Why We Belong: Evangelical Unity and Denominational Diversity

Edited by Anthony L. Chute, Christopher W. Morgan, Robert A. Peterson, Contributions by Gerald Bray, Bryan Chapell, David S. Dockery, Timothy George, Bryan D. Klaus, Douglas A. Sweeney, Timothy C. Tennent

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Why We Belong: Evangelical Unity and Denominational Diversity

Edited by Anthony L. Chute, Christopher W. Morgan, Robert A. Peterson, Contributions by Gerald Bray, Bryan Chapell, David S. Dockery, Timothy George, Bryan D. Klaus, Douglas A. Sweeney, Timothy C. Tennent

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Denominations. The word itself often sparks strong reactions, causing us to wonder if there are merits to our factions and if it’s possible to come together as one.

Showing how denominational affiliation can be natural without being negative, and how evangelical identity can help rather than hinder Christian unity, Why We Belong explains both the personal and doctrinal reasons each of the following contributors fit not only in their church, but also in the Church:

  • Gerald L. Bray (Anglican)
  • Timothy F. George (Baptist)
  • Douglas A. Sweeney (Lutheran)
  • Timothy C. Tennent (Methodist)
  • Byron D. Klaus (Pentecostal)
  • Bryan Chapell (Presbyterian)

Demonstrating that Christians have significant reasons for identifying with a denomination, this book also helps us see and belong to something much larger than our own traditions—the family of God.


Editors:

Anthony L. Chute

Anthony L. Chute (PhD, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School; MDiv, Beeson Divinity School) is professor of church history and associate dean of the School of Christian Ministries at California Baptist University. He is the author of several books and has served as a pastor of multiple churches. He and his wife, Connie, have two children.

Christopher W. Morgan

Christopher W. Morgan (PhD, Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary) is a professor of theology and the dean of the School of Christian Ministries at California Baptist University. He is the author or editor of over twenty books, including several volumes in the Theology in Community series.

Robert A. Peterson

Robert A. Peterson (PhD, Drew University) is a writer and theologian. He taught for many years at various theological seminaries and has written or edited over thirty books.

Product Details

Category: Church Ministry
Format: Paperback
Page Count: 256
Size: 6.0 in x 9.0 in
Weight: 12.7 ounces
ISBN-10: 1-4335-1483-4
ISBN-13: 978-1-4335-1483-8
ISBN-UPC: 9781433514838
Case Quantity: 44
Published: June 30, 2013

Table of Contents

Preface: Are Denominations Dead? Should They Be? (Anthony L. Chute)
1.  Toward a Theology of the Unity of the Church (Christopher W. Morgan)
2.  One Lord, One Faith, but Many Expressions: Denominations and Their Stories (Anthony L. Chute)
3.  Why I Am an Evangelical and an Anglican (Gerald L. Bray)
4.  Why I Am an Evangelical and a Baptist (Timothy F. George)
5.  Why I Am and Evangelical and a Lutheran (Douglas A. Sweeney)
6.  Why I Am an Evangelical and a Methodist (Timothy C. Tennent)
7.  Why I Am an Evangelical and a Pentecostal (Byron D. Klaus)
8.  Why I Am an Evangelical and a Presbyterian (Bryan Chapell)
9.  Denominationalism: Historical Developments, Contemporary Challenges, and Global Opportunities (David S. Dockery)

Endorsements

“Biblical evangelicalism must always be churchly, and churchly evangelicalism today cannot avoid being denominational. And denominational evangelicalism is a spiritual smorgasbord, offering more spiritual wealth and wisdom than any one person can possibly take on board. In these pages evangelical leaders become tour guides to their own denominational heritage. Authoritative? Yes. Absorbing? That too. Enriching? Very much so. Taste and see.”
J. I. Packer, Late Board of Governors’ Professor of Theology, Regent College

“The editors have assembled a strong lineup of contributors to explain why they are both evangelicals and members of their specific denominations. The result is a sparkling presentation of the very best in a number of Protestant traditions, but also a welcome prompt to think about denominationalism itself. The book is for those who value history, biblical interpretation, Christian witness, and theology—that is, for nearly everyone.”
Mark Noll, Research Professor of History, Regent College; author, America’s Book: The Rise and Decline of a Bible Civilization, 1794–1911

“The contributors to Why We Belong remind us that the strength of American evangelicalism is its unity-in-diversity. Their personal stories help us understand the importance of both our common evangelical faith and our respective denominational distinctives. This twin emphasis avoids narrow sectarianism, on the one hand, and lowest-common-denominator theology, on the other. As a movement, evangelicalism is richer because of the unified diversity displayed in the chapters of this commendable book.”
George O. Wood, General Superintendent, Assemblies of God; Chairman, World Assemblies of God Fellowship; Executive Committee member, National Association of Evangelicals

“These essays reflect the wonderful unity and diversity that exist in the body of Christ. Thus, they show evangelicalism at its best. Written by practitioners of irenic Christian cooperation and conviction, this book will instruct young believers in the true purposes of evangelicalism. It will also remind older believers why evangelicalism is worth preserving.”
Paul R. House, Former Professor of Divinity, Beeson Divinity School  

“The authors of Why We Belong argue for a robustly evangelical ecumenism—one that does not downplay the importance of doctrine or paper over theological differences, but instead recognizes those differences for what they are and moves forward in authentic Christian unity. Highly recommended.”
Bruce Riley Ashford, Professor of Theology and Culture, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary; coauthor, The Gospel of Our King

“The gospel brings life, and that life finds expression in a myriad of institutional forms. This important book shows how evangelicalism, with its gospel-centeredness, transcends any particular denominational form and yet links those who share in the new life that Christ brings. More than that, this work offers a positive theology of denominationalism that is simply refreshing.”
Graham A. Cole, Emeritus Dean and Emeritus Professor of Biblical and Systematic Theology, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School; author, He Who Gives Life and Faithful Theology

“If you find yourself standing over the funeral of either denominationalism or evangelicalism with a smile on your face, then you owe it to yourself to read this book. With biblical wisdom and theological insight (and humor, too) the editors and contributors chart a beautiful path between appreciating all that is good in denominationalism and embracing all that is good in evangelicalism. To put it succinctly, we belong to our churches and we belong to each other—and both of these are so good for us.”
Stephen J. Nichols, President, Reformation Bible College; Chief Academic Officer, Ligonier Ministries

“Many of us have long felt that a passion for Christian unity does not mean the abolition of denominational distinctives. Finally, here is a book that supports loyalty to both the unique mission of one’s church and the larger unity of the people of God. We learn in its pages that the future strength of evangelicalism depends on a passion for both. A must read.”
Frank D. Macchia, Professor of Systematic Theology, Vanguard University

“This book promotes a healthy Christian unity by showing how and why God’s family is much larger than any one denomination.”
Andrew David Naselli, Professor of Systematic Theology and New Testament, Bethlehem College and Seminary; Pastor, the North Church, Mounds View, Minnesota