Church for Grown–Ups: Intentional Maturity for Gospel Congregations

… discipleship means commitment, and commitment involves sacrifice. Paul’s deep love for the church is evident throughout Philippians, and John Benton’s love for the local church shines through this short book. Real joy comes when we are liberated from the endless and futile quest for self–fulfilment, and give ourselves to Christ and to His people

John Benton reflects in a thoughtful and warm but also challenging way on how churches and individual Christians have become juvenile like the world rather than mature in Christ. He draws six aspects of maturity from Philippians and lays out practical ways in which we can pursue it. 

Watch out cruise–control Christians—you will never look at Philippians the same way again! … John Benton deftly draws out six expectations Paul had for the church at Philippi (quality, priority, community, integrity, stability, and generosity). Every member of the Body of Christ would do well to read and reflect upon these truths for maturity in Christ. I profited much from this study.