The second in Joe Thorn's three-book series on the confession, nature, and expression of the Church, The Character of the Church explores what the church is fundamentally like.

Useful for training in membership classes, discipleship groups, and elder boards—and even for devotional reading—The Character of the Church is at once theological, practical, and experiential. Readers will not simply be informed, but led to a deeper appreciation of the church of God.

For a local church to actually be a church, certain marks are essential. A church that follows the apostles' pattern is one where:

• The word of God is faithfully preached
• The sacraments are rightly administered
• Leadership is biblically formed and functioning
• Discipline is practiced with grace
• The mission of the church is shared by all

Drawing from Scripture, theology, and church history, Joe Thorn expounds each of these in detail, yet leading readers to clear understanding. A book for laymen, The Character of the Church helps Christians know plainly what makes a church a church, and how to conduct themselves accordingly.