Relationship Restored
A Plea for Reconciliation Among Conservative Evangelical Churches
- Church Leadership & Ministry
- Publisher: Wipf and Stock
- Published: 2025
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Publisher's Description
In a culture which seems increasingly polarized, shouldn't the church look different? A conservative evangelical movement is possible! But it will only happen if the church unifies on the fundamentals of the faith while allowing freedom of conscience on non-fundamental issues. Conservative evangelical churches grounded in the gospel of grace ought to form a unified front against her enemy forces instead of quarreling with each other over reasonable assessments about the ordinances of the church.
Endorsements (5)
“Whether you agree or disagree with Smartt’s conclusions, his book will surely challenge and inspire you—challenge your assumptions about the divisions of church polity and inspire you toward greater unity in Christ. Smartt pursues a form of ecclesiastical ecumenism without squishy platitudes and avoiding real doctrinal clarity. His work is rooted in clear biblical exegesis and historical wisdom for practical answers in church life today.”
“Nick Smartt’s Relationship Restored is a thoughtful and hopeful call for unity grounded in God’s covenantal grace rather than human effort. He reminds us that faith is God’s gift, not our achievement, and that the church’s oneness flows from Christ’s promises fulfilled in word and sacrament. While readers may differ on particulars, Smartt’s irenic spirit and deep love for Christ’s church invite all who grieve its divisions to see again the beauty of belonging to one body under one Lord.”
“Nick Smartt addresses one of the critical issues in the church today, namely, how to find unity in the midst of the diversity of denominations and theological emphases in Christianity. Highlighting this major challenge is cause enough for engaging with this book. While Smartt focuses on unity among evangelicals within the reformed tradition, many of the insights are sure to spark conversations that are relevant to the larger Christian family as well.”
“In an age when we see so much division, the church needs unity like that for which Nick Smartt calls. May this book prompt many much-needed discussions in that direction.”
“In this intriguing work, Nick Smartt provides a way to move towards evangelical reunion. As Christians living in the modern West, we face many enemies. . . . If our divisions continue, we will fall, but united in the core truths of the gospel we can stand firm. Relationship Restored is a timely and important call to unite around core doctrines, make room for reasonable diversity in disputed secondary practices, and regain the church’s power as a cultural force for good.”
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