Gospel DNA: Five Markers of a Flourishing Church

I appreciated the insight Pastor Newman gave in providing the historical highlights of the growth of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod during our early years (mid-1800's). His book calls us back to the concept of making disciples of Christ. He reminds us that "disciples, disciple" and that this is in our DNA. Pastor Newman calls on us to figure out a way to re-stoke that fire within our church...within all Christian churches. An exciting read.Gerald C. Brunworth

Fantastic little book...might be mis-interpreted by those with their own agendas, but in comparison with my own experiences growing up in the Missouri church, he is right on. We have lost our love for the unchurched and the urge to grow. We have replaced the Gospel truth with our own feelings and imaginations. We have become reluctant to adapt. And most of all we don’t know what self-sacrifice to bring the Gospel to the unchurched actually means. However, if the Missouri church were willing to adopt the markers it received from its fathers and mothers, then it would become again the Gospel movement it once was.

This is a passionate battle-cry for the LCMS to be who we have been historically - a mission- and outreach-driven church body. Why have we not done this for several decades? Who knows? But we can go back to our historic roots, the DNA of this church body and once again do whatever it takes to have a great heart for lost and hurting people in our communities who need to hear about Jesus. And we do not have to sacrifice doctrine to do it. This book will get your heart pumping!

Newman’s research and insights about our church’s history is revealing, challenging, and inspiring. I appreciate his insights and ideas. A great tool for us to navigate the challenges we face as dedicated followers of Jesus who want to see more people connected by faith to Jesus.

I really enjoyed reading this book as it went along with a sermon series our pastor was doing. Very informative about the history of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod.

"Gospel DNA" delivers on it's promise to unpack five marks of a flourishing church body. The content is thoroughly researched; the Scriptures are woven throughout the book. In a day and age of gifs and 144 character commentary, it is refreshing to find numerous primary historical sources forming the foundation of a book. The more I read about the history of a movement, the more I was intrigued with the future of Christendom.

I think this helps put a guiding helm to some of the myths that we tend to believe without looking back into actual history. It is a terrific book to stimulate discussion about where do we go from here in a world that does not put stock in religious institutions as we once did.

Gospel DNA is accessible to the average reader, challenging to the experts in the mission and ministry of the Church in the 21st century, Bible based and practical book. The author is one of the most effective mission leaders in North America with a passion to reach all people for Christ.