Publisher's Synopsis
"As an introduction to the doctrine of the church, this book addresses both "mere" ecclesiology and "more" ecclesiology. For each topic, the first section presents the common ground shared by most churches throughout history. This aspect tackles the essence or core of the church's identity, leadership, government, ordinances/sacraments, ministries, and future. The second section describes how this essence expresses itself in the actual practices and structures of particular churches"--.