About the Book
God has both called and gifted the body of Christ to build up one another. Pastor Timothy Clothier believes that all spiritual gifts have been given for that very purpose and that all the gifts outlined in the Scriptures are for today. “To ignore certain gifts, even because someone else has abused them, is to truncate what God intends to develop,” he says.
In "To Each is Given: Spiritual Gifts in the Life of the Church," Clothier offers a new line of argumentation for the “continuationist” position on spiritual gifts. In doing so he seeks to define signs and wonders and spiritual gifts, carefully considering how they relate to one another, and whether each is for the church today.
About the Author :
Timothy Clothier is pastor of Grace Church in Waynesboro, Pa. He is a graduate of Grace College and Grace Theological Seminary. He and his college sweetheart Carrie have four children. Allegra, Adelaide, Toban, and Tucker. Their family loves being active, outside, and enjoying what God has created.
Review :
Taking complicated subject matters and making them understandable is a 'gift' that Timothy leverages throughout "To Each is Given." I believe this will be a tremendous tool on the bookshelves of pastors who desire to teach a Biblical perspective of spiritual gifts in our modern context. Whether you're looking for sermon prep material or your next small group study, "To Each is Given" is a must have!--Mark Lingenfelter, president of Inspire: Charis Fellowship Pastors Network, and pastor, Grace Fellowship Church, Duncansville, Pa.
To Each is Given is marked by biblical conviction, detailed clarity and humble courage. I found my understanding of spiritual gifts confirmed in some areas and challenged in others. Read Timothy Clothier's book. Read it with an open Bible, an open heart and an open mind.--Larry E. McCall, D. Min. Author of "Walking Like Jesus Did," "Loving Your Wife as Christ Loves the Church," and "Grandparenting with Grace," Warsaw, Ind.
Born out of deep pastoral concern, and an equally deep love for the truths of the Word of God, Timothy Clothier charts out a via media on the issue of spiritual gifts in To Each Is Given. Not landing in the traditional charismatic or cessationist camps, he thoughtfully exegetes the Word of God to examine the questions of which spiritual gifts are active today, and how we utilize them for the glory of God and the building up of the Body of Christ. As the number of pastor-theologians seem sadly to be ebbing away, Timothy reminds us that there is no substitute for having a firm grasp on the eternal truths of the inerrant Word of God as we seek to shepherd and lead the Church as we are called.--Davey Ermold, Th.M, pastor, Blue Ridge Grace Brethren Church, Winchester, Va.
In To Each Is Given, Clothier blends biblical precision with pastoral care as he revisits the complicated topic of spiritual gifts. He systematically works through relevant texts of Scripture, defining key words, analyzing commentaries, and providing personal insights. Clothier gracefully touches on gender roles and thoughtfully challenges modern abuses of "signs and wonders." His respect for God's Word, the Spirit's power, and church's unity resonate throughout this book.--Tim Sprankle, pastor, Grace Church, Leesburg, Ind.
Though this topic often solicits intense reaction without listening and resorting to preconceived theological conclusions, Clothier shines exegetical light on the pertinent biblical passages to help us take a deep dive into the world of the 1st Century world where Paul (and Peter) were addressing these same disruptive problems. Without name calling, he sets the pace for how we can allow the New Testament to inform our understanding of spiritual gifts in our churches today. There's plenty of room for more dialogue, but this book gives us plenty to talk about and even more to agree about as we take Scripture seriously and unity just as seriously.--Jeremy Wike, senior pastor, Community of Hope Church, Columbia City, Ind.
Timothy Clothier sets forth the Biblical and theological reasoning upon which he has constructed his view of the role of spiritual gifts, signs, and wonders in the church today. His gracious tone models how to respond with respect and conviction to Christians holding opposing views on this issue, particularly charismatics and the New Apostolic Reformation. Even more, his careful and thorough approach to Scripture, and his desire to allow Scripture to speak for itself, provide a valuable resource for everyone who desires greater clarity on how the Holy Spirit does - and does not - continue working among us today.
--Adam Copenhaver, Ph.D., Th.M., pastor, Grace Brethren Church, Mabton, Wash.
