Publisher's Synopsis
Description: In an era of religious mass production, so many church models invest their energies toward gathering a crowd, singing songs, and preaching good sermons. Much of the focus is on the shop window. While this is important, it is not enough. Doing church is not enough. Churches that grow disciples don't simply attract a crowd, they provide a strategic theological basis for what they do, and that requires serious thinking about the methodology of church life. The Last Disciple is a book for those interested, not simply in doing church, but in asking hard questions about why we do what we do. Answers to these hard questions are the very basis of the foundation of the local church's existence. Rather than simply attracting a crowd, have you evaluated why your church does church? Have you ever felt that your church tradition has lost the meaning behind its existence? What would it look like if you recaptured your church's meaning? Is it possible to do this while bridging the relevancy gap of common culture? There will be different answers for different contexts, but this book will give you tools for thinking it through by asking the right questions. Endorsements: ""Finally, a must-read book on Pentecostal ecclesiology. At a time when Pentecostal churches are attempting to redefine their purpose, Pafford offers a new vision of the vocation of the church. The Last Disciple includes both a thorough study of Pentecostal ecclesiology and a relevant, pragmatic approach to problems that the church faces in a postmodern world."" -Dr. Robert Harden Dean of Graduate Studies Southwestern Assemblies of God University ""The Apostle Paul admonished us to pass the faith along to the next generation (2 Timothy 2:2). From the time he started his ministry in Antioch to the time of his death, he was rarely seen alone. He was always in the process of discipling a young believer. We must adopt as a chief concern of the church the need to pass the faith along to our generation and the next and the next. Dave Pafford carefully instructs us how to do just that most effectively."" -Dr. Gary A. Denbow President, Central Bible College ""Dave's love for the church and passion for the Spirit are all over this book. It is obvious that he has not only done his homework, but he's also done the hard work of prayer as he's wrestled with some tough issues. My prayer is that God would use this tool to equip his people and build his Kingdom."" -Scotty Gibbons Director, Realife Student Ministries James River Assembly ""No stone left unturned. Pafford addresses discipleship from every angle tackling some of the most difficult and controversial topics. His blend of insight, knowledge of church history, metaphoric imagery, and humor make The Last Disciple an enjoyable yet essential read for everyone regardless of their position in life's journey."" -Mark Entzminger Senior Director of Children's Ministry General Council of the Assemblies of God ""I certainly concur with Pafford on the condition of and the challenges facing the Pentecostal churches of today. The statement that 'the lens through which the American community interprets the Gospel is the local church, not the Bible' should be a powerful catalyst to the church in every generation to so live in the Word and in the Spirit so as to clearly reflect the NT Church."" -Dr. James K. Bridges Former General Treasurer Assemblies of God About the Contributor(s): David Pafford is District Youth and Christian Education Director for the Assemblies of God churches throughout Northern Missouri. He is a graduate of North Central University, Fuller Seminary, and William Woods University.
