The god of the Church Growth Movement
Martin Murphy
CreateSpace
ISBN: 978-1448655243
Non-Fiction, Religion, Christian Church, History
Reviewed by Michael Woodhead
Along with two other books I’ve reviewed (Crazy for God by Frank Schaeffer; A Lover’s Quarrel with the Evangelical Church by Warren Cole Smith) this one will add to the argument against the modern evangelical movement.
As can be gleaned from the title, the book deals in particular with the Church Growth Movement (CGM) and its ‘god’ (please note the small ‘g’ instead of a capital).The author begins with a look at the beginnings of the evangelical church in the sixteenth century and goes on to discuss the nature, purpose, mission, and ministry of the church.
He then explores what modernity is, followed by a fresh look at the Beatitudes as the essence of Christianity. Next, the author shows how modernity has influenced the church, particularly in the areas of ‘power’ and ‘popularity’. Following this, Martin introduces some of the originators of the CGM, and what its basic goals are, as well as what its philosophy is. Marketing strategies to make the church numbers bigger now seem more important than the growth of the individual Christians. The church is a business instead of a caring church. A short chapter looks at the types of sermons preached by the CGM pastors. Then the author offers the argument that the CGM is an unbiblical movement, and goes on to show how this is so.
The god of the Church Growth Movement is another excellent resource for Warren Cole Smith’s ‘recovering evangelicals’, and those troubled by the apparent loss of theology in the church growth movement.

Source: Robert Medak
Date: Sept 2009

Is the Church a building, or the people in it? No matter the denomination, is the Church merely the bricks and mortar, or is it more? What does The Bible say about what a Church is?
Through the reading of this book, Mr. Murphy, through scripture explains the meaning of the Church and the Growth movement within. This reviewer was intrigued with the premise and the writing in this book. If you are a person of faith, this book will give you pause to think about the term and meaning of the word “Church.” This reviewer found it easy reading and a different perspective about what a Church is and the meaning of it in today’s society. Is the “Church Growth Movement” a theological or philosophical movement? You will need to read this book and make your own determination.
This book receives a four star rating from this reviewer.

Robert Medak
Book Reviewer