Church | Diving Deeper

This week’s episode is a exploration of what defines a biblical church. Jim Putman, along with Craig, Gabe, and Titus, unpack how the Church is meant to function not as an event we attend, but as a spiritual family we live with, serve with, and grow with. Utilizing metaphors, historical context, and honest reflections, the team reminds us that when we live as the early church did—with devotion, unity, and purpose—the church becomes not only believable but deeply attractive to the world.

Key Takeaways

1. The Church Is God’s Plan A
• The church is not a human invention; it is Jesus’ idea, built on the confession that He is the Christ (Matthew 16).
• There is no plan B—God uses the church to reach the world.
2. Devotion Is the Mark of a Believable Church
• Acts 2 outlines eight devotions: four vertical (teaching, prayer, communion, praise) and four horizontal (fellowship, giving, serving, discipleship).
• True transformation comes from practicing these habits in community, not just attending services.
3. Church Is a Spiritual Family, Not a Building
• In the early church, believers lost biological families and found a new one in Christ.
• Real commitment means fighting for relationships, not walking away when things get hard.
4. Conflict Resolution Is a Must for Unity
• Following biblical conflict resolution (ABCDEF model) helps keep unity and authenticity.
• Romans 12 reminds us: “As far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
5. God’s Version of Church Requires Participation
• Just like a soccer player must play to be transformed, Christians must engage fully.
• Spectatorship leads to disillusionment; obedience leads to growth and joy.
6. Authenticity and Grace Make the Church Attractive
• The world longs for real relationships and honest faith—believers who own their faults and extend grace.

Discussion Questions

1. How do you personally define the church? Does your view align with God’s design?
2. In which of the eight devotions from Acts 2 do you feel strongest? Where do you need to grow?
3. Have you ever experienced conflict in the church? How did you handle it?
4. What would it look like for your life group to truly live as a spiritual family?
5. How can your group stay spiritually connected over the summer months?

Action Steps

• Evaluate Your Church Experience: Does it reflect the early church in Acts 2? What’s missing?
• Recommit to Devotion: Choose one of the eight devotions to focus on this week.
• Fight for Relationship: Reach out to someone you’ve drifted from in your group or church.
• Stay Connected This Summer: Plan ways for your group to maintain spiritual momentum—scripture sharing, prayer texts, simple meet-ups.
• Model Authenticity: Be honest about your struggles and invite others into that space.

Closing Encouragement

The church Jesus designed is not a perfect place, but it’s a powerful one—where healing, growth, and transformation happen as we devote ourselves to Him and to each other. Let’s not settle for cultural versions of church that prioritize comfort over commitment. Instead, let’s become believable witnesses who live out the gospel in community. When we do, our lives—and the lives of those around us—are forever changed.

Scripture References

• Matthew 16:13–18 – “On this rock I will build my church…”
• Acts 2:42–47 – The description of the first church’s life together.