Building Up the Body of Christ

Overview
Man is not meant to live alone. God’s reflections in Genesis 2 make that quite clear, and our own inner longings for community confirm the truth that we were created for authentic relationships.

Anyone who walks in church worker shoes knows that their congregation is a little community, one not gathered together by their efforts but united as a gift from God. Unique personalities and vastly different communication styles define each flock. And everything in the world, our sinful human flesh, and Satan seeks to destroy these diverse relationships in the Body of Christ.

Building Up the Body of Christ: Supporting Community Life in the Church gives church leaders a guidebook for developing and nurturing church environments that are psychologically and spiritually healthy. Author Bruce Hartung combines research, real stories, and personal experience that will inspire you to reevaluate best practices for loving and serving your neighbors at church.

Return to your baptismal identity, receive God’s Word and the Lord’s Supper often, and you’re ready to begin the journey!

Free downloadable study guide with purchase. A free downloadable PDF of study questions will be automatically added to your cart when you buy Building up the Body of Christ.


About the Author
Dr. Bruce M. Hartung is Professor Emeritus, Practical Theology at Concordia Seminary St. Louis where he served as the Dean of Ministerial Formation. He is a Diplomate in the American Association of Pastoral Counselors and one of the association’s past presidents. Dr. Hartung also served as a counselor, executive director of pastoral counseling centers, director of counseling, and a parish pastor. He is the author of Holding Up the Prophet’s Hand.