Local Church Structure | Lesson 2

Josh Strelecki, Pastor-Teacher, begins by addressing the purpose and structure of the local church, presenting it as a vital reflection of the universal body of Christ. Grounded in scripture, Strelecki emphasizes that the local church is not merely a gathering but an integral part of God’s eternal plan for His people. Through passages like Ephesians 4 and Psalm 139, he highlights the beauty and intentionality of the church, comparing its structure to the human body—each part uniquely made but functioning best when unified. The local church is portrayed as a place where individual members, spiritually baptized into the body of Christ, come together to edify one another, reflect Christ’s character, and grow in their faith.

Strelecki then shifts to the practical aspects of church life, focusing on the importance of gathering together in one place. He stresses that the local church serves as a space for worship, teaching, and mutual encouragement, where members can fulfill the biblical “one another” commands like admonishing, comforting, and restoring. Christ is presented as the head of the church, with leadership roles like elders and deacons accountable to Him and tasked with guiding the congregation toward understanding doctrine and godliness. Strelecki closes with an appeal for the church to embrace its purpose wholeheartedly, not as a mere organization but as a living, dynamic reflection of Christ to the world. Through this, the church fulfills its calling to glorify God and grow into the fullness of Christ, both individually and collectively.