Character of the Church

The Marks of God's Obedient People

By Joe Thorn | Publisher: Moody Publishers

About the book

What makes a church a church?

Is it \"where three or more are gathered\"? Is it songs and a sermon on Sunday? Does it require structure and leadership? How do you know?

The Character of the Church dispels confusion by describing the 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.

Editions of Character of the Church

Paperback
ISBN 9780802414717
EBook
ISBN 9780802494696

Read an Excerpt

What makes a church a church?

Is it \"where three or more are gathered\"? Is it songs and a sermon on Sunday? Does it require structure and leadership? How do you know?

The Character of the Church dispels confusion by describing the 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Character of the Church about?

What makes a church a church?

Is it \"where three or more are gathered\"? Is it songs and a sermon on Sunday? Does it require structure and leadership? How do you know?

The Character of the Church dispels confusion by describing the 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.

What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Character of the Church?

Philosophy and Religion > Religion and beliefs > Christianity > Christian life and practice

Where can I read a sample of Character of the Church?

You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780802414717

Who is/are the Author/s of the book Character of the Church?

Joe Thorn

Who is the Publisher of the book Character of the Church?

Moody Publishers

What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?

Character of the Church is available as paperback(ISBN 9780802414717) and ebook(ISBN 9780802494696)

Where can I buy Character of the Church online or support local independent bookshops?

You can buy Character of the Church from below

Where can I buy Character of the Church?