Community: Discipleship DNA
When God redeems us, He restores community between diverse peoples in the church, united under our head, Christ. It is this community that, then, is to primarily form us as disciples.
As we conclude our series on community, we see that the church is led by elders who exercise oversight over the flock. While the idea of having an overseer in my walk with God feels strange and even offensive to most Americans, here we see why it is so necessary.
Resources:
Biblical Eldership: An Urgent Call to Restore Biblical Church Leadership, Alexander Strauch
Jesus, Justice, and Gender Roles: A Case for Gender Roles in Ministry, Kathy Keller
“The Church as Family: Why Male Leadership in the Family Requires Male Leadership in the Church As Well” – Vern Poythress
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The church is an accountable community for the purpose of discipleship. Jesus calls His people to submit to the authority and oversight of a local church for His glory, our restoration, and the purity of the church. Church membership is biblical principle where the local church affirms a Christian’s salvation and cares for their soul so as to present the Christian pure before God on the last day.
Resources:
“Church Membership” by Jonathan Leeman
“Church Discipline” by Jonathan Leeman
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The Church is the household of God. A new family is made, and thus, a new discipling-making community, when God saves many from their sin and unites them in Christ.
Resources:
Word Biblical Commentary: Pastoral Epistles by William Mounce
The Message of Timothy & Titus by John Stott
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Disciples are formed and lived in community, and the first community a disciple is formed and lives in is the family.
Resources:
Parenting: 14 Gospel Principles That Can Radically Change Your Family, Paul Tripp
Shepherding a Child’s Heart, Ted Tripp
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