While many models have been proposed for understanding the nature of the church, the primary biblical image is that of the body of Christ. Decoding the Church takes this organic metaphor and examines its DNA to find the key to church structure and mission. The authors suggest that the classical understanding of the church as defined by the Nicene Creed-one, holy, catholic, apostolic church-comprises only one strand of the church's DNA. They propose a more complex, living model for structuring the church and understanding its mission, and then explore how a biblically structured church can transform the world. Decoding the Church evaluates models based in hierarchy, psychology, and ecology, and stresses the biblical and contemporary reality of globalization. Includes discussion questions.
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Howard A. Snyder (Ph.D., University of Notre Dame) is professor of history and theology of mission at Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky. He is the author of numerous books on church life, including The Problem of Wineskins. Daniel V. Runyon is professor of English at Spring Arbor University in Michigan and coauthor with Snyder of Foresight and The Divided Flame.
Snyder (history and theology, Asbury Theological Seminary) and Runyon (English, Spring Arbor Univ.) argue that the essential nature of the church can be discovered by unpacking and reappraising the image of the body of Christ as having at its core an ecclesiastic DNA, or inborn Christian nature. Thus, the church's genetic heritage comes directly from Christ and, as such, entails a mission to the world. Theologically conservative and Protestant in perspective, the DNA argument serves only as a heuristic. The authors posit a fictional congregation to exemplify their arguments in each chapter, leading to their conclusion that a church can "discover its own unique DNA." The authors never truly plumb the depths of the organic nature of being, creation, selection, or randomness-fruitful metaphors usually associated with genetic images. However, readers familiar with these authors will recognize recurring themes-church as community, small-group processes (including questions for discussion and reflection), and biblical models of congregational leadership. Recommended only for seminary collections developing church leadership holdings.
Sandra Collins, Duquesne Univ. Lib., Pittsburgh
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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Paperback. Condition: Good. Using the genetic code as a model, this provocative book will provide you with theological analysis, biblical principles, and practical applications for understanding the structure and mission of today's church and how it can transform the world A superb guide to a biblical and dynamic 'ecology' of worship, community, and witness. -Marva J. Dawn, author of Reaching Out without Dumbing Down The new interest in the missional church has been in need of a practical, hands-on blueprint for action. Here it is - Robert E. Webber, Myers Professor of Ministry, Northern Seminary Snyder and Runyon help the reader ask tough questions and consider new possibilities that could make a world of difference for tomorrow's communities of faith. - Tom Sine, author of Living on Purpose These two outstanding authors give biblically based theological perspectives on the structure and functions of the church, giving special attention as to how the church should respond to the urgent social concerns of the twenty-first century. -Tony Campolo, Professor of Sociology, Eastern University This is an important book that will challenge pastors and professors alike. I highly recommend it. - Vinson Synan, Dean of the School of Divinity, Regent University This is a great resource for introducing church members and students to an examination of the DNA of the church, not only its theological identity but its role in today's world. -Susie Stanley, Professor of Historical Theology, Messiah College Howard A. Snyder is Visiting Director of the Manchester Wesley Research Centre in Manchester, England. He has served as a pastor and as a professor at Asbury Theological Seminary (1996-2006), Tyndale Seminary in Toronto (2007-2012), and elsewhere. His books include The Problem of Wineskins, The Radical Wesley, Models of the Kingdom, and Salvation Means Creation Healed (with Joel Scandrett). Daniel V. Runyon is professor of English at Spring Arbor University, Spring Arbor, Michigan. Seller Inventory # CIN080109142XG
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Paperback. Condition: Fair. Using the genetic code as a model, this provocative book will provide you with theological analysis, biblical principles, and practical applications for understanding the structure and mission of today's church and how it can transform the world A superb guide to a biblical and dynamic 'ecology' of worship, community, and witness. -Marva J. Dawn, author of Reaching Out without Dumbing Down The new interest in the missional church has been in need of a practical, hands-on blueprint for action. Here it is - Robert E. Webber, Myers Professor of Ministry, Northern Seminary Snyder and Runyon help the reader ask tough questions and consider new possibilities that could make a world of difference for tomorrow's communities of faith. - Tom Sine, author of Living on Purpose These two outstanding authors give biblically based theological perspectives on the structure and functions of the church, giving special attention as to how the church should respond to the urgent social concerns of the twenty-first century. -Tony Campolo, Professor of Sociology, Eastern University This is an important book that will challenge pastors and professors alike. I highly recommend it. - Vinson Synan, Dean of the School of Divinity, Regent University This is a great resource for introducing church members and students to an examination of the DNA of the church, not only its theological identity but its role in today's world. -Susie Stanley, Professor of Historical Theology, Messiah College Howard A. Snyder is Visiting Director of the Manchester Wesley Research Centre in Manchester, England. He has served as a pastor and as a professor at Asbury Theological Seminary (1996-2006), Tyndale Seminary in Toronto (2007-2012), and elsewhere. His books include The Problem of Wineskins, The Radical Wesley, Models of the Kingdom, and Salvation Means Creation Healed (with Joel Scandrett). Daniel V. Runyon is professor of English at Spring Arbor University, Spring Arbor, Michigan. Seller Inventory # CIN080109142XA
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