Christian love makes possible the continuance and spread of the church, the body of Christ and the community of Christian love. It is from the standpoint of love that this book comes at an emphasis on the church, its life and mission, which is being widely examined in congregations. A common emphasis or perspective for study at all age levels in many congregations is “When We Are the Church.” This book serves to undergird that emphasis across age lines by surveying the biblical and doctrinal backgrounds associated with love as the binding and energizing force in Christian community. The book may be used for adult Sunday school classes, for teacher training courses, and for individual reading and reflection.
