Two ideas being discussed at once. Break it down with specific language please, so people are not confused.
Local church: the local church group (pastor, elders, staff, members, building, etc...)
The Church: The full body of believers of Christ as a whole
Both are scriptural. The local church is important in a wide variety of ways. Primary Role: Equipping and encouraging believers to grow in Christ through worship, teaching, preaching, fellowship (and other ways) in order that they may then go and serve and witness to their own families, their local community and out into the world for Christ to reach the lost so that then the non-believers can come to now Christ through the Holy Spirit AND the work of the local churches. When non-Christians visit a local church, hopefully they are welcomed and the Gospel is shared so that Christ may be glorified AND the visitors will come to know Christ eventually.
Since we are part of the fallen creation, men and women will mess up what is important at times.
Last edited by straycat; 02/19/18 04:44 PM.
