Four Men and a Church
By John Hanson
Published by Worthing Tabernacle.
213 pages. £7.00 (by post £8.00)
This is the story of Worthing Tabernacle - an outstanding church in the FIEC constituency.
The church was founded 100 years ago, and the book focuses on its four pastors. It is a fascinating and readable account of a church's journey towards the 21st century. Those knowing little of the issues creating pressures, tensions and sometimes divisions in our churches over the past 100 years will be helpfully informed. These include denominational matters, ecumenicity, the charismatic movement, Christian lifestyle, etc.
Leaders' wives will read with interest sections on the lives and ministries of the pastors' wives - so often the unpaid heroines.
Pastors and leaders will find this a rewarding read too. There are pearls of wisdom for those for those who pray and work toward a church built on a firm biblical foundation. Sections on handling change, knowing reverence and rejoicing in worship, the place of head and heart in preaching and listening and guidance on relational issues.
If the 'Tab' has an outstanding characteristic, it is its commitment to world mission. Their releasing of their pastor to minister around the world has made an inestimable impact on the whole church.
