"As an introduction to the doctrine of the church, this book addresses both "mere" ecclesiology and "more" ecclesiology. For each topic, the first section presents the common ground shared by most churches throughout history. This aspect tackles the essence or core of the church's identity, leadership, government, ordinances/sacraments, ministries, and future. The second section describes how this essence expresses itself in the actual practices and structures of particular churches"--
In this volume, Gregg Allison offers an overview of specific doctrines and practices that unite and distinguish different churches and denominations as each finds its unique expression through churches' views of identity, leadership, church government, sacraments, ministries, and the future.
Series Preface
Introduction
Part 1: Foundational Issues
Chapter 1: The Triune God and the Church
Chapter 2: The Church according to Scripture
Part 2: Mere Ecclesiology and More Ecclesiology
Chapter 3: The Identity of the Church
Chapter 4: The Leadership of the Church
Chapter 5: The Government of the Church
Chapter 6: The Ordinances or Sacraments of the Church
Chapter 7: The Ministries of the Church
Chapter 8: The Future of the Church
Conclusion
Futher Reading
General Index
Scripture Index
Gregg R. Allison (PhD, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School) is professor of Christian theology at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is secretary of the Evangelical Theological Society, a book review editor for the Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society, an elder at Sojourn Community Church, and a theological strategist for Harbor Network. Allison has taught at several colleges and seminaries, including Western Seminary in Portland, Oregon, and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, Illinois, and is the author of numerous books, including Historical Theology; Sojourners and Strangers; and Roman Catholic Theology and Practice.
