What is the Church? Why does it need to exist, and why is it so important? In this important addition to the Good Portion series, Erin Wheeler unpacks what the Bible says about the Church and invites us to see the beauty of the Bride of Christ. She begins by ensuring that we understand what the Church is before turning our attention to the specific things that churches do.
This book not only ensures that our minds and hearts are filled with correct doctrine, but encourages us to take steps towards putting our understanding into practice.
Contents
Series Preface
Introduction:
It Doesn’t Matter Until It Does
Part One: What Is the Church?
God’s Idea: His Plan and Purpose for the Church
A Roaring Fire: The Importance and Privilege of Church
Membership
A Gathering That Glorifies God: The Mission of the
Church
Part Two: What Does the Church Look Like?
A Devotion to the Word: Preaching, Teaching, Reading,
Singing, Praying
A Visible Picture of the Invisible: Baptism and the
Lord’s Supper
A Pursuit of Holiness: Church Unity and Discipline
A Flock with a Job to Do: Congregationalism, Elders,
and Deacons
A Different Kind of Community: Life with One
Another
Conclusion: A Heavenly Gathering
Selected Bibliography
Scripture Index
Endorsements
Sister, the truths awaiting you here are not just necessary, like medicine. They are also beautiful, like the Messiah Himself.
Matt Smethurst Editor, The Gospel Coalition
How many times have we, as Christian mothers, called to our children to get ready for church? How many times have we been met with a resounding groan? Honestly, my kids aren’t alone in complaining. I, too, need to be reoriented and reminded that God is at the center of the church, not me. Erin compellingly shows us from God’s Word (which is our very life) what it means to be the blood–bought, chosen, treasured,
covenant people of God and how the gospel truly is ‘church–shaped.’ The doctrine of the church gets to the very heart of God. Read this book with sisters in your local church and grow together in your love for Jesus and His beloved bride.
Bev Berrus Writer and Speaker
Erin Wheeler writes as one who not only loves the church, but knows how to bring others into her love for Christ’s bride. This book is well–written, scripturally sound, and a beautiful invitation to love the local church.
Courtney Reissig Author of ‘Teach Me to Feel: Worshipping Through the Psalms in Every Season of Life’
I walked away with a greater affection for God’s people, encouraged to invest deeply in my local church for the glory of God.
Hunter Beless Host of the Journeywomen Podcast and author of Read it, See it, Say it, Sing it
Wheeler is an engaging writer and a solid theologian whose own love for Christ’s bride shines on every page. If you are a woman looking to understand God’s design for the church, this book will be an invaluable resource.
Megan Hill Author of ‘Contentment’ and ‘Praying Together’; Editor, The Gospel Coalition & mother of four (by birth and adoption)
… serves to clarify the vital doctrine of the church and how we as women must embrace it for all the right reasons.
Mary K. Mohler Director, Seminary Wives Institute, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky
… enormously clear, accessible and helpful.
Malini Ruth Singh Satya Vachan Church, Lucknow, India.
… faithful and fun,
biblically informed and rich in simple, direct illustrations.
Mark Dever Senior Pastor, Capitol Hill Baptist Church and President, 9Marks.org, Washington, DC
Weighty and yet practical, Erin’s book is a rare find. Her passion for the church is visible and contagious. Her clear and personal writing style makes this easy to read and accessible for a new believer, while full of rich teaching for the seasoned saint. Reading this book will change the way you relate to your local church. If our churches are to be places that ‘protect and proclaim His glory to the world’ then they need to be filled with people who have been transformed by the truths of this book.
Adrienne Lawrence Pastor’s Wife, Charles Simeon Trust instructor, Bible teacher
Erin is married to Brad, the lead pastor at University Baptist Church, in Fayetteville, Arkansas. They have four teenagers. She works part time as a labor and delivery RN, retreat speaker, occasional writer for TGC and 9Marks. Erin loves discipling, teaching women how to study their Bible, and everything outdoors.
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