Encouraging the Body of Christ to Routinely Look in the Mirror 

…”Do You See God or the World?”…

Do you believe that Jesus is who he claimed to be? Do you believe that the governance of the first century church in ‘How’ it led the people (inside and out) is that performed/paralleled in today’s world? Do you feel that the church is not growing as it should? Are you comfortable in this season of stagnant success? Are you experiencing the tipping point of success towards a potential decline in organizational growth? Maybe you are experiencing growth, but growing pains are causing tension? How can we ‘Pay attention to the tension’? 

Churches intentionally structure tiers of leadership in the form rings that continuously fluctuate, they are either adding rings of leadership, taking away rings of leadership, or multiplying through planting churches like a living cell. Churches often emphasize the critical need for circles of small group formation over authoritative ‘in-row’ assembly. 

Also, keep in mind that each tier of rings also fluctuates in size over time. The state of the church, and honestly every single government or human run organization, is either growing, shrinking, or stagnantly leaning towards expansion or contraction. 

Emphasizing the body of Christ which is the church, and seeing the metaphors and reality of the church being a ‘living’ organism both complex in operations yet simple in its entirety as being one with God. Within these tiers of leadership there are twelve categories of organizational focus that consume 100% of ministry worker time. These 12 ‘Rings of Renewal’ are…

Chapter One: Spiritual Engagement and Practices

Chapter Two: Community and Membership Dynamics

Chapter Three: Sacraments and Testimonies

Chapter Four: Spiritual Growth and Transformation

Chapter Five: Financial Stewardship and Tithing

Chapter Six: Leadership Development and Discipleship

Chapter Seven: Community Service and Engagement

Chapter Eight: Vision and Biblical Alignment 

Chapter Nine: Financial Management and Prioritization

Chapter Ten: Innovation and Adaptability

Chapter Eleven: Worship and Liturgy

Chapter Twelve: External Relations and Ecumenism

Chapter One: Spiritual Engagement and Practices

1. Thriving Church

In a thriving church, spiritual engagement and practices are harmonized with the principles of freedom and personal responsibility that are central to Christian Libertarian thought. Members are encouraged to voluntarily deepen their spiritual disciplines as a personal commitment to God, rather than through coercion or legalism. This environment fosters a community where prayer, fasting, and other disciplines are pursued as expressions of love and obedience to God, grounded in the understanding of freedom Christ has given (Galatians 5:1, 13-14).

Acts 2:42-47 provides a model for a thriving church, where believers “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” This early church example shows a community engaged in spiritual practices, growing in faith, and experiencing the Lord’s blessings, including adding to their number daily those who were being saved. The emphasis is on voluntary spiritual devotion and community, reflecting a healthy spiritual foundation.

2. Stagnant/Comfortable Church

In a stagnant church, there’s a complacency that creeps into spiritual practices. The libertarian value of personal responsibility might be under-emphasized, leading to a passive faith life where members rely on church leadership for spiritual nourishment without engaging in personal disciplines. The church might still uphold the importance of freedom in Christ, but without the accompanying responsibility to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18).

Revelation 3:1-3 speaks to a church that has a reputation of being alive but is dead. In a stagnant church, spiritual engagement may appear sufficient on the surface, but lacks depth and authenticity. Members may attend services and participate in rituals, but without genuine engagement or growth, mirroring the warning to the church in Sardis to wake up and strengthen what remains.

3. Dying/Unhealthy/Toxic Church

A dying or toxic church may exhibit extreme authoritarianism or legalism, contradicting the Christian Libertarian emphasis on freedom and personal responsibility. Spiritual disciplines might be enforced as a means of control, rather than encouraged as a path to spiritual freedom and growth. This approach stifles the spiritual vitality and freedom that Christ offers (John 8:36), leading to a toxic environment where the spirit of the law is lost to the letter.

Matthew 23:23-28 criticizes religious leaders for neglecting the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy, and faithfulness—while focusing on the minutiae of religious practices. In a dying church, there might be an overemphasis on outward appearances and rituals, without the inward transformation that spiritual disciplines are meant to produce. Such a church misses the heart of worship and discipleship, leading to spiritual decay and toxicity.

