In this thought-provoking examination of how people encounter God, Wade Howell examines the way humans come in contact with the divine. Howell presents a biblical, theological, and philosophical case for why people, who are physical, can have a relationship with God, who is spirit. With an emphasis on centrality of the local church, Howell demonstrates how God designed the church to satisfy the most intimate human needs, which God placed in humans so he could be the source of their fulfillment. With a heart for people and a love for God's church, Howell echoes Augustine in showing why our soul is restless until it finds rest in God through his church. ""Encountering God through the Church provides a thoughtful analysis of why humans need God, how humans can encounter God, and how God meets those needs in the community of faith that we call ""church."" It is biblically informed, philosophically insightful, and theologically sound. This would be a great volume to give anyone who has doubts about the value of God or his church in one's life."" --Steve W. Lemke, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary ""We were created by God for himself and we are meant to enjoy him forever. Encountering God through the Church demonstrates that God is advancing his kingdom through the church. Howell gives us a powerful reminder that the church is the means by which we encounter God and experience him most fully. I highly recommend this book."" --Kenneth Keathley, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary Wade Rutland Howell Jr. is faculty at Florida Gateway College in Lake City, Florida. He has taught theology, philosophy, ethics, and history in the Southeastern United States and has served churches in Florida and Louisiana.