New book from D. L. Moody Center highlights the legacy of storied pioneer in ministry

February 22, 2022

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — The D. L. Moody Center (moodycenter.org),one of the nation’s top spiritual renewal destinations, recently announced the upcoming launch of the new book, “Useful to God: Nine Lessons from the Life of D. L. Moody.” The illustrated, full-color book is published by Kingdom Winds Publishing and is scheduled for release at the end of February.

In the book, Dr. James Spencer, president of D. L. Moody Center, explores the life and legacy of the famous evangelist Dwight L. Moody and identifies nine key characteristics that Moody exemplified. Chapter Ten, “Becoming Useful to God,” highlights Moody’s fervent view that a Christian’s faith should impact the world around them.

Spencer notes, “Looking back over some of the characteristics that allowed God to use Moody reveals that the man was more than a humble evangelist. He had a deep concern that the people of God be useful to God.”

For believers, the first step in becoming useful is found in their own backyards: the local church.

Spencer observes, “Moody wanted to see Christians contributing to the ministry of the church. The work of the ministry played a crucial role in the Christian life. Work and usefulness were connected because ‘to be a useful, happy Christian, just get to work and do not go to sleep.’” But while the work was of the utmost importance, Moody believed that the motivation behind the movement was what was important—to further the Kingdom of God.

When considering a Christian’s utility in society, Moody believed that purpose was more powerful and effective than politics.

Spencer states, “Whatever other activities in the political or social realms may be appropriate for Christians, evangelism and discipleship are the primary means by which Christians participate in God’s work of making all things new. It is through discipleship that Christians avoid the pitfalls of pursuing human agendas or tying God to them. We must take care not to confuse God’s agendas for our own even when we are addressing legitimate concerns.”

Spencer summarizes how Moody’s life can inspire believers to become useful to God in their own lives.

“We must begin to see becoming useful as something we urgently need,” Spencer explains. “We need to commit to being surrendered, prayerful, studious, humble, free from the love of money, passionate for the lost, empowered by the Spirit, and undistracted from the Christian mission.”

For more information about “Useful to God: Nine Lessons from the Life of D. L. Moody,” click here.

The D.L. Moody Center is an independent non-profit organization located in Northfield, Massachusetts. Dedicated to preserving and advancing the legacy of Dwight Moody, the D. L. Moody Center is a catalyst for spiritual formation in New England and beyond through evangelism and discipleship.

The D. L. Moody Center is a destination for spiritual renewal, yet not a school. Nevertheless, there is much to learn by studying D. L. Moody and what God accomplished through his life which began in New England, at the Northfield, Massachusetts campus, the heart of Moody’s ministry as well as his childhood home.

The D. L. Moody Center is honored to sponsor the annual “Go Dark, Shine Bright” ministry campaign in partnership with The Shine Bright Project. The innovative initiative is designed to help Christians let go of the daily distractions of social media and focus on daily devotions in the Word of God.

Learn more about D. L. Moody Center by visiting moodycenter.org or follow the ministry on Facebook or Twitter.   

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