The Church: An Introduction

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 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

“It would be hard to overstate how important it is, in this cultural moment, for evangelicals to recover a robust doctrine of the church. One of the most important contributions Christians can give to the world is healthy local churches in which spiritual brothers and sisters gather to give glory to the triune God. In The Church, Gregg Allison has done the church a great service in helping us recover a robust ecclesiology that will undoubtedly serve elders, deacons, ministry leaders, and congregations. I pray this book gets the wide reading it deserves.”
J. T. English, Lead Pastor, Storyline Fellowship, Arvada, Colorado; author, Deep Discipleship

“What is the church? Ask your friends, and you’ll get a legion of answers. In the face of such confusion, Gregg Allison’s volume The Church provides a clear and concise explanation—one based on decades of thoughtful study and experience. Allison considers practices that are common to Christians and on which we differ. His book is a readable, illuminating, trustworthy guide to ecclesiology that will inform your mind and kindle your soul.”
Chris Castaldo, Lead Pastor, New Covenant Church, Naperville, Illinois; author, Talking with Catholics about the Gospel

“Maintaining a proper ecclesiology is as vital now as ever. Gregg Allison’s work here is rich yet concise, intelligent yet accessible. The Church ought to be a primary resource for both leaders in every church and students in every Christian institution.”
Ryan Welsh, Campus Pastor of Teaching, The Village Church, Southlake, Texas; Adjunct Instructor, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary; coauthor, Raising the Dust

“There are few men who have thought about the church as much as Gregg Allison and even fewer who have his combination of theological and practical experience. Allison’s framework for examining key doctrines and practices for various expressions of the church should prove encouraging to the theologian, insightful to the pastor, and accessible to the layperson. This book is a profitable read for anyone who loves the church and cares about her future.”
Jimmy Scroggins, Lead Pastor, Family Church, West Palm Beach, Florida; author, Turning Everyday Conversations into Gospel Conversations

“I am encouraged to see a book on the doctrine of the church by Gregg Allison! It is written by a man who has not only given his life to systematic theology, including the study of the church on an academic level, but has also given his life to the church on a practical level. Allison is a churchman who loves the church. I had the blessing of seeing his love for the church up close when my wife and I were part of a small group that he and his wife led while we were attending the same church some years ago. I saw the way that he loved, discipled, and shared his life with God’s people. The best people to learn from are those who are knowledgeable on the subject they are writing about and who also have practical experience. This is why you will be blessed to learn about the doctrine of the church from Gregg Allison.”
T. C. Taylor, Lead Pastor, One Fellowship Church, Indianapolis, Indiana