A new Being Reformed: Faith Seeking Understanding study for adults surveys the great ends of the church in significant and accessible ways. It will help renew our focus as leaders of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) prior to the 221st General Assembly (2014), which will emphasize the six great ends.

Being Reformed: The Great Ends of the Church explores the interconnected unity of the great ends, the challenges they pose, and how to show and tell the gospel of God’s church. Written by Joseph D. Small—adjunct faculty at the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary, church relations consultant to the Presbyterian Foundation, and former director, Office of Theology and Worship, PC(USA)—the six-session study challenges participants to commit themselves to fostering the six great ends in their congregation, the community, and their personal lives.

The great ends provide guidance for the church as faithful expressions of the Christian gospel and as what God calls the church to be and do. At General Assembly, each of the great ends will be celebrated during one of the six plenary meetings. They are:

  • the proclamation of the gospel for the salvation of humankind;
  • the shelter, nurture, and spiritual fellowship of the children of God;
  • the maintenance of divine worship;
  • the preservation of the truth;
  • the promotion of social righteousness;
  • and the exhibition of the Kingdom of Heaven to the world.

Published by Congregational Ministries Publishing, PC(USA), Being Reformed: Faith Seeking Understanding is a series of biblically based studies that provides adults with a foundational understanding of the Reformed faith. Each study features Scripture, prayer, in-depth commentary, and questions for reflection.

Order Being Reformed: The Great Ends of the Church in English, Spanish, or Korean here.