Chapter Two: Community and Membership Dynamics:

1. Thriving Church

A thriving church under Christian Libertarian ideals promotes a voluntary community where individual freedom and mutual respect are paramount. Members actively choose to engage, support, and nurture one another, reflecting the New Testament’s teachings on the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12-27). This philosophy emphasizes the importance of each member’s unique contributions, fostering a dynamic and diverse community united by shared faith and love for one another, without coercion.

Acts 4:32-35 describes a thriving early Christian community where believers were of one heart and mind, sharing everything they had and ensuring that no one was in need. This scriptural reference highlights the ideal of voluntary generosity and unity, principles that are crucial for a healthy and vibrant church community.

2. Stagnant/Comfortable Church

In a stagnant or comfortable church, the dynamics of community and membership might reflect a lack of personal responsibility and engagement. While freedom is still valued, it may lead to apathy or minimal involvement, with members attending services without deeper participation in church life or accountability. The principle of voluntary association is present but lacks the active, intentional commitment that characterizes thriving communities.

Revelation 3:15-17 addresses the church in Laodicea, criticizing its lukewarm faith and complacency. This passage can be paralleled with a stagnant church where members are comfortable but not fervently engaged, leading to a community that lacks vitality and effectiveness. The church is cautioned about the dangers of complacency, emphasizing the need for zealousness and repentance.

3. Dying/Unhealthy/Toxic Church

A dying or toxic church might misuse the concept of freedom, leading to chaos, division, or authoritarianism that suppresses individual expression and participation. Christian Libertarianism advocates for freedom within the bounds of love and respect for one another; however, in a toxic church, these boundaries are violated, leading to harm and disunity. The lack of mutual respect and understanding undermines the community, making it unhealthy and driving members away.

1 Corinthians 1:10-13 discusses the issue of divisions within the church, where Paul appeals for unity among believers who were aligning themselves with different leaders. This scripture reflects the unhealthy dynamics that can arise in a church community when focus shifts from Christ to human leaders or factions, leading to disunity and conflict, characteristics of a dying or toxic church environment.

Chapter Three: Sacraments and Testimonies:

1. Thriving Church

In a thriving church, sacraments and testimonies are celebrated as essential expressions of faith and individual journeys within the community. The libertarian aspect emphasizes personal decision and testimony sharing as a form of witness, done voluntarily and out of a genuine desire to share God’s work in individual lives. The sacraments, such as baptism and communion, are observed with deep reverence and as a communal participation in the mysteries of faith, reflecting the individual’s freedom in Christ to live out their faith publicly.

Romans 6:3-4 speaks to the significance of baptism as a sacrament of faith, symbolizing the believer’s union with Christ in His death and resurrection. Acts 2:46-47 describes the early church’s practice of breaking bread with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. This scriptural foundation supports the importance of sacraments and testimonies in fostering a vibrant, spiritually alive community.

2. Stagnant/Comfortable Church

In a stagnant or comfortable church, sacraments and testimonies might become routine or perfunctory, lacking the heartfelt engagement and personal transformation they are meant to signify. The libertarian emphasis on personal freedom and expression might be underutilized, leading to a passive engagement with these practices. Members may go through the motions without a deeper understanding or experience of the grace these sacraments and testimonies are meant to convey.

1 Corinthians 11:27-29 warns against taking the Lord’s Supper in an unworthy manner, highlighting the importance of self-examination and reverence for the sacrament. This caution can apply to a church where sacraments are observed out of tradition rather than conviction, leading to a superficial engagement that misses the transformative power of these practices.

3. Dying/Unhealthy/Toxic Church

In a dying, unhealthy, or toxic church, sacraments and testimonies may be either neglected or used as tools for control and manipulation. The Christian Libertarian principle of freedom is violated when these practices are imposed in a way that burdens members rather than liberates and uplifts them. Testimonies might be discouraged, or only certain “acceptable” stories are promoted, stifling personal expression and the diverse ways God works in individuals’ lives.

Matthew 23:13-15 criticizes religious leaders for shutting the door of the kingdom of heaven in people’s faces. This can be likened to a church that restricts or controls the expression of sacraments and testimonies, hindering genuine spiritual expression and growth. Such practices contribute to a toxic environment where the life-giving aspects of faith are overshadowed by legalism and hypocrisy.

