The Character of the Church: The Marks of God's Obedient People

**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.