Instructor(s)

The history of the doctrine of the church from the first century. It examines the nature, forms, polities, marks, and functions of the church, including an examination of the church as an evangelical fellowship and the promise of an Evangelical ecclesiology, with a view toward a practical vision for doing church work in today's world. The evangelical revival transformed the church in the twentieth century, and now, more than ever, several questions are being confronted: "What is the nature and importance of the church in God’s overall plan of redemption? What precisely is the church? What should the church be doing as we enter the new millennium with all of its problems and promise?" With these programmatic questions in mind, the nature of the church as an evangelical fellowship is explored.

A 21st century evangelical ecclesiology is developed. The meaning and importance of baptism and the Lord’s Supper is also explicated. The riches of biblical, historical, and contemporary theology are kept in mind with a view toward a practical vision for doing church in today’s world. The emerging challenges to the doctrine of the church are discussed, including contemporary issues regarding marriage and ordination. Ecumenical Issues