Churches in the Shape of Scripture

Let me begin by saying I like this book. Its style is easy and conversational, its reasoning is clear and cogent, and its production values professional. The writer, Dan Chambers, is having a friendly conversation with us about churches of Christ. His attitude is, "If you don't agree with me, we can still be friends." I like that tone.A similar book addressed to largely the same audience is Muscle and a Shovel (2011) by Michael Shank. Shank's book is more dramatic and confrontational while this book is more laid-back and matter-of-fact. The purported audience for both books is Bible-believing people who are not members of churches of Christ, but perhaps the real target market is conservative members of churches of Christ who want to convert their friends and family or else bolster and reaffirm their own understanding of basic doctrine. These are books one can either give to others for the purpose of persuasion or read oneself as a doctrinal booster shot. They are, in essence, a setting forth of the unwritten creed of churches of Christ, at least part of it.The heart of this book covers five characteristics that distinguish churches of Christ from other Christian groups: the meaning and importance of baptism, the rejection of instrumental music in assemblies, the weekly observance of the Lord's Supper, the restriction of women to non-speaking roles in assemblies, and the autonomy of each congregation under a plurality of leaders called elders. The book largely skirts issues like the role of the Holy Spirit (both pre-conversion and post-conversion), the path to spiritual growth, and the distinctive behaviors that should characterize the daily life of a disciple.Dan Chambers is clearly trying to give the best rationale he can for the "restoration plea," a plea for all Christians to return to the simple faith and practice of New Testament Christianity. He presents churches of Christ in the best possible light and glosses over controversial questions within the fellowship. As he says, "I can assure you there are plenty of members of churches of Christ who won't be buying this book as a stocking stuffer for friends and family next Christmas" (page 12). He never tells you why, though. The reason why is because they are more liberal than he and consider his views to represent the church of Christ of the past rather than the church of the present or the desired future. Chambers often claims in this book to speak for the majority of members of churches of Christ, but he cites no hard evidence for that. It may be wishful thinking since he knows full well that many of the largest urban congregations in the fellowship do not entirely share his views. In some ways, his book is an appeal to his own fellowship to return to the "old paths."The only problem with his conversational tone is that the conversation is one-sided. He does answer many common objections to his assertions about scripture, but the objections he chooses are clearly those he feels most comfortable addressing. He answers questions coming from outside churches of Christ, not so much questions coming from inside. Nevertheless, as I said above, he is conversing with someone who already accepts the Bible as the word of God so he does not feel compelled to touch questions like the inspiration or trustworthiness of scripture.If I were talking with Dan in the coffee shop, I think I would ask him a few questions like these:* Has the restoration of New Testament Christianity been completed? Is there anything left for 21st century Christians to restore?* If God has left us such a clear pattern for our faith and practice, why do we have to go searching high and low through the New Testament to find it? Why didn't God put it all in one or two books such as we find in the case of the Law of Moses?* How do you decide what is in the pattern and what is not? Is foot-washing part of the pattern? It's commanded (John 13:14-15). Is fasting part of the pattern? There are approved apostolic examples (Acts 13:2; 14:23). Why does it take so much reasoning to decide what is in the pattern and what is not?* How are we to distinguish between matters of faith (on which salvation depends) and matters of opinion (that are part of freedom in Christ)? Is teaching pre-millennialism a matter of faith or opinion? Is the modern practice of speaking in tongues a matter of faith or opinion? Both represent efforts to restore and follow biblical teaching.* How do you answer the charge that you are inconsistent? Why allow women to wear gold and pearls, braid their hair, and wear expensive clothes in church yet enjoin them to silence? The commands are only one verse apart (1 Timothy 2:9-12). Why don't you insist that women wear head coverings (1 Corinthians 11:5-6) in the assembly? Wouldn't that be restoring New Testament Christianity?* How do you distinguish between what is cultural and what is for all time? If Peter and Paul were alive today, do you think they would say anything at all different?* What is your take on the Holy Spirit? Isn't it hard to restore true New Testament Christianity without restoring the amazing, faith-producing work of the Holy Spirit that abounds in the New Testament? Isn't it nearly impossible to talk about churches in the shape of scripture with so little mention of the Holy Spirit that permeates the book of Acts?* How can you say there is no place for women deacons when Phoebe is called a deacon in Romans 16:1, 1 Timothy 2:11 could easily refer to women deacons, and the second century gives clear evidence that the church had some women deacons? Are you explaining away scripture because of the traditions of men?* How do multi-million dollar building complexes and industrial-size kitchens fit with the restoration of simple New Testament Christianity? Did they have those things in the first century? Why do we spend the Lord's money on them? Is the church too materialistic and self-centered?These are a few questions I might ask. Maybe Dan will answer them in a future volume. But for what it is, this book is pretty well done.

I have purchased at least 10 of these books and have given to others. It’s a great book to share with anyone and everyone. It’s easy to read and is just plain truth written gracefully and lovingly and supported by the Holy Scriptures. I will keep buying Churches In The Shape Of Scriptures and sharing with as many folks as I can.I have been told to “Open my Heart and Let The Holy Spirit Guide Me.” The Scriptures were inspired by The Holy Spirit written by the pens of the inspired writers. This is how He guides us and this is how we know the truth that never changes.

This is a well-written, researched, easy to follow book. During social distancing, we are not able to be part of our normal Bible classes. We are using this book (we bought five copies) for a home study with our teenagers. It is deep enough to be very relevant, but not so deep that our teenagers get bogged down or lost. We need more books like this addressing important issues. It is a 5+ star book.

This book by Dan Chambers certainly tells it like it is. More importantly, it tells it like it OUGHT TO BE: no denominational church ideology, no departure from scripture. I believe this is exactly the way Christ intended his Church to be...yesterday, today, and tomorrow. A refreshing return to the pure basics.In the midst of a constantly changing 21st century it is sometimes (always?) necessary for Church of Christ Christians to hit the "reset" button on their worship practices to ensure that the default setting of the Church remains as Christ originally designed it. This book is also a great "how to" manual for escaping religious denominationalism and the myriad of man-made doctrinal practices in today's religiously diverse society. A "must-read" and a "must study" for anyone earnestly seeking to discover what the Bible truly says about Christian service, Christian worship, and what Jesus, Himself, describes as "THE NARROW WAY".

It’s just what it said! Gods Word overrides my feelings etc. I am called to obey God’s instructions for His worship. I found this book to be strong on scripture with added historical information. If you are seeking God’s desires and instructions in scripture, I strongly recommend this easy to read book.

I have always believed that when a church does what the Bible says, worships like the Bible describes, and teaches the Bible, then you have the true church. There are so many denominations out there, and they all teach something different, so they CANNOT all be doing what the Lord wants them to do. This book explains the New Testament church and how things were done, based on Holy Scripture. Some people may not like what it says, because they want to do what THEY want to do, not what the Lord wants, but if you are looking for a description of the true church that Jesus built, not one based on the ideas and traditions of men, this book is a good place to start in your search.

We are using this book for Wednesday night Bible Study. It has a lot of great information about the church Christ built.

For members of the church of Christ, nothing new here but just reinforces your belief via the scriptures. Well written and a novice believer or non-believer can certainly use this book as an outline of scriptures to further seek and learn about Christ and our salvation. The 'myth and misconception' section is great in that it addresses several erroneous beliefs about the churches of Christ.