What is the purpose of 9Marks?

Overview

9Marks is a ministry dedicated to helping churches cultivate health and faithfulness according to biblical principles. Its work centers on nine essential traits—which it terms “marks”—that align with Scripture’s teaching on the structure, practice, and priorities of a local congregation. These marks include principles such as expository preaching, biblical theology, the gospel’s centrality, and other features that shape a church’s witness to the world.

The name “9Marks” comes from these nine biblical characteristics, each rooted in the New Testament’s instructions for healthy church life. From a broad perspective, the ministry’s purpose is to provide guidance for pastors, leaders, and members as they strive to ensure that the local church remains faithful to Scripture, effectively proclaims the gospel, and serves as a reflection of God’s glory on earth.

Though primarily associated with a specific group of theologians and pastors, the focus of 9Marks extends beyond any single denomination. It aims to provide practical resources—books, articles, conferences, and personal mentorship—for building up churches that align themselves with what is taught in the Word of God, as “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16).

Historical and Contextual Background

9Marks traces its beginnings to discussions and teachings centered around a desire for stronger, Scripture-driven local churches. These discussions were initially led by pastors and theologians who perceived a need for renewed biblical clarity within congregations. Over time, the concept expanded into a formal ministry.

Historically, the Church has always wrestled with maintaining fidelity to biblical doctrine alongside effective practice. From the early church gatherings described in Acts 2:42—“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer”—to church conciliar meetings across the centuries, believers have recognized that the local church must be ordered according to biblical mandates. 9Marks draws upon this longstanding tradition while also dealing with modern cultural and theological challenges that churches face today.

Biblical Foundations

Scripture provides both explicit instructions and underlying principles concerning congregational life, leadership, worship, teaching, and fellowship. First Corinthians 14, for example, addresses orderly and edifying worship; Ephesians 4:11–13 speaks of equipping the saints “for works of ministry, to build up the body of Christ.” These foundational texts underscore the conviction that the church’s structure, activities, and teachings are not merely human inventions but divine prescriptions.

This conviction resonates with the broader biblical narrative of God calling out a people for Himself, culminating in the Church “purchased with His own blood” (Acts 20:28). Accordingly, the purpose of a local church is not only to instruct believers in sound doctrine and true worship, but also to bear witness to the transformation made possible by the gospel of Jesus Christ, who “died for our sins according to the Scriptures…was buried, and was raised on the third day” (1 Corinthians 15:3–4).

Core Principles: The Nine Marks

While 9Marks resources often expand on each mark at length, the nine foundational components typically include:

1. Expository Preaching

This is preaching that draws out the meaning of the biblical text, submitting the sermon’s main point to the main point of Scripture. According to Romans 10:17, “faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.” Expository preaching ensures that the congregation is fed with God’s truth rather than human opinion.

2. Biblical Theology

This principle entails understanding Scripture as a cohesive narrative that reveals God’s character, actions, and plan of redemption. When believers read the Bible in light of God’s overarching story, they grow in discernment and unity of faith, recognizing doctrinal consistency throughout all 66 books.

3. The Gospel

The good news is central to 9Marks teaching, highlighting the holiness of God, the reality of sin, the atoning death of Christ, and His resurrection. 1 Corinthians 1:18 states, “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” The gospel remains the power behind all meaningful change within an individual and a congregation.

4. Conversion

Recognizing that spiritual new birth is a work of the Holy Spirit, conversion emphasizes genuine repentance and faith in Christ. John 3:3 notes, “Jesus replied, ‘Truly, truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.’” Churches standing on this principle guide people not just toward moral improvement but toward a transformational relationship with God.

5. Evangelism

In fulfilling the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19–20), local churches are called to proclaim the gospel near and far. This responsibility shapes the church’s outreach strategies, missions programs, and daily interactions with the community. 9Marks materials often clarify practices that distinguish faithful evangelism from manipulative or watered-down approaches.

6. Church Membership

Local churches should reflect the unity and accountability of believers, carefully admitting those who “hold fast to the word” (1 Corinthians 15:2). This involves covenanting together to pursue holiness, care for one another, and submit to biblical leadership. Church membership underscores a commitment to mutual edification and accountability.

7. Church Discipline

Scripturally guided correction fosters holiness, unity, and restoration within the body. Passages such as Matthew 18:15–17 outline measures for dealing with persistent sin. Properly administered church discipline seeks the repentance and reconciliation of an erring believer, reflecting God’s loving pursuit of those He calls His own.

