An intelligent church is deliberately thoughtful about its theology and practice and about the connection between the Bible and modern culture.

This theologically rooted and practical book will help you move you and your church along the path toward more faithful and effective ministry of God's love in a changing world.

The task of the Church is 'to be the irrefutable demonstration and proof of the fact that God is love,' claims Steve Chalke. An intelligent church intentionally connects the Bible and its twenty-first-century culture, is authentic and, most importantly, has thought through its practice. In other words, the way it does church is a reflection of its understanding of who God is.

This foundational issue must be addressed by pastors, church and ministry leaders, small group leaders and others as we continue to grapple with the shape of effective church in the postmodern, post-Christian West.

As Chalke unpacks central theological concepts, such as the incarnation, human sinfulness and the Trinity, he points us to the corresponding characteristics of an intelligent church, such as inclusiveness, messiness and diversity. Each thought-provoking chapter concludes with a 'Yes but How?' section, which gives practical suggestions for moving your church along this path.