Description:
Is a church just something we create to serve our purposes or to maintain old traditions? Or is it something more vital, more meaningful, and more powerful? In this introduction to the nature of the local church, historian and missionary Scott Sunquist brings us a portrait of the church in motion, clarifying the two primary purposes of the church: worship and witness.
Brief description:
Scott W. Sunquist (PhD, Princeton Theological Seminary) is president of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. Previously, he was a professor and dean of the School of Intercultural Studies at Fuller Theological Seminary, taught missiology and Christian history at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, and lectured at Trinity Theological College in Singapore. Sunquist is the author of Explorations in Asian Christianity, Understanding Christian Mission, and The Unexpected Christian Century, and a coauthor of A History of the World Christian Movement.
Review Quotes:
"In Why Church?, Scott Sunquist brings clarity and power to who and what we are as the church of Jesus. As a seminary colleague, I appreciate the way Sunquist brings a wealth of history and research to our current context. As a pastor, I am strengthened by the way he investigates contemporary expressions of the church around the world and then focuses on what it means for us to help our folks deeply engage the two biblical reasons for the church (worship and mission). As a friend, I am grateful that Scott has given the church an essential reminder of our call as believers. Every pastor, staff person, and leader needs to use Why Church? as a resource for taking us to new heights as leaders of the Lord's household."
Chap Clark, pastor, St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, formerly vice provost, Fuller Theological Seminary