The Five Smooth Stones: Essential Principles for Biblical Ministry

Bemused by the constant rising and falling of new methodologies when
he began a career in ministry over fifty years ago, university president
Robertson McQuilkin has ever since committed his work to a core group
of enduring ministry principles that he calls “the five smooth stones.”

In summary, these principles are: the Bible (making it the functional
authority), the Congregation (aligning it with the biblical purposes), the
Spirit (releasing his energizing power), the Plan of Redemption (the mission
of every disciple), and the Lord Jesus (model of servant leadership).

While that outline may seem very obvious, one must ask why so many
churches and other ministries fail somewhere along the way. Could it be
a simple lack of commitment to relentlessly measure every effort by these
key standards?

McQuilkin has witnessed the success of his method through five decades
of dynamic service, from church planting to foreign missions to the
academic arena. The Five Smooth Stones is his invitation to join in the
deep reflection, honest evaluation, and courageous integration of each
principle here in order to bless every aspect of your ministry.