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Title: A Biblical Theology of the Church by Mal Couch, Thomas Figart, Arnold Fruchtenbaum, Thomas Ice, Russell L. Penney ISBN: 0-8254-2361-9 Publisher: Kregel Publications Pub. Date: December, 1999 Format: Hardcover Volumes: 1 List Price(USD): $21.99

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Average Customer Rating: 1.5 (2 reviews)

Rating: 1
Summary: Not a Biblical Theology of the Church
Comment: This book is not helpful. It is difficult to read, poorly organized, and poorly written. Much of the material comes from quotes strung together. The arguments are often illogical. The explanations are incomplete. The use of quotations is even dishonest at times (crediting the exact same quote to two different authors [pp.39,41], making someone sound like they are supporting your position when they are not[Carson, p.45], even quoting A.T. Robertson in defense of their position when he is arguing for the opposite view [43]). Many statements are biblically indefensible ("In all instances, the expressions kingdom of God and kingdom of heaven refer to the coming millennial reign", p.44). The book ends up being more a very weak defense of strict dispensationalism than a theology of the church. Instead of helping a student develop a truly biblical theology of the church, it merely causes lots of confusion. For a much more helpful work, read Robert Saucy "The Church in God's Program."

Rating: 2
Summary: There is still a need
Comment: While Mal Couch is the general editor of the book, it is unclear how the chapters are divided among the contributors: Thomas Figart, Arnold Fruchtenbaum, Thomas Ice, and Russell L. Penney. The nineteen chapters are divided into three parts-The Biblical Doctrine of the Church, The Governing of the Church, and How the Church Ministers. In the first section, the author goes to great lengths setting up the material in the book from a dispensational point of view. Nine gifts of the Spirit are listed as having ceased; however, only one (the gift of apostle) is discussed at any length. Other topics in section one include the Church in Prophecy, the Apostasy of the Church, the Rapture of the Church and the Doctrine of Rewards. Section two discusses the church government-its development, doctrine, qualifications, and some practical applications for the church (e.g. choosing a pastor, and women in the church). The final section of the book discusses the ministry of the church including: Discipline, Building leadership, Missions, and Pastoral Care.
There are questions at the end of each chapter, which allow the reader to check his comprehension as well as stimulate further discussion. This practical help is characteristic of the book's structure of helpful lists (e.g. for leadership training, 240-46) and simple outlining. However, there are some weaknesses. On page 25, the author does not seem to sufficiently express the relationship of the biblical use of evkklhsi,a from the etymological meaning; for although he explains the word can mean "assembly," it might be confusing to read that the word "Technically... means "called out ones." Perhaps the chapter on the Rapture of the church-being the longest chapter in the book (26 pages)-is a little off balance in 283 pages. The author seems to frequently cut and paste large sections of other's work, which causes the reader to constantly refer to the endnotes to see who he is reading. And on page 56, the author mentions the title, From Sabbath to the Lord's Day without any reference at all to the author.
The book's dispensational position is immediately recognized from chapter one's rather lengthy discussion of Dispensational Hermeneutics. On page 43, the author argues that "petra," in Matt. 16:18, refers to Peter's confession, while taking into account the perfect passive participles of binding and loosing (45). He states the basis, requirement, and object of faith for salvation has been the same in every age, while the content of faith has changed with the various dispensations (34). The book argues for the first day of the week to be a day of worship but not a carryover from the Sabbath (56). In discussing Eph. 4:9-10, he interprets "the lower parts of the earth" as "Paul [picturing] Jesus as Prince who descended even to the grave in order that He might ascend even into the heavens" (57). In affirming the plurality of elders, the author remarks, "It is clear from this passage [Acts 14:23] and others that a plurality of elders is assigned for each church" (62). Furthermore, he explains, "It only makes sense that one would take a position of deacon before becoming an elder/pastor" (247). As far as restoration for divorced ministers, "Local churches open to placing divorced Christians into important positions (whether pastor/elder, or Sunday teacher) should consider a list of guidelines..." (286).
Generously speaking, the book seems to aid in filling the great need for literature on the theology of the church (at least on a practical note). Its mixture of doctrine with practical suggestions can makes it useful for both the minister and layman. Moreover, the straightforward style of the writer allows the reader to examine the legitimacy of each argument. I score it on the low side because of its lack of exegetical precision, and its piecemeal between author and sources. Robert L. Saucy, The Church in God's Program, seems to be in the top three for books concerning the church; but there is still a need for more.