I have recently read Grover Cleveland Brewer's, "The Model Church" (TMC) again. What a practical and insightful book it is. "The Model Church" is peppered with scripture and a great deal of pragmatism. Brewer does not pull punches when dealing with difficult subjects like, membership, removing an elder and dealing with the disorderly. TMC is a must read for anyone leading or forming a church in a New Testament pattern.

TMC was published in 1919 and (mostly) reads as if it were written today. Brewer avoids trendy debates and addresses timeless issues which face God's people. The book reads as a how-to manual for congregational building and maintenance with a passion. TMC instructs and also preaches with conviction. It also allows room for debate on debatable issues. ("CHAPTER VII, The Deaconate" had some surprises.)

While some of the principles addressed in "The Model Church" are timeless, some of the specifics are not. The chapter on finances uses 1919 salary models and their is at least one racist remark in chapter X.

Hans Rollmann has republished “The Model Church” online for everyone’s edification.