Church We Never Knew

Edward Fudge wrote this ecclesiological work from within the Churches of Christ tradition, addressing what he saw as fundamental misunderstandings about the nature and purpose of the church that had developed within his own movement and broader Christianity. Drawing on his background as a lawyer and biblical scholar, Fudge sought to cut through institutional assumptions and denominational traditions to recover a more biblical vision of ecclesiology.

The book argues that the church has been misconceived primarily as an institution or organization rather than understood as the living body of Christ. Fudge contends that this institutional focus has obscured the church's true nature as a community of believers united by their relationship with Jesus rather than by organizational structures, doctrinal uniformity, or denominational boundaries. He challenges readers to move beyond thinking of the church as a building, a service, or even a particular denomination, instead presenting it as the worldwide fellowship of all who belong to Christ. The work emphasizes that the church's primary calling is not self-preservation or institutional growth but participation in God's mission of redemption in the world.

Fudge's work has continued to influence those within the Restoration Movement and beyond who seek a less institutional and more organic understanding of church life. His arguments have particular resonance for readers frustrated with denominational divisions and institutional Christianity's tendency toward self-focus rather than mission-focus.

Who should read this: Christians struggling with institutional church life and those within the Churches of Christ tradition questioning rigid interpretations of biblical ecclesiology will find this work particularly valuable. Readers seeking academic theological complexity or detailed exegetical arguments should look elsewhere, as Fudge writes for a general Christian audience.