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The Local Church: What It Is and Why It Matters for Every Christian

By Edward W. Klink III

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The Local Church: What It Is and Why It Matters for Every Christian

By Edward W. Klink III

... Show All

How God Ministers to His People and the World through the Local Church

The church is more than coffee with friends—it’s a meaningful gathering of Christians that involves fellowship and growing in biblical truth. Given the rise of the internet and the availability of streaming church services, many ministry leaders and church members are asking questions about the purpose and mission of the local church: What is the church? Why does the church exist? How does the church function? What is the connection between the Christian and the church?

Pastor and trusted scholar Edward Klink III addresses these questions and more with a thoughtful assessment of what the Bible has to say about God’s intention for the local church body. Klink stresses its importance as God’s way of revealing his presence, displaying his power, fulfilling his purposes, and manifesting his activity in the world. In today’s hyperindividualized culture, this book not only demonstrates why it’s vital for individuals to connect to a local church, but also reveals why it’s vital to God’s work in the world.

Read Chapter 1


Author:

Edward W. Klink III

Edward W. Klink III (PhD, University of St. Andrews) is the senior pastor of Hope Evangelical Free Church in Roscoe, Illinois. He previously served as associate professor of New Testament at Talbot School of Theology, Biola University. He is the author of several books, including Understanding Biblical Theology and John, a volume in the Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament.

Product Details

Category: Church Ministry
Theology
Format: Paperback
Page Count: 176
Size: 5.25 in x 8.0 in
Weight: 6.7 ounces
ISBN-10: 1-4335-7136-6
ISBN-13: 978-1-4335-7136-7
ISBN-UPC: 9781433571367
Case Quantity: 76
Published: October 26, 2021

Table of Contents

Introduction
Chapter 1: What Isn’t the Church? (Problem)
Chapter 2: What Is the Church? (Principle)
Chapter 3: Why Does the Church Exist? (Purpose) Chapter 4: How Does the Church Function? (Process)
Chapter 5: What Is the Connection between a Christian and a Church? (Participation)
Chapter 6: The Local Church: Addressing Common Questions (Practice)

Endorsements

“Misconceptions about the nature, purpose, mission, and value of the church abound. Combining a scholar’s mind and a pastor’s heart, Klink reminds us afresh of what the church is and why the local church matters. This book is profoundly biblical, refreshingly accessible, and deeply practical. It is a much-needed, warm-hearted clarion call to understand and embrace God’s purpose for the church in a world that desperately needs the church to be the church.”
Matthew S. Harmon, Professor of New Testament Studies, Grace College and Theological Seminary; author, Asking the Right Questions

“I can’t think of a better person to write a book on the local church than my friend Edward Klink. Combining a scholar’s head with a pastor’s heart, Klink makes an accessible yet compelling case for the indispensability of the local church in the life of every Christian. This is a marvelous tonic for anyone suffering from ecclesial doldrums. Let it elevate your vision of life together within your local congregation. Highly recommended!”
Todd Wilson, Cofounder and President, The Center for Pastor Theologians

“Full of biblical insight and pastoral wisdom, The Local Church ties together Jesus and his church. Why do we need the church? What should churches do? How should we behave within her walls? Klink tackles all these questions and more with a theologian’s rigor and a pastor’s heart. A welcome primer for new believers and seasoned pastors alike.”
Jonty Rhodes, Minister, Christ Church Central Leeds, UK; author, Covenants Made Simple and Man of Sorrows, King of Glory