The Five Smooth Stones: Essential Principles for Biblical Ministry

by J. Robertson McQuilkin

Publisher:

B&H

, 2007

Overview

University president Robertson McQuilkin, bemused by the constant rising and falling of new methodologies when he began a career in ministry over 50 years ago, has committed since then to a core group of enduring ministry principles that he calls “the five smooth stones.” These principles are:

• The Bible
  Making it the functional authority
• The Congregation
  Aligning it with the biblical purposes
• The Spirit
  Releasing his energizing power
• The Plan of Redemption
  The mission of every disciple
• The Lord Jesus
  Model of servant leadership

While that outline may seem very obvious, one must ask why so many churches and other ministries fail somewhere along the way. Could it be a simple lack of commitment to relentlessly measure every effort by these key standards?

McQuilkin has witnessed the success of his method through five decades of dynamic service, from church planting to foreign missions to the academic arena. The Five Smooth Stones is his invitation to join in the deep reflection, honest evaluation, and courageous integration of each principle in order to bless every aspect of your ministry.

With the Logos edition of The Five Smooth Stones, you get easy access to Scripture and to a wealth of other resources in your digital library. Hovering over Scripture references links you instantly to the verse you’re looking for, and with Logos’ advanced features, you can delve into your study like never before!

Key Features

• Examines five essential principles for ministry
• Provides introductory Scripture references for each chapter
• Offers questions for reflection

Contents

• Unit 1: The Bible—Making It the Functional Authority
  • Making the Bible the Functional Authority
  • Postmodernism
  • Therapeutic Theology
• Unit 2: The Church—Aligning the Congregation with All of God’s Biblical Purposes
  • Worship
  • Make Disciples
  • Member Care
  • Pursue Welfare of the Community
• Unit 3: The Holy Spirit—Releasing His Energizing Power
  • Defining Gifts
  • What the Gifts are Not
  • Discovering, Developing, Deploying, Desiring
  • Prayer Connection
• Unit 4: The Plan of Redemption—The Mission of Every Disciple
  • Biblical Foundations of Mission
  • Two Locations, Two Vocations
  • New Paradigms of Mission
  • Prayer Support
  • Financial Support
• The Lordship of Christ—Gauging Servant Leadership
  • Leadership
  • Leadership: Positive Role Model
  • Unity of the Congregation
  • Purity of the Congregation

Top Highlights

“Does it make any difference to God how we go about doing his work?” (Page ix)

“The Holy Spirit. His energizing power in a congregation is seen primarily in the supernatural abilities he gives each member.” (Page xiv)

“For example, in Christology, why not focus, as most theological systems do, on Christ’s nature and work? Because doctrines brought into play are those which have strong implications for ministry issues. So I began to pick up my ‘Five Smooth Stones’ to prepare for battle against the spiritual Goliaths of the day.” (Page x)

“We have to go to the evangelist for that! But when it comes to counseling, somehow we tend to forget that deep and permanent healing and health of our inner person ultimately awaits the work of the Holy Spirit. Instead, we see more hope in the professional counselor to fix us than in the miracle work of the Holy Spirit.” (Page 24)

“But if his Sunday morning messages, for example, are evangelistic, seeker-oriented, or inspirational rather than expositional (teaching the Word), the preacher should follow Christ’s example and proactively plan another venue to instruct the entire congregation of ‘belongers.’” (Page 53)

Product Details

• Title: The Five Smooth Stones: Essential Principles for Biblical Ministry
• Author: Robertson McQuilkin
• Publisher: B&H
• Publication Date: 2007
• Pages: 240

About J. Robertson McQuilkin

Robertson McQuilkin served as the third president of Columbia International University from 1968 to 1990 distinguishing himself as a spiritual and practical visionary. Under his leadership, CIU made advancements in accreditation standing and faculty development, growth in the graduate and seminary programs, the initiation of radio ministry and the expansion of campus facilities. He resigned from the presidency to care for his wife, Muriel, who had reached the stage of Alzheimer’s disease in which she needed full-time care. Prior to becoming president of CIU, McQuilkin served as headmaster of Ben Lippen School, then for 12 years as a missionary in Japan. Today McQuilkin is a speaker and writer, engaging in an extensive conference ministry across America and overseas. He also serves as president emeritus of CIU. In 2005 McQuilkin married Deborah Jones Sink, a professor at the University of South Carolina School of Nursing. Deborah also has a teaching ministry in conferences and women’s groups. Between them, Robertson and Deborah have nine children: four in Christian ministry, five in business.