Early church at work and worship
Book Description
Delve into the foundational practices that shaped Christianity's earliest communities with this comprehensive exploration of worship and ministry in the ancient church. Everett Ferguson, recognized as a leading authority on early Christian history and church structure, presents a rich collection of scholarly insights that illuminate how the first believers organized their spiritual lives and religious practices.
This substantial volume brings together Ferguson's most significant research on early Christian worship, including his notable work on the ritual of laying on of hands. The collection examines the development of ordination practices and explores how early Christian communities navigated religious divisions and maintained unity during their formative centuries.
Drawing from diverse sources and including previously unpublished material, these essays offer readers a window into the primitive church period spanning from 30 to 600 CE. Ferguson's analysis reveals how ancient believers structured their worship, established leadership roles, and addressed theological disagreements that arose within their communities.
For those seeking to understand the historical roots of Christian practice, this work provides valuable insights into the organizational and spiritual foundations that continue to influence religious communities today. The collection demonstrates how early Christians balanced institutional needs with spiritual devotion, offering timeless lessons about community building, leadership development, and maintaining faith during periods of change and challenge.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages)
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore History and criticism
- ✓ Explore Worship
- ✓ Explore Church history
- ✓ Explore Essays (single author)
- ✓ Explore Church history, primitive and early church, ca. 30-600
- ✓ Explore Christianity, origin
- ✓ Explore timeless philosophical wisdom
- ✓ Explore Early Christian literature
