Series edited by Graham A. Cole, Oren R. Martin
A Concise Systematic Theology of the Church
The word church evokes different thoughts from different people—some think of a group of people who meet together on Sunday mornings; some think of a building; and others think of a bigger, global movement. In this installment of the Short Studies in Systematic Theology series, Gregg R. Allison offers an overview of specific doctrines and practices of different churches and denominations as each finds its unique expression through its identity, leadership, government, sacraments, ministries, and future. For each of these topics, Allison lays out the common practice among local church communities (“mere ecclesiology”) and examines how they diverge from one another in their expression (“more ecclesiology”). Through this systematic primer, readers will come away knowing not only how various churches differ, but also how they’re ultimately united as the body of Christ and the temple of the Holy Spirit.
160 pages
Introduction
Part 1: Foundational Issues
Chapter 1: The Triune God and the Church
Chapter 2: The Church according to Scripture
Part 2: Mere 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
SSST The Church: An Introduction is in the following collections: