When Jesus Disciplines His Church: Learning from History to Move Forward (Conversation 2 of 3 with Dr. Ken Quick)
- Matthew Bohling
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
The concept of corporate responsibility in the church is a deeply biblical but often overlooked aspect of congregational health. In a recent Church Renewal Podcast episode featuring Dr. Ken Quick of Blessing Point Ministry, we explored how a church's history significantly impacts its present reality—and why addressing historical wounds is essential for authentic renewal.
Dr. Quick presents a challenging perspective that runs counter to our individualistic Western mindset. While we readily acknowledge personal discipline in our spiritual lives (those whom Jesus loves, He reproves), we often fail to recognize that the same principle applies at the corporate level. The New Testament consistently portrays the church not merely as a collection of individuals but as a unified body that Christ is cleansing to "present to himself pure and without blemish." This corporate identity means corporate accountability.
Historical examples from Scripture reinforce this truth. The episode highlights David's encounter with the Gibeonites in 2 Samuel 21, where a three-year famine plagued Israel because of Saul's sin decades earlier. Despite the time that had passed, God still held the nation accountable. The congregation needed to make amends for this historical wrong before healing could come. Similarly, Jesus' messages to the seven churches in Revelation demonstrate that corporate discipline remains a New Testament reality. Churches that fail to heed Christ's correction risk having their "lampstand removed"—a sobering image of a congregation abandoned by the Spirit while maintaining its external religious activities.
The podcast introduces the biblical concept of "sacred" or "solemn assemblies"—corporate gatherings where God's people come together to honestly confront their history, repent, and realign with God's purposes. This practice, seen throughout Scripture from Solomon's temple dedication to Ezra and Nehemiah's post-exile revival, offers a powerful model for modern churches facing deep-seated issues. Unlike quick-fix approaches—changing leadership structures, firing staff, or modifying constitutions—sacred assemblies address the root causes of a congregation's dysfunction.
What makes this approach distinctive is its focus on facilitation rather than prescription. As Dr. Quick explains, outside consultants shouldn't dictate solutions but rather create space for the church to hear directly from "the Lord of the church." The process invites participation from the entire congregation, including youth, creating a powerful experience where the church operates as the New Testament describes—with the Spirit moving and speaking through the gathered believers.
For church leaders struggling with recurring issues or chronic pain, this episode offers a challenging but hopeful message: the path forward may require looking backward. By honestly confronting history, taking responsibility for past wrongs, and embracing corporate repentance, congregations can experience genuine renewal. The process isn't easy, but as Dr. Quick reminds us: if you're under Christ's loving discipline, there are no shortcuts to restoration
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