Loving Imperfect Churches

In this episode of the Reformed Brotherhood, Jesse Schwamb and Tony Arsenal tackle an issue that resonates deeply with many Christians: how to love and remain content in imperfect churches. The discussion begins by addressing the challenges of navigating differences in worship practices, theological preferences, and church traditions while maintaining love and unity within the body of Christ. The hosts emphasize that no church is perfect and that contentment often requires humility, submission, and a deep understanding of God's sovereign placement of His people in specific congregations.

Tony and Jesse explore the regulative principle of worship, explaining how it guides many churches and believers in determining what is appropriate for corporate worship. They also highlight the importance of approaching church leadership with charity and seeking to understand the reasoning behind certain practices, even when they differ from personal convictions. Through their reflections, they encourage listeners to prioritize the peace and purity of the church over secondary or tertiary disagreements.

Ultimately, the hosts remind listeners that Christ has placed His name on His church, including its diverse and imperfect members. They challenge believers to love their local church deeply, embrace its members as family, and trust that God is working through the imperfections to sanctify His people. Whether wrestling with worship preferences or theological nuances, the episode calls Christians to a higher standard of love, patience, and submission to Christ's body.

Key Points:

1. Understanding Church Contentment: Contentment begins with recognizing that no church is perfect and trusting God's sovereignty in placing us within specific congregations.
2. Navigating Worship Differences: The regulative principle of worship provides a framework, but differing interpretations require humility and charity in handling disagreements.
3. Prioritizing Church Peace and Unity: Maintaining the peace and purity of the church often means setting aside personal preferences and embracing the diversity of the body of Christ.
4. Practical Steps for Growth in Contentment: Engage with church leaders to understand their reasoning, approach disagreements with humility, and focus on the spiritual disciplines evident in the congregation.
5. The Call to Radical Love: Loving the church means loving its people as Christ does, despite their imperfections, and committing to serve and grow together as a family.

Questions for Reflection:

1. What steps can I take to grow in contentment with my local church, even when it doesn’t align perfectly with my preferences?
2. How can I approach church leadership with concerns about worship practices in a way that fosters unity and understanding?
3. In what ways am I prioritizing love and unity in my church over personal theological or practical preferences?
4. How does recognizing the church as Christ's body change how I view its members and practices?
5. Am I willing to submit to the church’s leadership and trust God’s placement of me in this congregation, even when I disagree with certain aspects?