Why Should We Love the Local Church?: The Beauty and Loveliness of the Church (Concise Edition)

How Christians Can Rediscover the Beauty and Glory of the Church

Dear. Precious. Lovely. The Bible describes the church in extraordinary ways, even using beautiful poetry and metaphors. How does this compare to how Christians today describe the church? Unfortunately, many believers focus more on its mission, structure, or specific programs than on its inherent beauty. It’s time to spark a renewed affection for the church.

In this concise version of The Loveliest Place, Dustin Benge urges Christians to see the holy assembly of God’s redeemed people in all its eternal beauty. He explains what makes the church lovely, including the Trinitarian relationship, worship, service, and gospel proclamation. For those who have never learned to view the church as God sees it, or have become disillusioned by its flaws, this book is a reminder that the corporate gathering of believers is a reflection of God’s indescribable beauty.

• Concise and Accessible: Dr. Dustin Benge examines what the church is and why it exists
• Full Version also Available: Why Should We Love the Local Church? is the concise version of The Loveliest Place
• Part of the Union Series: Inviting readers to experience deeper enjoyment of God; other volumes include Rejoice and Tremble, Deeper, and The Loveliest Place
• Looks Beyond Methodology: Focuses on the beauty, not just the biblical function, of the church

Dustin Benge (PhD, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) is provost and lecturer in church history at Union School of Theology, Bridgend and Oxford, United Kingdom. He and his wife, Molli, live in Porthcawl, Wales.