The Church

by Brent D. Peterson

What is the church? What does it mean to be the body of Christ? What is the role of the church in the world? What if the church messes up? What is the difference between clergy and laypeople? Brent Peterson discusses these topics and more in this volume of The Wesleyan Theology Series on The Church. In a three-part framework, learn about Jesus’s creation of and vision for the church, our role as Christ’s body in the world, and the political mission of the church in partnership with God. The church is a body that needs a diversity of parts working by the power of the Holy Spirit in order to function the way God intends. Christians are used to hearing theological language in the church but may not feel they have adequate resources to enhance their understanding of what certain terms or concepts mean. The Wesleyan Theology Series aims to discuss Christian doctrines in accessible language that states clearly what we believe and why. Each volume is written by an author with a particular expertise who also has the ability to simplify and clarify complex ideas. The Wesleyan Theology Series is written specifically for the theologically curious layperson, student, or pastor. Topics the Trinity, creation, eschatology, the church, the sacraments, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, Scripture, sin, grace, salvation, sanctification, Christian ethics, and atonement.

192 pages, Paperback

Published September 1, 2023

Reviews

[Alex Connell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book! I especially enjoyed the "Wesleyan Ecclesial Confessions" that Peterson added throughout the book.

This is a great look at The Church from a Wesleyan perspective. I'm eager to read the forthcoming Sacraments volume which should be here soon.

[Luke Mohnasky · Rating 4 out of 5]

With captivating tone, Brent Peterson faithfully calls the body of Christ to be the martyr church. He also challenges the body to resist the temptation of empire violence. He goes on addressing various topics many evangelical white pastors are afraid to face: implicit bias, racism, violence, and bigotry.

The church is necessarily political and Brent Peterson calls all of us in the body of Christ to political action.