Chapter Four: Spiritual Growth and Transformation

1. Thriving Church

In a thriving church, spiritual growth and transformation are evident and celebrated as central to the Christian life. This philosophy emphasizes the individual’s freedom to pursue spiritual development, guided by the Holy Spirit rather than by coercion or external pressure. Members are encouraged to seek God’s will for their lives, engage with Scripture, and live out their faith in practical ways, fostering an environment where transformation is both a personal journey and a communal experience.

2 Corinthians 3:18 speaks to the transformative power of the Spirit, noting that we are all being transformed into His image with ever-increasing glory. A thriving church mirrors this scripture through active discipleship, teaching, and community life that encourage personal and collective spiritual growth. The fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) are evident in the lives of members, demonstrating an ongoing transformation that impacts the church and beyond.

2. Stagnant/Comfortable Church

In a stagnant or comfortable church, there might be a lack of emphasis on or motivation for spiritual growth and transformation. While members may enjoy the freedom of belief and worship, this freedom might not translate into active pursuit of deeper spiritual maturity. The church’s environment may not challenge or encourage individuals to move beyond initial faith experiences, leading to complacency in personal and communal spiritual development.

Hebrews 5:12-14 criticizes those who remain immature in their understanding, needing milk instead of solid food. In a stagnant church, this scripture reflects the condition where members are not progressing in their faith, lacking in wisdom and maturity that comes from engaging deeply with God’s word and living out their faith in challenging ways.

3. Dying/Unhealthy/Toxic Church

A dying, unhealthy, or toxic church may exhibit either extreme legalism or laissez-faire attitudes that hinder spiritual growth and transformation. In such environments, the focus may shift from individual transformation to maintaining appearances or adhering to rigid doctrines that stifle freedom in Christ. This can lead to spiritual decay, where members feel trapped by expectations or disengaged from a meaningful faith journey.

Revelation 2:4-5 addresses the church in Ephesus, criticizing it for forsaking its first love. This can be likened to a church that has lost its focus on Christ and the transformative power of the Gospel, leading to spiritual stagnation or decline. Members may go through the motions without experiencing the heart change that is essential for a vibrant, living faith.

Chapter Five: Financial Stewardship and Tithing

1. Thriving Church

In a thriving church, financial stewardship and tithing are approached with a sense of personal responsibility and voluntary generosity, reflecting the heart of Christian Libertarianism. Members understand their freedom in Christ as an opportunity to give joyfully and generously, recognizing that their financial contributions support the church’s mission, outreach, and community needs. This approach is grounded in the principle that giving is a personal act of worship and service to God, not a compulsory tax.

2 Corinthians 9:6-7 highlights the principle that whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. It emphasizes that each person should give what they have decided in their heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. This scripture underpins the thriving church’s approach to financial stewardship and tithing, encouraging a culture of generosity that is both intentional and joyful.

2. Stagnant/Comfortable Church

In a stagnant or comfortable church, financial stewardship and tithing might become routine or viewed as an obligation rather than a joyful act of worship. The Christian Libertarian emphasis on voluntary giving is present but may lack the vitality and purpose that drives generous giving. This can lead to a maintenance mode of operation where financial contributions are sufficient to sustain the church but not to significantly advance its mission or respond to new opportunities.

Malachi 3:8-10 addresses the issue of withheld tithes and offerings, calling the people of Israel to bring the whole tithe into the storehouse. In a stagnant church, this call to faithful giving might be heeded in form but not in the spirit of expectancy and faith that anticipates God’s provision and blessings. The challenge is to move beyond mere obligation to a renewed vision of stewardship as partnership with God in His work.

3. Dying/Unhealthy/Toxic Church

A dying, unhealthy, or toxic church may experience significant financial stewardship and tithing challenges. These could stem from a lack of trust in leadership, unclear vision, or mismanagement of resources, leading to decreased giving. The Christian Libertarian principle that emphasizes freedom and personal responsibility in giving may be overshadowed by coercion, guilt-based appeals, or a focus on institutional survival rather than kingdom impact.

