The church has an image problem. It is widely viewed in the world at large as being outdated, boring, irrelevant and filled with backbiting hypocrites. How different that picture is to how the Bible talks about the new family that Jesus has gathered. It is a precious bride, a sparkling jewel, a lifeboat for forgiven sinners that is precious and holy. Sam Allberry understands how, even as Christian believers, we can lose sight of how truly wonderful church is and should be, and what a privilege it is to be part of and to serve. In this brief, highly readable but thorough guide to church, Sam outlines what church is and why we need it. "I'm so glad Sam wrote this book. Many in our day say that they like Jesus, but not the church. But is it possible to belong to the Head without being part of his visible body?... a wise, basic, and winsome invitation to embrace the riches of communion with Christ's new society."? - Michael Horton, Professor of Theology, Westminster Seminary, California