Decoding the Church: Mapping the DNA of Christ's Body

By Howard A. Snyder and Daniel V. Runyon

Book Overview

What is the best way to understand the nature of the church? Many models have been proposed, from institutional hierarchy to modern business structures, but the primary biblical image is that of the body of Christ. Decoding the Church takes this organic metaphor and goes deep into its essence-into its DNA-to find the key to the structure and mission of the church.Howard Snyder and Daniel Runyon suggest that the classical understanding of the church as defined by the Nicene Creed-one, holy, catholic, apostolic church-comprises only one strand, or half, of the church's DNA. They propose a more complex, living model for structuring the church and understanding its mission, and then explore how a biblically structured church can transform the world. Decoding the Church evaluates models based in hierarchy, psychology, and ecology, and stresses the biblical and contemporary reality of globalization.Intertwined with this biblical, theological, and historical study of the structure of the church is the story of Heartland Church, a fictional yet typical body of believers who experience the principles discussed in each chapter. Practical suggestions and discussion questions enable readers, both lay and professional, to apply the book's insights to their own situations.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 080109142X
• ISBN13: 9780801091421
• Release Date: January 2002
• Publisher: Baker Books
• Length: 208 Pages
• Weight: 0.75 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.0" x 9.1"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

Toward a Biblical Ecclesiology--Decoding the Church

Decoding the Church seeks to present a biblical ecclesiology that emphasizes the organic and biotic images rather than static or institutional images. Just as DNA determines what a living organism becomes when appropriately developed, the authors contend that the church has DNA or genetic predispositions for its identity and health. In addition to the historic descriptions of the church: one, holy, catholic, and apostolic, this book seeks a broader perspective that reveals the "missing half" of the church's genetic code that the church is also diverse, charismatic, local, and prophetic. Viewing the church as a complex organism, this book affirms small actions, interrelationships and structure, uniqueness, and "emergent structures." Emphasizing the church as organism in community, this book focuses on the DNA of church structure, the DNA of mission, and the DNA of public discipleship. To recover the dynamism of the New Testament Church, Scripture must be our primary source along with learning from the history of renewal movements and utilizing an ecological model that emphasizes interrelationship and interdependence. Christian mission emphasizing community, simplicity, and humanity must provide creative alternatives to the effects of globalization. The authors call for public discipleship built on love and grace and active in issues of economic justice, responsible earth-keeping, and prayer for governments and global concerns.Decoding the Church is a valuable resource combining several themes from Snyder's earlier writings regarding church renewal, mission, church ecology, culture, and futurism. Readers may not agree with every insight or critique but should appreciate the rich combination of biblical and historical insight with cultural awareness and church life. The material is presented in a helpful format that provides insights, implications in principle and practice, the ongoing story of a fictitious though realistic Heartland Evangelical Church, and questions for group discussion and personal reflection. This book will be especially valuable for North American pastors, educators, and church leaders seeking a biblical ecclesiology giving primary attention to the biotic images of the church.