8. Discipleship and Growth

Based on Jesus’ command to make disciples, this mark focuses on teaching and nurturing believers toward spiritual maturity. Colossians 1:28 stresses, “We proclaim Him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.” Churches that embrace this mark develop intentional pathways for believers to grow “in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18).

9. Biblical Leadership

The New Testament prescribes leadership by elders and deacons “able to teach” and of proven character (1 Timothy 3:2–13). 9Marks resources shed light on the importance of selecting qualified leaders and affirm congregational structures in which these leaders shepherd the flock with humility and diligence (1 Peter 5:1–3).

Primary Objectives of 9Marks

The ministry’s core objective is to help believers and congregations reflect the scriptural blueprint for church life and mission. This includes:

• Encouraging a return to faithful, text-centered preaching.

• Reinforcing doctrinal clarity that is in harmony with biblical revelation.

• Emphasizing the gospel as the driving force behind conversion and discipleship.

• Helping believers understand church membership as a covenant with spiritual accountability.

• Fostering a community where leaders guide with compassion, and members willingly participate in discipleship and discipline.

By equipping congregations in these ways, 9Marks aims to see local churches flourish in faithfulness and effective witness.

Role in Church Growth and Discipleship

Many church movements have focused on numerical growth or cultural adaptation; 9Marks instead prioritizes biblical fidelity, trusting that spiritual health forms the foundation for authentic growth. Drawing from passages like Acts 2:47, which recounts how “the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved,” the viewpoint is that fruitful expansion arises when believers persevere in teaching, fellowship, worship, and prayer.

At the practical level, 9Marks offers churches a structured path for nurturing discipleship. Cohesive small-group ministries, robust teaching schedules, and accountability structures are just a few examples of how churches integrate these principles. The goal is lifelong honoring of the command, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19).

Connection to Scriptural Principles

The ultimate aim is conformity to the mind of Christ. Philippians 2:5 exhorts, “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.” The nine marks revolve around scriptural calls to transformation, authentic worship, and love grounded in truth. When congregations structure every aspect of ministry according to God’s Word, they embody what 1 Peter 2:9 calls “a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation.”

In keeping with its high view of Scripture, 9Marks also underscores the confidence believers have that the Bible guides every dimension of church life (Psalm 119:105: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”). Such confidence arises from God’s revelation of Himself as Creator and Redeemer—One who calls His people to a life that glorifies Him and points others to the risen Christ.

Practical Reflections and Applications

Local church leaders often turn to 9Marks resources when they desire to evaluate or reexamine how they organize worship services, how they preach, how they approach membership and leadership, and how they disciple believers. This evaluation, when done in a spirit of humility and reliance on the Holy Spirit, can be deeply transformative.

• Leadership Training: Pastors and elders can refine their method of expository preaching, highlighting scriptural truths faithfully so that the congregation learns to embrace the Word as its final authority.

• Church Membership Programs: By implementing membership classes founded on commitment and accountability, churches remind prospective members that belonging to the body of Christ is not merely signing a form but a covenant that shapes one’s day-to-day walk of faith.

• Healthy Discipline: When discipline occurs within a church context, it fosters restoration, unity, and purity, reflecting God’s holiness and Christ’s love for His people (Hebrews 12:6: “For the Lord disciplines the one He loves.”).

• Global Mission: Adhering to the nine marks prepares believers to share their faith locally and globally. Emphasizing the true gospel fosters witnesses who can clearly and confidently communicate the truths of Christ crucified, buried, and risen.

Summary of the Purpose of 9Marks

The ministry’s foundational goal centers on the conviction that churches thrive best when they emulate the biblical model of congregational life and leadership. By clarifying how Scripture should govern the local church, 9Marks provides extensive teaching on what it means to be faithful stewards of the gospel, to disciple believers toward maturity, and to honor the risen Lord in every facet of congregational practice.

Ultimately, this leads to a deeper unity around truth, a more powerful witness of the gospel, and steadfast commitment to discipleship. As the church is built according to God’s Word, it naturally proclaims the reality of a risen and living Savior. In turn, this fosters an environment where believers grow in grace, seekers encounter credible and loving witness, and God receives the glory due His name.

“Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). This verse encapsulates the spirit of 9Marks: it is a tool for equipping churches to reflect heaven’s light into a world in need, so that individuals might glorify God and ultimately discover the hope and eternal life found only in Christ.