I will begin this session by recounting my personal journey of loss and joy as my faith in Christ began to exceed my faith in church.

Church can provide important instruction for living. However, historically members rely on church to be a roadmap for salvation. Challenges and debate ensue when church dogma conflicts with the foundational New Testament scripture: call on the name of Jesus and be saved (Romans 10:13).

Moreover, church can become an obstacle when the leadership initiates new programs, policies, procedures, and practices. Subtly, these well-intended initiatives can take priority over the essence of the gospel—dependence and reliance on Christ to be our everything.