For the Love of the Church

If there is no local church, is it safe to say that there would be no church discipline? How do we use Matthew 18 in context then if there is no local church? Would the one another passages be more impactful this way or would they some how be deemed irrelevant? How would the local church not existing have an affect on this concept of discipline and engaging each other as believers? Sin would be far more rampant and how we address sin would look drastically different.

Missions is such a huge part of the local church. Yet, if the church did not exist would missions as we know it exist? Church planting certainly would not exist, nor would sending agencies, otherwise known as mission agencies, so what would change with mission? Would we be able to do compassion ministry? How would all of this be affected?

So, as we have examined this theoretical and hypothetical scenario with this season, we want to recap what is so important about the local church? People say all the time, "I don't need the church!" So as we have examined this how does this impact that philosophy. Why should this exercise in recreating a concept of It's A Wonderful Life be important to us and how should this help us appreciate the local church more? How does this help us to fall in love with the local church?

What gifts would be impacted if the church did not exist? Would people still have gifts? What would be their purpose? How would they be used? Would the work of the ministry still be a thing? If so, would people need to be equipped to do the work of the ministry?

Dave and Caleb are delighted to present a special episode of a satirical piece titled "The Rise and Fall of Jeff." This episode delves into all the issues addressed in Season 2 of "Church Killers." We recommend listening to Season 2 first before this episode. We would like to express our gratitude to the following individuals: - Jeff Yant - Steve Wong - Chris McMillian - Brother Obed - Max Moore - Kaya Yant - Ezra Hilbert - Aj Hilbert - Sophia Hilbert - Nate McBride - Jeff and Sherry Laug

What does your church use as a standard to check the character of those who they bring into leadership? Is it based upon power, or position, or influence, or a title that someone has? Is that what allows them to serve in leadership? Is there or better yet, should there be a process for checking the character of those who are in leadership?

Does your church know who they are and why they exist? Many would say yes, but the reality may actually surprise you. A church's values distinctly influence the culture and character of your church. A church's vision gives clarity and guidance to what God intends you to be as a church. These 2 aspects of a church are probably more vital than you realize.

The church is not a business! That statement has been made a number of times. Many people get antsy when they think about the organizational reality of a church. Why can't the church just be an organic ministry that just "goes with the flow" in how it operates? Why do we need organizational clarity? Isn't that taking us into a business model for our ministry?

Just because two or more people serve on a leadership team does not mean that they agree or see eye-to-eye on everything. The reality is that oftentimes, there are not mechanisms in place to help leaders to come to consensus, therefore, politicking and pragmatism kicks in and the leadership can quickly become divided.

When we were children, we played the game, follow the leader. There were two requirements for that game, a leader and a follower or a group of followers. When it comes to church life, there can often be a struggle between those who are leading and those who are supposed to be following. When this occurs, the life of the church can become endangered.