December 10, 2025
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In this episode, Pastors Josh and Ritch walk through the foundational doctrines of the church and why ecclesiology matters for every ministry leader. They emphasize that the church is God’s idea—not a human invention—and therefore must be shaped by God’s design, purposes, and authority. They contrast God-centered thinking with the drift that occurs when leaders or congregations begin shaping the church according to personal preference, cultural expectations, or human logic.
The conversation explores the purposes of the church (glorifying God, edifying believers, and evangelizing the world), the nature of biblical authority, the heart behind corrective discipline, and the structure of healthy church governance. Through Scripture-saturated teaching and personal pastoral experience, the episode encourages leaders to walk in humility, spiritual maturity, and deep dependence on Christ—the true head of the church. The pastors remind us that shepherding is both a privilege and a spiritual battle, and they call leaders to watch their doctrine and life closely as they serve Christ’s flock.
Key Takeaways
- The church is God’s creation, not humanity’s invention, and must be approached with reverence, not personal preference.
- The central purpose of the church is the glory of God, expressed through worship, discipleship, and mission.
- Church authority is real but limited—it extends to teaching, disciple-making, and restoration, but must never trespass into areas God has not commanded.
- Restoration (discipline) is an act of love, aimed at eternal good, not punishment.
- Healthy governance requires plurality, spiritual maturity, and mutual submission among elders.
- Leadership invites spiritual attack, making prayer, unity, and personal holiness essential.
Key Quotes
- “The church is not man’s idea… it is as much in the mind of God and His plan of redemption as the individual is.”
- “We’re really safe when we say, ‘Why did God create the church, and how can I lean into that?’”
- “The purpose of the church, first and centrally, is to glorify God… everything else flows from that.”
- “Love always pursues the glory of God in each other’s lives—even when that love is painful for a moment.”
- “Our authority doesn’t come from our intrinsic nature… it is derived from God, and we can only use it in the likeness of Christ.”
- “Watch over your life and your doctrine closely. In so doing you save both yourself and your hearers.”
