Character of the Church

What makes a church a church? Is it where three or more are gathered? Is itsongsand asermon on Sunday? Does it requirestructure and leadership? How do you know? The Character of the Church dispels confusionbydescribingthe 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 oneor even how to lead one. Useful for training in membership classes, discipleship groups, and elder boardsand even for devotional readingThe 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 preachedThe sacraments are rightly administeredLeadership is biblically formed and functioningDiscipline is practiced with graceThe mission of the church is shared by allThis 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.