The Character of the Church: The Marks of God's Obedient People (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9780802414717)

What makes a church a church?

Is it "where three or more are gathered"? Is it songs and a sermon on Sunday? Does it require structure and leadership? How do you know?

The Character of the Church dispels confusion by describing the five elements of a biblical church. Concise, accessible, and historically informed, it teaches God's design for church so you know what to look for in one--or even how to lead one.

Useful for training in membership classes, discipleship groups, and elder boards--and even for devotional reading--The Character of the Church is at once theological, practical, and experiential. Readers will not simply be informed, but led to a deeper appreciation of the church of God and its essential marks:

• The word of God is faithfully preached
• The sacraments are rightly administered
• Leadership is biblically formed and functioning
• Discipline is practiced with grace
• The mission of the church is shared by all

This book will bring churches and Christians back to the biblical picture of a local body, perfect for any believer eager to grow and help others do likewise.