Luke 21:1-4 tells the story of the widow’s mite, where Jesus observes that the poor widow has put in more than all the others because she gave out of her poverty, all she had to live on. This passage can speak to the heart of giving in a dying church—reminding that the value of a gift is not in its size but in the sacrificial spirit and faith with which it is given. However, for this message to revive a church’s financial health, it must be part of a broader movement towards transparency, accountability, and renewed spiritual vitality.

Chapter Six: Leadership Development and Discipleship

1. Thriving Church

In a thriving church, leadership development and discipleship are seen as essential to fostering a healthy, vibrant community. Emphasizing personal responsibility and freedom, the church encourages individuals to explore and develop their gifts and callings within a supportive environment. This approach aligns with the Christian Libertarian emphasis on the voluntary association and the empowerment of individuals to serve according to their unique abilities and passions. Mentorship and discipleship are provided as means to equip members for service, not as mechanisms of control but as expressions of mutual edification and growth in Christ.

Ephesians 4:11-13 illustrates the church’s role in preparing God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God. This passage underscores the thriving church’s commitment to leadership development and discipleship, viewing it as a continuous process that enhances the community’s spiritual maturity and cohesion.

2. Stagnant/Comfortable Church

In a stagnant or comfortable church, leadership development and discipleship might be formalized processes that lack the dynamism and personalization necessary to effectively nurture individual growth and community engagement. While there may be programs in place, they may not adequately address the unique needs or potential of each member. The Christian Libertarian principle of empowering individuals to freely serve and grow can become overshadowed by routine or complacency, leading to missed opportunities for development and engagement.

Hebrews 5:12-14 criticizes believers for not progressing beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and not becoming mature in understanding. This critique can apply to stagnant churches where discipleship and leadership development are not producing mature, equipped followers of Christ. The challenge lies in moving beyond complacency to actively engage and nurture individuals in their faith journey.

3. Dying/Unhealthy/Toxic Church

In a dying, unhealthy, or toxic church, leadership development and discipleship may be either neglected or misused. Leadership positions might be held by a select few, with little to no emphasis on nurturing new leaders or fostering discipleship pathways for the congregation. This can create an environment where power dynamics hinder growth and where the Christian Libertarian values of personal responsibility and voluntary service are suppressed, leading to disengagement and spiritual lethargy among the members.

3 John 1:9-10 references Diotrephes, who loves to be first and refuses to welcome the apostles, as an example of poor leadership that stifles the church’s health. In a dying church, leadership may similarly be characterized by control or exclusion, rather than empowerment and inclusion, demonstrating a failure to heed biblical warnings about servant leadership and the nurturing of a vibrant, spiritually alive community.

Chapter Seven: Community Service and Engagement

1. Thriving Church

In a thriving church, community service and engagement are seen as natural extensions of the Christian faith, embodying the libertarian values of voluntary association and individual initiative for the common good. This church actively seeks ways to serve and impact its community, recognizing the importance of showing Christ’s love through action. Members are encouraged to use their freedom in Christ to serve others, leading to a variety of community outreach programs that are responsive to local needs and opportunities for service.

James 2:14-17 emphasizes the inseparability of faith and deeds, stating that faith without works is dead. A thriving church takes this message to heart, demonstrating its faith through practical acts of love and service that meet the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of its community. This active engagement not only benefits the wider community but also strengthens the church’s witness and relevance within it.

2. Stagnant/Comfortable Church

In a stagnant or comfortable church, community service and engagement may be limited, sporadic, or focused on a narrow set of initiatives that do not fully engage with the community’s needs. While there may be a nominal commitment to service, the lack of enthusiasm or innovation can result in missed opportunities to connect with and serve the community effectively. The libertarian principle of voluntary service is present but underutilized, leading to a passive approach that lacks the vibrancy and impact of more active engagement.

Revelation 3:1-2 warns the church in Sardis that it has a reputation of being alive, but is dead, urging it to wake up and strengthen what remains. This can be likened to a church that appears to be engaged in community service but lacks the depth and commitment necessary to make a significant impact. The challenge for such a church is to rekindle its passion for service and to more fully embrace its calling to be salt and light in the world.

