Discipleship in Community: A Theological Vision for the Future

by Mark E. Powell, John Mark Hicks, Greg McKinzie

Overview

Jesus said, “Go and make disciples.” So, what exactly are we doing?

Western churches face a difficult future marked by numerical decline and evident signs of shrinking cultural influence. But Discipleship in Community wisely asks the church to go back to basics. What does it mean to follow Jesus? What does a life of discipleship look like?

Trusted scholars Mark Powell, John Mark Hicks, and Greg McKinzie invite you to consider how good theology can lead to better, more intentional discipleship. In Discipleship in Community you will learn
• how the language of Trinity matters to everyday disciples;
• how God’s plan and mission is unfolding and how, as disciples, we can participate in that mission;
• how the Bible is more than a book of facts and how it guides us into a relationship with God;
• how baptism and the Lord’s Supper allow us to experience God’s saving power; and
• how local churches can encourage intentional discipleship.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781684264100
Publisher:	Abilene Christian University Press
Publication date:	06/16/2020
Pages:	176
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.25(h) x (d)

About the Author

Mark E. Powell is a professor of theology at Harding School of Theology in Memphis, Tennessee, and the author of Centered in God.

John Mark Hicks is a professor of theology at Lipscomb University in Nashviile, Tennessee. He is also the author of six books, including Searching for the Pattern.

Greg McKinzie is adjunct faculty at Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tennessee, and the executive editor of Missio Dei, an online journal for missions, theology, and practice.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments 9

Chapter 1 An Invitation to Discipleship 11

Chapter 2 Starting with God: The Trinity 25

Chapter 3 Participating in God's Story: Eschatology 47

Chapter 4 Encountering the Living Word: Scripture 69

Chapter 5 Pursuing Intentional Discipleship: The Believers Church 91

Chapter 6 Experiencing God in Community: The Sacraments 115

Chapter 7 Participating in God's Purposes: Mission 137

Chapter 8 Theological Commitments in Churches of Christ 159

Response Lauren Smelser White 165

Response Stanley Talbert 172

Response Carson E. Reed 177

Appendix 1 Rules of Faith and Ecumenical Creeds of the Early Church 185

Appendix 2 Alexander Campbell's "Summary View of the Christian System of Facts" 189