{ARGIEF}

Treasure in Clay Jars centers on case studies of nine missional
congregations from across North America that are divers in their
denominational affiliations, worship styles, political stances, and
socio-economic backgrounds.

The book explores eight concrete ‘patterns’ common to these
churches. Although the patterns may be different in each setting, they
can be recognized in any congregation seeking to participate in God’s
mission in the world.

The team that authored this book believes that ‘missional’ says
something not so much about the activities of the church as its
character: ‘The church does not exist for itself, but for participation
in God’s mission of reconciliation … Mission is the character of the
church in whatever context it exists.’ The congregations studied here
are ‘clay jars,’ but each carries in its witness a remarkable treasure
that points to God’s power and purposes.