…church as “a self-correcting mechanism”–not sure I’d have thought of that term on my own, but I definitely see where you’re coming from, Andrew. Community does serve that function, both small communities and larger ones. When we get too isolated, we get more and more narrow. We need other people to rub against, to wear down our rough edges and help us better see the God-image in each of us. I’m glad that can happen through a keyboard too. I thank God for spiritual communities that spring up online for those who can’t get out and for those who can. God can work through any medium and time.

Yes, the whole “church family” analogy does tend to break down too easily once it gets pushed a little. Then again, all families are dysfunctional to some degree, so we shouldn’t be surprised at the dysfunction in our church families. 😉 More reason to see our need for grace….

In general, the institutional church seems to be necessary as a “self-correcting” mechanism, in preventing a drift to making up our own version of the Almighty, based on cherry-picking our favorite Scripture.

But then, a lot of institutional churches do just this!

I’m far too ill now to attend church regularly. My only contact with others is through the keyboard. Home visits by friends just aren’t on; it’s too noisy (we run a sanctuary for abused and abandoned dogs). But I was never very good at being a churchgoer anway. Among warm, emotional, spirit-filled people I came across as a cold logician, and there was quite a bit of mutual discomfort.

I guess the topics that need redefining could go on and on if we were to sit down and make a list. I’m glad to see this one getting new life of late. Thanks for your encouraging words, Kelli.

I sat in that season awhile myself, Amy. It took a particular decision made by the church leaders that made me know it was time to move on. We visited a wide variety of churches before we settled on one close to our house and close to our hearts. It’s been so freeing and grace-filled and all about Jesus. Praying for your journey!

Exactly. I always think of a song I learned years back that said, “You can’t go to church ’cause the church is you.” We are it. 🙂

Your books have been a great contribution to the Kingdom, Frank. You’ve made many of us think and rethink what we’ve “always been taught” in new and fresh ways. I pray God will continue to bless your ministry. I know there are many of us who love to read your writings.