The Free Church Today: New Life for the Whole Church - Paperback

by Arthur A. Jr. Rouner (Author)

This important contribution to American ecumenism is an impassioned plea for an encounter between the mainline denominational churches and the vital new ""third force"" of the evangelical and ""free"" churches. It strives to bridge the gulf between the most uncritical supporters of organic church union and those most suspicious of its organizational purpose and theology. It suggests that the common elements of the New Testament church life in all local churches provide a basis for understandings out of which a new spirit and a broad new alignment can evolve. It urges the mainline groups to achieve an understanding with these free churches--whose doctrine of authority posits a direct, personal rule of Christ over each local ""gathered"" congregation without the meditation of bishops, priests, synods or councils--in seeking a new basis for achieving the reality of the ""great church coming"" which is the ecumenical hope. The author's conviction is that the future of the church in America and of any vital ecumenical witness rests with these ""left out"" churches and their creative rapprochement with other life of all churches together in an exciting and meaningful mission in which American churches of all traditions can share completely, yet without compromise.

Author Biography

Arthur A. Rouner Jr. is a graduate of Harvard College, New College (Edinburgh, Scotland), and Luther Theological Seminary where he earned his Doctor of Ministry degree. He is the author of twenty-five books, including How to Love, Healing Your Hurts, Being Present, and Forgiveness: The Road to Reconciliation.

Following forty-plus years in parish ministry, Dr. Rouner went on to found The Pilgrim Center for Reconciliation. He served as president of the organization for over twenty years. Working side by side with his wife, Molly, he facilitated retreats where thousands in East African countries and in the United States were healed through the process of forgiveness and reconciliation. He now serves as President Emeritus of the organization.