It is absolutely essential that a church perceive itself as an institution for the glory of God, and to do that—claims John MacArthur—the local church must adhere unfalteringly to biblical leadership principles. Christ never intended church leadership to be earned by seniority, purchased with money, or inherited through family ties. He never compared church leaders to governing monarchs, but rather to humble shepherds; not to slick celebrities, but to laboring servants. Drawing from some of the best-received material on church leadership, this updated edition guides the church with crucial, effective lessons in leadership. This book is valuable not only for pastors and elders, but for anyone else who wants the church to be what God intended it to be. John MacArthur is on the cutting edge of church leadership and church development. He not only knows this critical area biblically but pragmatically as well, since his own church models the principles in this book. -Dr. Tony Evans, pastor and author The book The Master’s Plan for the Church is indeed a masterwork. Like other works by John MacArthur, it shows solid biblical scholarship and practical application. -Dr. Adrian Rogers, pastor, Bellview Baptist Church, Memphis, Tennessee John MacArthur has done church leaders a great service. His new edition of The Master’s Plan for the Church is the thorough, biblically-based book we are used to finding when we read MacArthur. I commend it to church leaders everywhere. -Dr. Jerry Vines, pastor, First Baptist Church of Jacksonville, Florida John MacArthur is on the cutting edge of church leadership and church development. He not only knows this critical area biblically but pragmatically as well, since his own church models the principles in this book. -Dr. Tony Evans, pastor and author The book The Master’s Plan for the Church is indeed a masterwork. Like other works by John MacArthur, it shows solid biblical scholarship and practical application. -Dr. Adrian Rogers, pastor, Bellview Baptist Church, Memphis, Tennessee John MacArthur has done church leaders a great service. His new edition of The Master’s Plan for the Church is the thorough, biblically-based book we are used to finding when we read MacArthur. I commend it to church leaders everywhere. -Dr. Jerry Vines, pastor, First Baptist Church of Jacksonville, Florida JOHN MACARTHUR is the late pastor-teacher of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California; president of The Master's College and Seminary; and featured teacher for the Grace to You media ministry. Weekly telecasts and daily radio broadcasts of "Grace to You" are seen and heard by millions worldwide. John had also written several bestselling books, including The MacArthur Study Bible , The Gospel According to Jesus , The New Testament Commentary series, Twelve Ordinary Men , and The Truth War . The MASTER'S PLAN for the CHURCH By John MacArthur Moody Publishers Copyright © 2008 John MacArthur All right reserved. ISBN: 978-0-8024-7845-0 Contents INTRODUCTION.................................................................................................9PART 1: The Anatomy of a Church1. The Skeletal Structure....................................................................................172. The Internal Systems......................................................................................293. The Muscles...............................................................................................594. The Head..................................................................................................75PART 2: The Dynamic Church5. The Pattern of the Early Church...........................................................................856. Elders, Deacons, and Other Church Members.................................................................937. A Look at the Thessalonian Model..........................................................................1038. Marks of an Effective Church..............................................................................1139. The Calling of the Church.................................................................................13110. The Lord's Work in the Lord's Way........................................................................141PART 3: Qualities of an Excellent Servant11. Understanding the Seducing Spirit........................................................................15712. Understanding the Duties of the Ministry.................................................................16713. Shepherding the Flock of God.............................................................................191APPENDIXES1. Answering the Key Questions about Elders..................................................................203What Is the Proper Understanding of the Term Elder?..........................................................204How Is the Term Elder Used in Reference to the Church?.....