Exploring Ecclesiology: An Evangelical and Ecumenical Introduction

"A substantial introduction to the theology of the church at once firmly evangelical but also appreciative of insights from the broader streams of historic orthodoxy.... It deserves a wide readership and a prominent place in the classroom and on the bookshelves of professors, pastors, and students."--Marcus Johnson, Trinity Journal
In this introduction to ecclesiology, respected scholars Brad Harper and Paul Louis Metzger offer a solidly evangelical yet ecumenical survey of the church in mission and doctrine. Combining biblical, historical, and cultural analysis, this comprehensive text explores the church as a Trinitarian, eschatological, worshipping, sacramental, serving, ordered, cultural, and missional community. It also offers practical application, addressing contemporary church life issues such as women in ministry, evangelism, social action, consumerism in church growth trends, ecumenism, and the church in postmodern culture. The book will appeal to all who are interested in church doctrine, particularly undergraduates and seminarians.