Joined in Discipleship: The Shaping of Contemporary Disciples Identity

Toulouse organizes the history and current identity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) around four principles that have shaped the movement from the beginning: Interpretation, Restoration, Ecumenism, and Eschatology. The revised edition adds the chapter on eschatology and fills in the gaps left wide open by previous accounts of the movement's history. I've used this book as the basis for teaching Disciples history, polity and identity with clergy and laity alike, and have found it thorough, challenging, and rewarding. As one of the pre-eminent American church historians of the past two decades, Toulouse captures the essence of the movement in ways that connect the past to the present. He also offers excellent summaries of the transitions that have taken place from mission to missions and from elders to clergy. I'd recommend that any Disciple who wants to know more about our current identity and contribution to the church world-wide should have this book in his or her library.

I thought was through and interesting and for me coming into the DIsciples faith. The only chapter I thought was a little dry was the Eschatological chapter, otherwise, it is a wonderful primer to know about the Disciples of Christ.