceded by and birthed in prayer. Seeking the Lord, and asking what he wants, is vital.

Job is down-to-earth and practical, not romantic: he explains that for Christians wanting to pursue radical transformation in their church practice, it is important to take it slowly and learn to walk before you can run, learning to listen to others and growing in patience.

His list of ‘Dos and Don’ts’ is particular useful, as are his FAQs and chapter of advice on how to look for outside help (however, despite its good general suggestions this has been removed from the Kindle version since its mentions of specific people are now out of date). The key, he suggests, is to seek out those with maturity and a strong sense of morality: just being well-meaning or having a ‘ministry’ may not be enough to guarantee a good start-up or later growth.

This book is a worthwhile addition to the growing literature on ‘alternative’ forms of church that seek greater fidelity to Scripture. Nobody is claiming to have published the final word on this issue, but this book will undoubtedly be a worthwhile, thought-provoking addition to the shelves of anyone in a quandary over it.

‘Biblical Church’ (288 pages, paperback) is available from Amazon for £8.96. Also on Amazon Kindle. Find out more at www.house-church.org.