What is the nature and purpose of the church for a twenty-first-century world? What is the church's calling in an age of globalization? Twenty-one pastors and theologians in the Reformed tradition offer insightful perspectives by bringing into conversation the treasures of liturgical and missional theology. These authors see the church's essential character to be as worshipping-witnessing communities, gathered and sent by the triune God. Topics that are explored include the relationship between worship and mission, baptism and the Eucharist, the formative role of community, the catholicity and ecumenicity of the church, multiculturalism, and hymnody.

Neal D. Presa is Associate Professor of Preaching and Worship and Vice President of Student Affairs and Vocational Outreach at New Brunswick Theological Seminary. Additionally he is Affiliate Associate Professor of Preaching at Fuller Theological Seminary, Senior Visiting Professor of Pastoral Leadership and Ministry at Union Theological Seminary in the Philippines, Adjunct Professor of Practical Theology at the International Theological Seminary (West Covina, CA), and a Fellow of The Center for Pastor Theologians. He served pastorates in New Jersey and California for two decades. He is a past Moderator of the 220th General Assembly (2012) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), and past chair of the board of trustees of the Presbyterian Foundation. A national and global ecumenist, he is a member of both the Central Committee and Executive Committee of the World Council of Churches, where he leads the Finance Policy Committee.