A Reformed Response to Local and Universal Dimensions of the Church

This article begins by reviewing ways in which Reformed churches have given expression to the universal dimension of the church within its preference for the church's local expression. The marks of the church, the confession of the church, its church order and its understanding of office all give expression to the universal dimension of the church. The proposal that the universal dimension be more strongly emphasized at the 'intermediate level' will be received gladly by Reformed churches but it also challenges Reformed churches to consider the personal dimension of universality as well as to re-emphasize the universal dimension both in congregational life and at a supra-national level.