The People of God's Presence: An Introduction to Ecclesiology - Paperback

by Terry L. Cross (Author)

In an age when the church is sometimes viewed as irrelevant and inauthentic, leading Pentecostal theologian Terry Cross calls the people of God to a radical change of structure and mission based on theological principles. Cross, whose work is respected by scholars from across the ecumenical landscape, offers an introduction to ecclesiology that demonstrates how Pentecostals can contribute to and learn from the church catholic. A forthcoming volume by the author, Serving the People of God's Presence, will focus on the role of leadership in the church.

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"A bold and provocative ecclesiology"

"The People of God's Presence is a fresh and exciting proposal of a rigorous theology of the church that seeks to witness faithfully in changing contexts. It grapples with the legacy of Western Christendom, building where possible while creatively engaging critical voices from the global church. Cross's explication of the church as 'the people of God's presence' defines the church in terms of God's mission and the Christian vocation as witness to God, who is present and acting in human history. Cross argues a very high theology of the assembled worshiping community. Supporting this focus is a robust theology of the essential presence and work of the Holy Spirit as a constructive offer from the Pentecostal tradition. A solid contribution to the ecclesiological discussion, made all the more valuable by its accessible style and lucid argumentation."
--Darrell Guder, Princeton Theological Seminary (emeritus)

"A bold and provocative ecclesiology that depicts the church as the people of God's immediate and saving presence in the world. According to Cross, only in the depths of this insight will the church rediscover its true power and relevance in our time. This ecclesiology deserves a broad hearing across ecumenical lines and among both pastors and scholars."
--Frank D. Macchia, Vanguard University of Southern California; Centre for Pentecostal and Charismatic Studies, Bangor University

"Cross wants to reinfuse into Christian churches the reality of God's presence, especially in the person and work of the Holy Spirit. Cross offers some radical suggestions for restoring God's presence both in public worship and in the proclamation of Scripture. Drawing upon his Pentecostal background, Cross advocates for a 're-formation' of churches, emphasizing the empowerment of God's Spirit collectively in how churches worship and proclaim the Word of God."
--Don Thorsen, Azusa Pacific University

"Cross proposes a theology of the church as the Spirit-empowered community of people formed in the image of Christ and called to fulfill God's mission in and for the world. Rather than offering a new method for church outreach, Cross insists on renewing the church's theology. Only a theological re-formation of the church can cultivate authentic practices of worship, discipleship, and ministry required for fulfilling the church's God-given mission in its dynamic twenty-first-century cultural context."
--Steven M. Studebaker, McMaster Divinity College

Author Biography

Terry L. Cross (PhD, Princeton Theological Seminary) is dean of the School of Religion and distinguished professor of theology at Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee, where he has taught for over twenty years. He previously served as a pastor and a high school teacher.