Rent Church History for Modern Ministry: Why Our Past Matters for Everything We Do

Synopsis

With all the pressing demands of modern ministry, why make time to learn church history? Is it relevant to worship and ministry today? Pastor Dayton Hartman argues that church history is not old news, but a vital component of a healthy ministry.

In Church History for Modern Ministry, Hartman explores the importance of church history and shows how an understanding of our past can help us address contemporary issues. The faithfulness, discipleship, and perseverance of the early church can help today's church stand firm in times of change.

"Church History for Modern Ministry reminds us that to fully embrace our future we must first understand our past. One of the most useful features of this book are the theological and historical call-outs scattered through the text. These reference tools make this book one to which you will continually return. Hartman's primer allows the reader to quickly and astutely grasp an overview of Church history upon which to build a foundation of ministry."
--Thom S. Rainer, president and CEO of LifeWay Christian Resources, author of I Am a Church Member

"Well-written, engaging, and entertaining, Hartman provides plenty of theological food for thought and compelling reasons for why ministry leaders must sink their hearts and minds deep into the history of Christianity. For the minister who has never seriously considered the value church history for ministry in the 21st century, this is a must-read."
--Chad Thornhill, PhD, Chair of Theological Studies, Assistant Professor of Apologetics and Biblical Studies, School of Divinity, Liberty University

"Hartman gives us an enjoyable, readable, and trustworthy book in Church History for Modern Ministry that helps us see the theological and ministerial value of studying our history. If you're a pastor, you need to know church history--not just for doctrinal clarity and sermon illustrations, but also for your own spiritual nourishment. I will be pointing pastors and aspiring pastors to this book for years to come."
--Tony Merida, founding pastor, Imago Dei Church, Raleigh, NC

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