What is the difference between the universal church and a local church? Is it important to belong to a local congregation? Isn't it enough to attend church online? Though Scripture affirms the significance and authority of the local church, many Christians struggle to understand the institution's role in their personal lives.
In this addition to the Church Questions series, Matthew Emadi clearly defines the local church, helping believers live out their God-ordained mission to assemble together as the body of Christ. Through Scripture and compelling stories, Emadi lays out 6 biblical characteristics of a church and demonstrates how Christians can faithfully represent God's kingdom on earth.
Matthew Emadi (PhD, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) serves as the senior pastor of Crossroads Church in Sandy, Utah. He is the author of How Can I Serve My Church? Matthew is married to Brittany and they have six children.