Kevin McKay begins by explaining the origins of 9Marks, a ministry that grew out of Mark Dever’s pastoral concern for a small local church. Dever identified nine essential marks of a healthy church—expositional preaching, biblical theology, the gospel, conversion, evangelism, membership, discipline, discipleship, and leadership. These marks emphasize that the local church is God’s primary instrument for displaying His glory.

McKay then grounds this vision in Scripture. A biblical theology of the church shows God’s purpose from creation to new creation: to fill the world with His image through a redeemed people. Though Adam, Israel, and humanity failed, Christ perfectly reflects God, and through His saving work the church is formed as a new creation. Ephesians highlights that the church—united sinners transformed by Christ—displays God’s manifold wisdom even to the heavenly realms (Eph. 3:10).

From this vision flow practical implications. The church’s distinctiveness is essential for evangelism and missions. Pastors must center their ministries on God’s Word, not programs or pragmatism. True success is defined by faithfulness, not numerical growth. Church membership expresses committed love, and simplifying ministry around the Word fosters deep discipleship. McKay concludes that healthy, Word-centered churches are God’s chosen means for fulfilling the Great Commission and displaying His glory.

Pastors & Leaders Conference 2019