Evangelical Convictions, 2nd Edition

by EFCA, Greg Strand (Editor), Bill Kynes (Editor)

Evangelical Convictions seeks to give clarity to the theological convictions contained in the EFCA Statement of Faith – spelling out what is affirmed and what is denied (and what is not addressed). It expounds these convictions – helping the reader understand and appreciate the wonderful truth contained in this Statement of Faith. It speaks clearly but, as much as possible, without technical theological terms so that it can be profitable for all believers, both inside and outside of the EFCA, who need to be grounded in the essentials of the faith. In this 2nd edition, there are several updates. along with some additions. There are also additional appendices included. Based on input received from readers and in response to cultural matters, these appendices make this text stronger.

Genres: Theology, Christian, Nonfiction

348 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 1, 2011

Reviews

[Matthew Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is a very dense systematic treatment of 10 major Christian doctrines. It is full of scripture references, theological reflection of each phrase in the statement, explanations of historical theology and the development of Free Church teaching, the drawing of clear boundary lines (affirmations and denials), and much more (including a very helpful appended explanation of how congregationalism functions in the EFCA--great to see that in print). It is the first place I will go to show anyone what we believe.

And it's written in a winsome, humble, warm and yet courageous prose.

It won't be easy for everyone to read. Evangelical Convictions is not full of folksy stories and anecdotes (though there are good illustrations made to explain various points). It is dense, but like a pound cake--thick, rich, and theologically sweet.

Evangelical Convictions is encouraging to me, not just because I agree with everything in it (even the various "balances" struck throughout seem judicious and well put). But also because it points to some theological health in the EFCA.

When the leaders of the EFCA engaged our whole family of churches in a process of revising our statement of faith, I was ultimately encouraged. There were some rocky spots in the process, of course, but the leaders handled the whole thing with strong integrity, humility and courageousness.

I was really pleased to be a part of a family of churches that (among other things) valued doctrine enough to spend a lot of time on it, to improve what was already good, to include as many as could be included without compromising the gospel, and to move from theology to doxology.

Now, there is a book that captures it all.

I chewed on wonderful resource for over a month, reading it in snatches.

That's just the way to enjoy a theological pound cake.

[Moriah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Took me too long to read this but I found that not just each paragraph but each sentence had so much meat that it was to dense to just skim through. Glad to have read it and definitely gave helpful language to the doctrine and theology that I ascribe to.
Read as a staff team and then in a class.

[Thomas Golding · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really useful explanation of the doctrinal position of the Evangelical Free Church. I especially like the way they relate the various doctrines to central truth of the gospel.

[Shane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Important book delineating the Statement of Faith of the Evangelical Free Church of America. The authors spend a little time on the history of the EV Free church, which began in Sweden, but the majority of the work consists of a "theological exposition" of their Statement of Faith, using myriad scriptural references to support their belief system. This easy to read book is perfect for those wanting to know more about the beliefs of the EV Free Church, and highly recommended to anyone who wants to know more about basic Christian beliefs in general.

[Kirk Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

For ~250 pages, it’s impressive how much theological depth and precision this book includes.

This is a helpful resource for those within the EFCA, explaining the positions of the association. But I think it would be helpful to anyone, regardless of any connection to the EFCA. This book could serve as an excellent, brief, tightly-packed introductory theology book.

Because it speaks on behalf of the EFCA, it does not take specific positions on things like credo- and paedobaptism, Reformed or Wesleyan views of salvation, the nature of the millennium, and other secondary doctrines. But it nonetheless introduces the reader to them. And it does so fairly.

I read the 2nd edition.

[Rachel Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great tool to really break down the 10 articles of the EFCA statement of faith and examine how Scripture supports those statements as well as the Free Church history on some of those points. Good personal resource but also useful for churches and small groups as well as a potential discipline resource for those within the EFCA.

[Geoff Petrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid book. It's quite helpful to read the nitty gritty behind each statement of faith that the EFCA has. A bit dense at times but that's just fine.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

A pretty simple explication/exposition of the basic tenets of Christianity, but really well executed.

[Wesley Roth · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book that is the exposition of the Evangelical Free Church of America's statement of faith. Read and studied this for my credentialing process as a pastor called to an EFCA church!

[Caleb Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great exposition of the efca statement of faith in a thoughtful and engaging way!

[Justin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Contained within this book is a well-researched, well-defined, and well-versed explanation of the theological doctrine behind the statement of faith of the EFCA. If one were to study this academically, it will prove to be an invaluable resource to have as the building blocks to any piece of work by an evangelical believer. Not only does it serve as an academic resource, but it can also be used by anyone who desires to get a strong and comprehensive understanding of the faith and beliefs of evangelicals, specifically the EFCA. I would recommend this to anyone who desires to gain a stronger grasp of the ecclesial roles of the church, the power works and glory of the triune God, and to learn where we as God's creation fit into the picture.

[Matt Wolf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thorough, but not dense

This book gives a great explanation of the updated Efree Statement of faith. It is gospel centered, a rarity for systematic treatments of theology plus it is written in a captivating manner, something rarer still.

[Mike E. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pastors/elders/leaders of EFCA churches will want to have this on the shelf for reference.

[Samuel Park · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!