The third of a five-volume series designed to assist laity and clergy to better understand Baptist principles, The Church contains a detailed introduction, fifteen sermons, and a concluding essay. Topics include: the essence of the church as both divine and human, universal and local; membership of both believers and disciples; government as both a Christocracy and a democracy; local churches as both sanctuaries of individual freedom and sacred places of communal responsibility; ministry roles of both laity and clergy; and mission of both worship and witness.

Walter Shurden is the Callaway Professor of Christianity and Chair of the Roberts Department of Christianity at Mercer University. He is the author of numerous works about Baptist history.