3. Dying/Unhealthy/Toxic Church

A dying, unhealthy, or toxic church may exhibit either a complete lack of community service and engagement or engage in such activities in ways that are insular, self-serving, or disconnected from the actual needs of the community. This reflects a departure from the Christian Libertarian emphasis on the freedom to serve others and the importance of doing so in a manner that genuinely reflects Christ’s love and compassion. Instead of being a positive force in the community, the church’s efforts (or lack thereof) may contribute to a negative perception and further isolation.

Matthew 5:13-16 uses the metaphors of salt and light to describe the Christian’s role in the world—to enhance and illuminate. A dying church failing in community service and engagement can be seen as salt that has lost its saltiness or a light hidden under a bowl, unable to fulfill its purpose to glorify God through service to others. The imperative for such a church is to revisit its foundational mission, seeking ways to authentically engage with and serve its community, thereby restoring its witness and vitality.

Chapter Eight: Vision and Biblical Alignment 

1. Thriving Church

A thriving church embraces a vision that is both ambitious and deeply rooted in Biblical principles, reflecting a Christian Libertarian approach that values individual freedom while pursuing a collective mission grounded in Scripture. This church encourages members to engage with the vision actively, using their gifts and talents in ways that are personally fulfilling and communally beneficial. The vision is communicated transparently and invites broad participation, fostering an environment where freedom in Christ leads to diverse expressions of service and worship that are unified in purpose.

Acts 2:42-47 provides a powerful example of a church whose vision and daily practices were in complete alignment with Biblical teachings, resulting in spiritual growth, communal unity, and favor with the broader community. This early church’s devotion to the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer underscores the importance of a vision that is both Biblically grounded and lived out in the context of community life.

2. Stagnant/Comfortable Church

In a stagnant or comfortable church, the vision may be Biblically based but lacks the vitality or clarity needed to inspire action or adapt to changing circumstances. While maintaining a commitment to Christian principles, the application of these values may be routine or uninspired, leading to a disconnect between stated beliefs and practical engagement. The libertarian ideal of freedom in pursuing God’s calling may be underrealized, with members feeling uncertain about how to contribute meaningfully to the church’s vision.

Revelation 3:15-17, addressing the church in Laodicea, criticizes its lukewarm faith, neither hot nor cold. This rebuke can apply to churches whose vision has become complacent, not fully engaged with either the warmth of passionate faith or the refreshing clarity of purposeful action. The challenge for such churches is to reinvigorate their vision with clear, compelling alignment to Biblical teachings and a call to active participation.

3. Dying/Unhealthy/Toxic Church

A dying, unhealthy, or toxic church may have a vision that is either misaligned with Biblical teachings or so poorly communicated and enacted that it fails to guide the church’s practices meaningally. This represents a departure from the Christian Libertarian emphasis on the freedom to pursue a life of faith informed by Scripture, leading instead to confusion, conflict, or a focus on non-Biblical priorities. The vision may become a source of division rather than unity, with leadership potentially using it to exert control rather than to empower and inspire.

Matthew 23:23-24 criticizes religious leaders for neglecting the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy, and faithfulness—while focusing on minor details. This critique can apply to churches whose vision has become detached from the core teachings of Scripture, emphasizing external conformity over internal transformation and genuine engagement with the community and world.

Chapter Nine: Financial Management and Prioritization

1. Thriving Church

A thriving church approaches financial management with a strong sense of stewardship and prioritization that reflects its mission and Biblical values. This includes transparent accounting, prudent budgeting, and strategic investment in ministry activities that advance the church’s mission. The Christian Libertarian perspective emphasizes voluntary giving and the responsible use of resources to serve the community and advance the Gospel. Such a church actively engages its members in financial decisions, fostering a culture of trust and shared commitment to the church’s vision.

2 Corinthians 9:7 underlines the principle of cheerful and voluntary giving, which is foundational for a thriving church’s approach to financial management. Proverbs 3:9-10 also speaks to honoring the Lord with wealth and the firstfruits of all produce, highlighting the importance of prioritizing God’s work in financial decisions. These scriptures support a model of financial stewardship that is both generous and aligned with God’s purposes.

