Loving the Church

Church Reformed by Tim Bayly


This is not a book to help you feel better about yourself or your church. It is a simple book that explains what the Church is, why she exists, and how she should respond to her husband, the Lord Jesus Christ. It is a book about Reformation, particularly what the Protestant Reformers recovered, and how much of that recovery has been lost. Certainly we can point to the similarities we've maintained with our forefathers in the faith, but as the author points out, we can keep the shell of orthodoxy while hollowing out the living faith that was passed down to us.

Pastor Bayly gives a solid presentation and explanation of the Reformed doctrine of the Church and how it applies, that is, how we should live in light of those teachings. It he stopped there, it would be similar to other confessional books on the Church. But he goes further. In the last chapter - my personal favorite - calls people to love the Church. Not just to love the Church invisible or universal church, bu the visible, local, and at times, sinful church.

We've all heard that no church is perfect, which is true. What's also true is that when we get hurt or find something in the church that grates on us, we too quickly pick up our toys and leave. We can easily profess to love the church while neglecting to gather with the saints and exhort one another. That's not loving. Pastor Bayly calls us to not forsake our local congregations just because we spot imperfections in out pastors, elders, and members. This is a temptation because a book like this makes it easier to see her flaws. We love her because Jesus loves her; we are called to sacrifice for her as our Savior sacrificed Himself for her. How do we do that? We pray for her, we serve her, and we remain faithful to her despite her problems.

Don't read this book if you expect your inner pharisee to be strengthened. There's something in this book to convict every person who reads it. You will probably get frustrated at some points or disagree at others. Don't let that stop you from seeing it through. If you come away with a deeper appreciation and desire to honor the Bride of Christ, the author's job is complete.

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