What is the church?What makes the churchchurch?In this volume, theologian Veli-Matti Kauml;rkkauml;inen provides an up-to-date survey and analysis of the major ecclesiological traditions, the most important theologians, and a number of contextual approaches that attempt to answer these essential questions.Drawing on his international experience, global research and ecumenical awareness, Kauml;rkkauml;inen presents an overview of both traditional and contemporary expressions of the Christian church.An Introduction to Ecclesiologywill richly reward the student, pastor or layperson who is looking for a comprehensive and insightful overview of the unity and diversity of understandings and practices within the one church of Jesus Christ.