Stanley Hauerwas, was declared by Time Magazine in 2001 to be 'America's best theologian'. This book explores his work on the Church as a community living holiness. John B. Thomson offers an accessible introduction to Hauerwas's understanding of the ethics, character, narrative, practices and politics of the Church in late modern societies. Hauerwas has many imaginative, challenging and creative things to say. This book seeks to make them more available to the wider Church and its clergy at ground level. Thomson introduces Hauerwas's work on the Church and critically explores the importance Hauerwas places on the church, its story and its politics as witness to the reign of God in the world. The second part of the book demonstrates how Hauerwas's thinking can illuminate congregational life, discipleship, Scripture, mission, theology and witness in fresh and encouraging ways.