2. Stagnant/Comfortable Church

In a stagnant or comfortable church, financial management may be characterized by routine or conservative approaches that maintain the status quo rather than actively supporting mission-driven initiatives. There may be a reluctance to invest in new ministries or outreach efforts, leading to a budget that prioritizes maintenance over mission. While financial stability is maintained, the lack of strategic investment can hinder the church’s growth and impact. The libertarian value of responsible stewardship is present but may lack the dynamic application needed to fully realize the church’s potential.

Matthew 25:14-30, the Parable of the Talents, serves as a caution to churches that fail to utilize their resources wisely and courageously for the kingdom’s growth. A stagnant church might resemble the servant who buries his talent, acting out of fear rather than faith. This scripture challenges churches to use their financial resources actively and creatively in service to God’s kingdom.

3. Dying/Unhealthy/Toxic Church

A dying, unhealthy, or toxic church might exhibit significant financial mismanagement or prioritization issues, with funds being allocated in ways that do not transparently or effectively support the church’s stated mission or Biblical values. There could be a lack of accountability and transparency, leading to distrust among members. The misuse of funds or prioritizing expenditures that benefit a select few over the broader mission can reflect a departure from the principles of stewardship and service that are central to Christian Libertarian thought.

Acts 5:1-11 recounts the story of Ananias and Sapphira, who lied about the proceeds from a sale, highlighting the importance of honesty and integrity in financial matters within the church community. This serves as a stark reminder of the need for transparency and ethical handling of finances, underscoring the potential consequences of financial mismanagement and deceit.

Chapter Ten: Innovation and Adaptability

1. Thriving Church

A thriving church embraces innovation and adaptability as tools to further the Gospel and serve the community effectively. Rooted in a Christian Libertarian framework, such a church values the freedom to explore new ideas and approaches, recognizing that change is often necessary to meet the evolving needs of the congregation and community. This perspective encourages creativity and flexibility, while always aligning new methods with Biblical truths. Members are empowered to contribute their unique skills and insights, fostering an environment where innovation enhances ministry and outreach.

Isaiah 43:19 speaks to God doing a new thing, making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. This verse underlines the principle that God is continually at work in the world, and His church should be open to the new paths He is creating. Acts 2:42-47 shows the early church adapting to its context while maintaining core practices of teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer, offering a model for balancing tradition and innovation.

2. Stagnant/Comfortable Church

In a stagnant or comfortable church, there may be resistance to change or innovation, often due to a desire to maintain familiar practices and structures. While stability can be a strength, an overemphasis on tradition can hinder the church’s ability to respond to new challenges and opportunities. The Christian Libertarian principle of individual freedom suggests that members should have the opportunity to propose and experiment with new ideas, but in a stagnant environment, such initiatives may be stifled or ignored, limiting the church’s growth and relevance.

Revelation 3:2-3, addressed to the church in Sardis, warns against becoming complacent and urges the church to strengthen what remains and is about to die. This passage can be interpreted as a call for churches to awaken from complacency, reassess their practices, and be willing to adapt in ways that reinvigorate their mission and ministry.

3. Dying/Unhealthy/Toxic Church

A dying, unhealthy, or toxic church may struggle significantly with innovation and adaptability, either clinging to ineffective traditions or making changes that are misaligned with Biblical teachings and the church’s mission. In such churches, the fear of change or the desire to control can override the creative and liberating aspects of Christian Libertarianism, which values freedom and the responsible use of that freedom to explore new avenues for ministry and outreach. The result can be a church that is disconnected from its community and unable to effectively engage with a changing world.

Mark 2:22, where Jesus speaks of not putting new wine into old wineskins, suggests the need for receptiveness to new methods and forms that can better contain and express the vitality of the Gospel. This metaphor can serve as a caution to churches that are rigid and unwilling to adapt, highlighting the potential for new approaches to renew and revitalize the church’s mission.

Chapter Eleven: Worship and Liturgy

1. Thriving Church

A thriving church views worship and liturgy as dynamic expressions of the congregation’s love and adoration for God, reflecting a balance between freedom and order. Rooted in Christian Libertarian principles, it values the spontaneous alongside the structured, allowing for personal expressions of faith within the framework of communal worship. This approach encourages creativity and participation, inviting members to engage with God and one another in a way that is both respectful of tradition and open to the Holy Spirit’s leading.

