Mere Ecclesiology: Finding Your Place in the Church's Mission

Too many churches limp along with no clear sense of mission. In Mere Ecclesiology: Finding Your Place in the Churchs Mission Dr. Crofford clarifies the purpose of Gods people through the metaphor of spiritual respiration. Breathing in (worship and discipleship) leads to breathing out (transformative service in the world). Newcomers and seasoned believers alike will be challenged to discover their calling as the Holy Spirit sends the church out on a challenging mission to heal families communities and creation itself. In promoting a healthy church Dr. Crofford emphasizes the need for spiritual respiration. His conception of church health first requires a breathing in of personal growth that is spiritual knowledgeable and communal. Second spiritual respiration requires a breathing out that is missional ministering practically to others for their holistic salvation societal well-being and ecological care-giving. . . . Crofford identifies step-by-step strategies that help Christians to implement spiritual respiration in finding their place in the churchs mission. --Don Thorsen Professor of Theology Azusa Pacific University Seminary Crofford invites us into a discussion regarding the theology of church and the practical implications for ministry. This thoughtful overview of the formational and missional characteristics of the church mirrors Jesus command to love God and love others. Here the corporate body of Christ can live in authenticity to the doctrine handed down through the ages. This work will prove useful for the church engaged in the formation of Christlike disciples. --Carla Sunberg President Professor of Historical Theology Nazarene Theological Seminary In this helpful and easy-to-read book Crofforddraws wonderfully from Scripture the Christian faith community and his own faith journey. He offers wisdom and understanding to all pilgrims wherever they are on their journey.If ever the church needed a grassroots understanding to fulfill its mission in the world in this significant time then this is the back to the basics guide so desperately needed. --Gabriel J. Benjamin Church of the Nazarene Africa Region Education and Clergy Development Coordinator Written from his experience as a minister a clergy educator and a missionary the book covers a broad range of topics that relate to the work of the church. Easy to read and challenging to your preconceptions the book will profit every pastor and every layperson. This is an excellent overview of the work of the church. Refreshing! --Jesse C. Middendorf General Superintendent Emeritus Church of the Nazarene J. Gregory Crofford (PhD University of Manchester) is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Religion at Africa Nazarene University (Nairobi Kenya). He is the author of The Dark Side of Destiny: Hell Re-Examined (2013) and Streams of Mercy: Prevenient Grace in the Theology of John and Charles Wesley (2010).