The character of the church - Joe Thorn

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 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.