Looking in the Other Direction

“As a scholar who has been an active participant in the Believers’ Church Conferences for over three decades, I was delighted to read Teun van der Leer’s excellent study on the topic. This work is the only study of its kind and offers an important history and theology of this unique ecclesiological and ecumenical movement within the Free Church, Anabaptist, and ‘Believers’ Church’ traditions. I heartily recommend it.”


—Scott Holland, professor emeritus of theology and culture, Bethany Theology Seminary





“As supervisor of the dissertation of Teun van der Leer, reading the growing chapters of his research project was an exciting experience of getting acquainted with an until-then unknown movement. Van der Leer’s outstanding analysis of the history of Believers Church Conferences offers not only a fascinating reading, but it will also become the standard reference work for the Believers Church Movement.”


—E. A. J. G. Van der Borght, faculty of religion and theology, Vrij Universiteit Amsterdam





“Looking in the Other Direction is a fitting title for a book which takes the reader on a fascinating, unexpected, and deeply enriching theological journey. The book breaks new ground and provides a deeply challenging counterpoint to much ecumenical ecclesiology. It is meticulously researched, full of real theological gems, and yet highly readable by its clear thematic approach. I particularly appreciated its final advocacy of a pneumatological ecclesiology; the church is indeed ‘a people of the Spirit.’”


—Andrew Rollinson, retired Baptist minister





“This work contains a great deal of original research on an area that is not often well understood (that of the Believers’ Church Tradition), but which is of great significance in understanding the landscape of faith communities. Van der Leer has amassed a significant amount of material, and his analysis is important in enabling those who are part of the tradition to understand their own story, trace the contours of the community, and identify both strengths and weaknesses.”


—Ruth Gouldbourne, co-author of On Being the Church