Name: Why Should We Love the Local Church?
Rating: 3.0 (1 reviews)

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

Title

Why Should We Love the Local Church?
Author(s)

Dustin Benge
Series

Union Crossway
ISBN

9781433575013
Format

eBook
Publisher

Crossway
Topic

Church
Audience

Adults
Pages

96
Published

03/21/2022

Dustin Benge

See other titles by this author

Overall rating

3.0 based on 1 review

A Pastoral Invitation to the Local Church

This is a warm, accessible, and deeply pastoral overview of key aspects of church life, written in a way that never feels condescending or distant. One of its strengths is tone—it genuinely feels like he is walking alongside the reader rather than speaking down to them. The book touches on important themes: God’s faithfulness to His church, the truth of Christ, the character required of pastors and deacons, the meaning of the Lord’s Supper, and the New Testament “one another” commands. Each section is brief but clear, offering encouragement and conviction in equal measure. That said, despite the title, it doesn’t really build a sustained argument for why we should love the local church. Instead, it assumes its value and moves quickly into describing what faithful church life looks like. Still, as an introduction or entry point, it is helpful and Christ-centered, and it leaves you curious to engage the fuller work it is drawn from. 3.5 stars.