Psalm 150 exemplifies the range of expressions in worship, calling for everything that has breath to praise the Lord with various instruments and dance. Acts 2:46-47 describes the early church breaking bread with glad and sincere hearts, praising God together. These passages underscore the importance of joy, sincerity, and communal participation in worship, characteristics of a thriving church’s approach to worship and liturgy.

2. Stagnant/Comfortable Church

In a stagnant or comfortable church, worship and liturgy may become routine or formulaic, losing the vibrancy and heartfelt engagement that characterizes authentic worship. While maintaining a semblance of order, the spirit of freedom and spontaneity may be lacking, resulting in services that fail to inspire or deeply engage the congregation. The Christian Libertarian emphasis on individual expression and community engagement calls for a revitalization of worship practices to better reflect the congregation’s diversity and dynamism.

Isaiah 29:13 addresses this issue, stating that people honor God with their lips, but their hearts are far from Him, and their worship is based on merely human rules. This critique applies to churches where worship has become more about adhering to form than fostering a genuine connection with God, highlighting the need for a more heartfelt and authentic approach.

3. Dying/Unhealthy/Toxic Church

A dying, unhealthy, or toxic church might experience significant discord or apathy in its worship and liturgical practices, with possible conflicts over styles, formats, or theological interpretations. This disunity reflects a departure from the Christian Libertarian ideal of respecting individual freedoms while seeking the common good. Worship in such a church can become a battleground for control rather than a space for communal celebration and edification, exacerbating the church’s challenges.

1 Corinthians 14:26-33 offers guidance on orderly worship, emphasizing that everything should be done for the building up of the church. This passage can serve as a corrective for churches experiencing conflict or confusion in their worship practices, reminding them of the priority of edification and the need for a balance between freedom and order.

Chapter Twelve: External Relations and Ecumenism

1. Thriving Church

A thriving church recognizes the importance of building positive relationships with other churches and faith communities, seeing them as allies rather than competitors in the mission to spread the Gospel. This perspective is informed by a Christian Libertarian understanding that values the freedom of diverse expressions of faith while seeking unity in the essentials of Christian doctrine. Such a church actively engages in ecumenical efforts, community service projects, and joint worship events that demonstrate the unity of the body of Christ across denominational lines.

John 17:20-23 records Jesus’ prayer for all believers to be one, just as He and the Father are one. This unity is not only for the believers’ sake but so that the world may believe that the Father sent the Son. A thriving church lives out this prayer by fostering relationships that transcend denominational boundaries, showcasing the love and unity that Jesus prayed for.

2. Stagnant/Comfortable Church

In a stagnant or comfortable church, there may be minimal effort to engage with other churches or faith communities, possibly due to a lack of motivation, fear of losing identity, or simply being content with the status quo. While not openly hostile to ecumenical efforts, such a church might view them as peripheral to its primary concerns. The Christian Libertarian value of voluntary association offers a corrective here, encouraging churches to actively choose engagement for the sake of stronger witness and service in the world.

Revelation 2:4-5 warns the church in Ephesus that it has forsaken its first love and needs to repent and do the things it did at first. Applied to external relations and ecumenism, this scripture suggests that stagnant churches need to rekindle their commitment to unity and cooperation, recognizing these efforts as integral to their first love for Christ and His command to love one another.

3. Dying/Unhealthy/Toxic Church

A dying, unhealthy, or toxic church may be characterized by isolation, suspicion, or outright hostility towards other churches and faith communities. Such attitudes can stem from a defensive posture, fear of external influence, or a misguided sense of superiority. This approach contradicts the Christian Libertarian emphasis on the freedom and value of diverse expressions within the body of Christ and the call to unity and love that transcends denominational divides.

Galatians 5:13-15 warns against using freedom to indulge the flesh but to serve one another humbly in love, for the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” For churches struggling with toxicity and isolation, this passage underscores the need to embrace a posture of service and openness, moving towards healing and renewed engagement with the wider Christian community.

As Always, God Bless,

James Arthur Ferguson