Life Together

Between Sundays: Life in the Means of Grace

By Raymond Johnson | 9Marks Journal: The Ordinary Means of Grace—Or, Don’t Do Weird Stuff | 07.26.2021

With ten minutes to spare, David sat down in the pew that had become his usual spot—the top right balcony.

Enter into the Trials of Fellow Church Members

By Derek Minton | 9Marks Journal: How to Build Up Your Church: A Guidebook for Members | 03.30.2021

If Paul’s words, “If one member suffers, all suffer together” are realized in our churches, it will be through the labor of Spirit-empowered imagination.

Putting the “Service” Back in Worship Service

By Chad Ashby | 04.01.2019

Week after week, many of us attend a worship served not a worship service.

Pastors, Homosexuality, and Same-Sex Marriage

By Jonathan Leeman | 08.22.2014

Here are several reasons why I would challenge you, not to make homosexuality a major topic of your ministry, but to teach on it nonetheless.

All Together Now: From Multiple Services Toward a Single Assembly

By Kyle Cheatham | 08.22.2014

“But what if the building is getting full and you still want to reach more people?” Certainly, we should not pursue one priority (community) at the expense of another (evangelism).

Your Church and Your Life Planning

By Jonathan Leeman | 08.22.2014

If you are a Christian, it’s worth asking whether you include your church in your life planning.

Strategies for Becoming a Post-Program Church

By Bobby Jamieson | 08.22.2014

In short, reprogram new people to think in terms of the ministry of the pew, not merely participation in programs.

Seven Ways to Build a Culture of Spiritual Conversation

By Bobby Jamieson | 08.21.2014

A culture of spiritual conversation in a local church is a powerful force for sanctification.

What is Corporate Worship For?

By Bobby Jamieson | 08.21.2014

What do you think corporate worship is for? What’s the goal of local churches’ weekly assemblies? “Um, worship?” That seems like an obvious answer. And it’s more than a little … keep reading…

Don’t Be Like Candace with Your Spiritual Gifts

By Jonathan Leeman | 08.21.2014

 Hopefully you have not had to deal with a Candace Whitcomb in your church, but my guess is that you’ve known one or two. Her story is funny and pathetic … keep reading…

Don’t Assume the Bible Is Silent about the Church

By Bobby Jamieson | 08.21.2014

Have you ever assumed something that turned out to be wrong? I sure have. For two years I called a good friend “Steve” only to discover that this gracious and … keep reading…

How Congregations with Authority Submit to Elders

By Bobby Jamieson | 08.21.2014

If the congregation as a whole is the final court of appeal, what does it mean for a church to submit to its leaders?

Is it appropriate to conduct member meeting activities inside the worship service?

9Marks

The New Testament gives the local congregation final authority in matters of discipline (Matt. 18:17; 2 Cor. 2:6) and doctrine (Gal. 1). This means that there are times when the church as a whole should welcome in new members, remove members who move away, carry out church discipline, elect elders and deacons, and decide on other serious matters.

There are a couple reasons why this business should not be done in the context of a regular worship service.

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