Anyone who takes history seriously must be fascinated by the church-- the variegated structures of the Christian movement. Down the centuries it has tamed barbarians, commanded kings, compromised with culture, pioneered in helping the needy, conserved the past, and quickened the conscience of humankind. But understanding the church begins with the New Testament: the gospel of Christ, the transforming friendship with his disciples, and the insights of Paul in counseling congregations of the first century. All of this is woven through the twelve chapters of this book in a careful, readable style. Its concern, however, is for the church of today in the context of rapid social change. How are the New Testament images of the church reflected in its ministry in our time? How does the church witness in urban society and how can it help to meet human needs? These are the kinds of questions it faces with hope always for the future. - book blurb.