Explore the foundations of church life and governance in Lutheran tradition, from the marks of the Church to its assemblies and councils.
This nonfiction work surveys how the Church is defined, organized, and related to the state and society. It draws on historic Lutheran thought and key scholars to explain concepts such as the visible and invisible Church, church polity, and the role of Word and Sacraments in marking true confession and practice.
- Examines the idea of a representative and synthetic Church through councils, synods, and congregational participation
- Explains how the Church has been understood in relation to Confessions, creeds, and Lutheran doctrinal standards
- Looks at the development of church doctrine, governance structures, and the balance between clergy and lay representation
- Highlights essential terms and debates in ecclesiology, including the authority of confessional documents and the role of the Church in society
Ideal for readers of church history, theology, and Lutheran polity who want a concise, reference-focused overview of ecclesiology and its practical implications.