John MacArthur, Jr., believes in outreach-fiercely. Through his pulpit at Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California, and through his radio ministry "Grace to You," he has taught thousands to scatter into the world and spread the gospel. He has unambiguous feelings about how church outreach should be, and should not be, conducted.

In his new book, Our Sufficiency in Christ (Word, 1991), MacArthur criticizes, among other things, the trend in church outreach toward pragmatism, as seen in church growth theory, seeker-oriented services, user-friendly churches, and entertainment in worship (what he calls "evangelical burlesque").

He also blasts mysticism (the "Signs and Wonders" and "Spiritual Warfare" movements) and psychology (even Christian counselors). Such trends, he believes, undermine the core of the gospel.

The LEADERSHIP editors sat down with John one Friday afternoon to probe his heart and practice as a pastor as well as a polemicist.