Episode 28: Rooted - The Local Church
Welcome to Going in Grace, a podcast where we go beyond simply understanding God's word. We explore how to live it out daily, making a meaningful impact in our lives and the lives of those around us. Let's tune in to this week's episode. Today, we're talking about something that's close to the heart of Jesus, the church. Now, before you roll your eyes or think I've been hurt by church people or I can just follow Jesus on my own, pause. Today we're going to look at what Jesus actually established, why it matters, and how the Holy Spirit uses the church to grow us, strengthen us, and send us out. Let's start with the foundation. In Matthew 16:18, Jesus says, "And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it." Jesus didn't say, I'll build a podcast, or I'll build a personal brand. He said, I will build my church.
Dr. Brandi Stover:The church is His idea, His design, His body. And yes, the church is made up of imperfect people, but so is every family, every workplace, every community. The presence of brokenness doesn't cancel the purpose. We haven't left earth yet, so we don't get to opt out of the very thing Jesus died to establish. Not if we want to put His Lordship as a top priority in our lives.
Dr. Brandi Stover:Now let's talk about how Jesus structured the church. Ephesians 4:11-12 New King James Version says, "And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers for the equipping of the saints for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ." These five roles apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, and teacher aren't just titles they're functions. They're gifts from Jesus to help the Church grow, mature, and stay on mission. Apostles help establish and expand the church.
Dr. Brandi Stover:Prophets bring clarity, correction, and the heart of God. Evangelists stir us to reach the lost. Pastors shepherd and care for the flock. Teachers ground us in truth. These roles aren't about hierarchy they're about health.
Dr. Brandi Stover:When these gifts are active and honored, the church becomes a training ground, not a talent show. 1 Corinthians 12:27 says, "Now you are the body of Christ and members individually." You have a place. You have a part. And you're not meant to float around spiritually like a tumbleweed in the desert.
Dr. Brandi Stover:The church is where we learn, grow, and get sharpened. It's where we're accountable to spiritual leadership, not controlled, but covered. It's where we are challenged to mature, not coddled in comfort. Side note: If all your church is doing for you is entertaining you, that's not cool. Find where you are challenged to grow up, Then turn and help others meet Jesus and grow up as well.
Dr. Brandi Stover:The church is where we're commissioned to take God outside the walls, not just consume sermons. Floating around with no spiritual home might feel freeing, but it's actually dangerous. Proverbs eighteen:one warns, A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire he rages against all wise judgment. That's real. Isolation breeds deception.
Dr. Brandi Stover:But community, especially Spirit led, Word rooted community, breeds growth. Now let's be clear. The Holy Spirit is not limited to a building, but He does work through the structure He designed. John 14:26 says, "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you." Yes, the Spirit teaches.
Dr. Brandi Stover:Yes, He leads. But He also uses pastors, teachers, and fellow believers to confirm, correct, and encourage us. So don't despise structure. Don't reject leadership just because you've seen it abused. Ask the Holy Spirit to lead you to a healthy, Spirit filled, Bible teaching church and then plant yourself.
Dr. Brandi Stover:Let me leave you with this: The church is not a place for the perfect. It's a gym for the growing. It's where we train, get strong, and then go out and be the church in the world. If you've been hurt, just like we would do if we fell into any other negative relationship, forgive and run to God for healing of the hurt. Then trust God for direction on where you should be planted and commit yourself to growing God's way.
Dr. Brandi Stover:Psalm 92:13 says, "Those who are planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God." So get planted, get rooted, let Holy Spirit grow you through the very structure Jesus established, and then rise up equipped, accountable, and ready to carry His presence into every space you touch. Thanks for tuning in this week. If this stirred something in you, share it with a friend. Pray about where God wants you planted.
Dr. Brandi Stover:And remember, you're not just called to believe, you're called to belong. Until next time, stay rooted, stay teachable, and follow the spirit of the Lord. You've been listening to Going in Grace. Be sure to visit us online at brandistover.com.
