The Core of the Christian Faith

Living the Gospel for the Sake of the World

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Internationally renowned author and speaker Michael Goheen helps readers understand the basics of Christianity in this accessible book. He explains that the church needs a process of formation that equips Christians to be faithful to the gospel, stand firm against the winds of cultural idolatry, and fulfill their role as the new humanity living for the sake of the world.

Drawing on experience from years of speaking and writing, Goheen unpacks the heart of the Christian faith through four key components. He lays out a formation process that guides Christians to (1) return to the good news as a comprehensive and powerful message of God's kingdom, (2) recover the Bible as the one true story of the whole world, (3) retrieve a deep consciousness of their missional identity, and (4) engage in a missionary encounter with culture. Together, these components form Christians to be faithful to their calling.

This succinct summary of Goheen's vision of the Christian faith will help local churches develop discipleship programs and encourage Christians to make formation a priority. The Core of the Christian Faith will appeal to laypeople, small groups, pastors, and church leaders. Videos to accompany the book will be available for small group use.

Contents

1. An Opening Appeal
2. Reading the Bible as Jesus Did
Part 1: The Gospel of the Kingdom
3. What Is the Gospel?
4. The True Context of the Gospel
5. The Whole Truth of the Gospel
6. Continuing in the Gospel
Part 2: The Biblical Story
7. Israel's Story, Part 1: The Book of Moses
8. Israel's Story, Part 2: Life in the Land
9. The End of the Story, Part 1: Jesus
10. The End of the Story, Part 2: Mission and Consummation
11. The Urgency of Reading the Bible as One Story
Part 3: God's Missional People
12. The Missional Vocation of God's People
13. A Missional People Today, Part 1: Scattered Life
14. A Missional People Today, Part 2: Gathered Life
Part 4: A Missionary Encounter with Culture
15. A Missionary Encounter with Western Culture Today
16. The Story of the West
17. The Spirit of Postmodernity
18. The Spirit of Economic Modernity
19. The Spirit of Consumerism
20. A Closing Appeal

Endorsements

"In an age overflowing with discipleship and spiritual-formation resources, Goheen has written a book that stands out as essential for Christians today. By focusing on the heart of the Christian faith, this accessible book offers both clarity and practical guidance on how the church can embody a missional, counter-formative presence in our cultural moment. As I read, my heart was stirred for Christ and my imagination ignited with fresh ways to faithfully participate in God's mission today."

John Crawford, executive pastor of formation, Redemption Tempe

"Michael Goheen's The Core of the Christian Faith is a rare and essential work that masterfully weaves together missiology, theology, worldview, and ecclesiology to equip the church for its missional calling. It challenges God's people to bear witness to his kingdom in every sphere of life and culture, inspiring the church to live as a faithful presence in the world God loves and is renewing for his glory. This book's wide-ranging insights, delivered in an engaging and memorable style, will make this my top recommendation for anyone in our church seeking to integrate their faith into every aspect of their life."

David Fairchild, lead pastor, Christ Community Church of Houston; Texas regional director, Acts 29 Network

"In this book, Mike Goheen distills a lifetime of pastoral and academic wisdom into a compelling vision for the church's role in God's redemptive mission. Built around a fourfold core for discipleship--the gospel, the biblical story, the identity of a missional people, and a missionary encounter with culture--it offers a practical and profound framework for faithful living. A timely and Spirit-filled invitation, this work will inspire congregations to embrace their vocation for the sake of the world."

Summer Montoya, director of spiritual formation, Redemption Church Gilbert

The Author

  1. Michael W. Goheen

    Michael W. Goheen

    Michael W. Goheen (PhD, University of Utrecht) is professor of missional theology at Calvin Theological Seminary. He is also professor of missional theology and director of theological education at the Missional Training Center, Phoenix. Goheen is...

    Continue reading about Michael W. Goheen