Main Idea: Within the present anti-church climate, we must attempt to answer, “Why go to church?”

Head Change: How we think about ‘church’ shapes the type of church we become.

Heart Change: Faiths journey is meant to be done together

Life Change: What does it mean for you to live with Jesus’ body in mind?

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Church: A Countercultural Community

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The church has often pursued relevance at the expense of reverence. However, the church was meant to be a counterculture, where “life to the full” is visible and welcomed to all.

The church’s countercultural identity can be further categorized in several ways:

• Countercultural Presence

• Countercultural United Family

• Countercultural Change

• Countercultural Mission

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A commitment to pursuing holiness – only made possible through the blood of Jesus and by the power of the Holy Spirit – is a critical mark of the countercultural church.

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John 17:18,23 (NLT) - Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world... I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me. 

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Reflection Questions:

1. What stood out to you in this teaching? Why do you think that resonated?

2. What comes to mind when you think about the local church?

3. Read John 17:9, 11,17-18, 20-23. What stands out to you while reading?

4. What does it mean to you for the church to form a distinct counterculture?

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Prayer: 

Father, we can’t do any of this without You. Thank You for revealing the finished work of Jesus to us. May we live with a greater understanding of your grace and approval on our lives because of what Jesus has done. If there are any areas of our lives that are captured by pride, reveal that to me now, I repent and ask for your humility to walk with you and obey you in response to your love and grace toward me. Help me to see your church like you see your church. In Jesus’ name, amen.