Protecting the Body

Acts 20:28-31

Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them. Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish everyone with tears.

It is imperative to protect the body of Christ. Paul exhorted the elders by warning them of the opposition that would come from without and from within that Satan would seek to use to harm, destroy, distract, and deter the missional church from remaining faithful to the mission Jesus has for her in His redemptive purposes for the nations.

The following are some ways to apply biblical principles to help protect the body. And, though we might disagree with how to implement them, I believe we can agree on the absolutely necessity to serve the body by protecting the body.

1. Regain a biblical understanding of the corporate nature of our salvation and how it relates to biblical church membership and implement a process for people who desire to join that raises the bar
2. More intentional and doctrinal interview process for teachers and leaders
3. More consistent accountability with one another by speaking the truth in love
4. Commitment to the spiritual health of the body as more important than people’s feelings
5. Commitment to conflict resolution and reconciliation and peacemaking among members beyond the southern politeness that plagues our churches
6. Deeper commitment to knowing and studying God’s Word among her members other than just Sunday mornings

I realize these are given without much commentary. However, I believe it is worth our while to think about these in terms of their importance for protecting the body for the mission.

May we proceed with discernment and love and grace and biblically grounded judgment in situations that require difficult decisions to be made.

Blessings.