Zero Identity: The Ontological Crisis of the American Church

9781522776536

Plot

The church that emerged in the wake of the Apostle Peter's sermon at Pentecost was a community transformed by the Holy Spirit whose identity ran counter to the culture at the time. Acts 2:42 does more than just describe the activities of the church; it gives a true picture of who they were. Their devotion to the teaching of the apostles, to real fellowship, to keeping the message of the Lord's Table ever before them, and to deep and life-transforming prayer is far more than just a model for ministry. It is a description of the church's identity, character, and state of being. When comparing the American church of the 21st century to that of the church at "ground zero" in Acts 2, it is easy to conclude that we have gone from a "ground zero" identity to just plain zero identity. Ideal for pastors and church leaders who are deeply concerned about the character and direction of Americanized Christianity, this work is a call for an ontological reformation in the 21st century American church.