Church Planting: Laying Foundations (ISBN 083619148X)

Necessary Read!:
This is by far the best of the best. It challenges pragmatic approaches by most popular models/methods of church planting and calls for planters to understand their greater purpose as the missio Dei (mission of God). It is a trenchant critique of the idols of "purpose," "programs," and "personalities" over and above kingdom principles and perspectives. Thoroughly biblical, yet liberating!

One of the finest books I have read!:
Previously published in the UK, a year ago I paid a small fortune for a copy of this book that was special ordered from England. I was furious at having to spend so much -- but upon reading it, I found that not a penny had been wasted...and that this book is actually worth its weight in gold! Essentially, this book is a primer on issues of ecclesiology (the ways in which theological assumptions and messages are found in how we structure the church and our efforts at building it up). Stuart notes that far too little attention has been given to these issues by most church planters and people seeking to renew the church. He calls upon the church to take seriously how the shape of the church influences the message it will proclaim. Murray takes the reader through a comprehensive and sweeping survey of many ways in which church planting is done and ways in which congregations are structured. What he is getting at here is not about what committees or boards a church may have -- but more fundamental issues of how laity and clergy interact, the significance of buildings and properties, and the relationship between notions of parish church versus a more missional organization. Murray offers up useful commentary throughout this book, pointing out strengths and weaknesses where he finds them. Even if one does not agree with every point he makes, he provides a priceless explanation of many different approaches to being the church today. This is a SUPERB book. I give this book my highest recommendation.

Finally, a Biblical view of Church Planting:
This book is insightful, thought provoking, and practical. This isn't a "how to" book, so anyone looking for a step-by-step book should look elsewhere. However, Murray offers something much more--an approach to church-planting that is both practical AND based in solid ecclesiology. Ecclesiology is lacking in my faith tradition (evangelicalism). This book helps to fill the void. Anyone considering being a part of a church plant MUST get this book.

Outstanding!:
Murray and Kraybill have produced a comprehensive book that examines Church Planting from a very balanced perspective. Their treatment of the objections to church planting is extremely valuable. Although their efforts to stay balanced cause the book to occasionally "bog down," the net effect is a classic work that will stand the test of time. This book will be a helpful guide for the leaders and participants in any church planting movement.

good read:
this man is a lawyer, and he writes like one. at first this style takes a bit of getting used to as it seems many times he is arguing both sides of the arguement. this all in all is probably a good thing as it gives you a bigger overview of diffrent models, but so often i wanted to know what the author himself, an experienced church planter, recommended. he raises a lot of good questions to get us thinking, but doesn't always give answers. some of you may want this, others of you may be looking for something to give clearer direction rather then a (very good and very detailed) overview of differing view points related to ecclesiology.