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

The second in Joe Thorn's three-book series on the confession, nature, and expression of the Church, *The Character of the Church* explores what the church is fundamentally *like*.

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.

For a local church to actually be a church, certain marks are essential. A church that follows the apostles' pattern is one where:

* 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

Drawing from Scripture, theology, and church history, Joe Thorn expounds each of these in detail, yet leading readers to clear understanding. A book for laymen, *The Character of the Church* helps Christians know plainly what makes a church a church, and how to conduct themselves accordingly.Read less