What Kind of Church Is This? is a 2018 Christian Standard resource built around the identity, convictions, and mission of churches shaped by the Restoration Movement. Using short essays from several church leaders, the booklet explains the kind of church it aspires to be: one that wants to be restored, one that goes to the source, one that understands where it stands, one that is independent and connected, and one that finds unity irresistible.
The resource consistently returns to core Restoration themes. It emphasizes returning to the New Testament as the source for faith and practice, pursuing Christian unity without surrendering biblical conviction, and holding together truth and love, autonomy and accountability, theology and mission. It also highlights familiar Restoration Movement phrases and principles, including “not the only Christians, but Christians only,” the rejection of human creeds as binding authority, and the desire to do Bible things in Bible ways.
What Kind of Church Is This? also presents a practical and pastoral vision for the local church. The essays address salvation, baptism, the Lord’s Supper, congregational leadership, the role of Scripture, and the importance of humility, accommodation, truth, and cross-shaped love in church life. Rather than offering a narrow institutional defense, the booklet frames Restoration identity as a call to unity, restoration, and faithful witness.
For readers seeking a concise explanation of Restoration Movement convictions, What Kind of Church Is This? serves as a clear introduction to the beliefs, values, and aspirations of this Christian Standard publication.
