The Mark of the Church

Back in the 1970s, during the Jesus Movement, a small yet powerful book circulated widely among Christians—The Mark of the Christian by Francis Schaeffer. Its message deeply challenged believers to examine how they related to one another. Schaeffer’s “mark” referred to Jesus’ New Commandment:

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another.” (John 13:34–35)

The Mark of the Church draws inspiration from Schaeffer’s work but expands the focus to the entire Church within a city. Rather than centering on a single congregation, it explores how a united Church—across congregations and denominations—can transform a city through love and unity.

The book highlights how the early Church powerfully impacted culture because of their love for one another, contrasting that with the often independent nature of pastors and churches today. It offers practical insights to overcome common divisions within the modern Church.

One key question the book raises is:

“What kind of impact would a unified Church have in our city?”
Leaders from Fresno and Clovis, California, share powerful testimonies of what happens when churches in a city genuinely love one another, becoming a visible answer to Jesus’ prayer for unity. The images in the book illustrate this love and unity in action.

The book also emphasizes the power of united prayer and calls pastors and believers to reflect on their obedience to Christ, the Chief Shepherd who is building His Church. For those sensing a call to lead citywide Church movements, the book offers wisdom and encouragement for the journey ahead.