However, some training and education is necessary and that is where local churches come in. (I believe that these are the only churches mentioned in scripture.) Now, I understand the kind of churches that isolate believers from the world. (These are bad.) I also understand the kind of churches that think that the way to convert the world is to entertain them to Christ. (These are bad also.)

Yet, the bible speaks of the church at Jerusalem, the church at Ephesus, the church at Corinth, the church at Pergamos, etc. These organized bodies were designed to provide education (the Apostle’s doctrine), fellowship, structure (unique to their community), and from which God called people into ministry (Great commission, Acts 13).

I think that the main issue here is why do we have church? (zoos) If it is to isolate God’s people from the wild animals, we are not listening to God’s call to all the world. If it is to entertain people into Christianity, we are missing all those verses about separation from the world and surrender to a life that will bring persecution by the world.

I lived for years in an area that had a small zoo. It was understaffed and always short of funds. Many animals died while I lived in that area. The problem wasn’t the existence of the zoo, it was the mismanagement of it.

Churches need to re-evaluate and re-think their purpose. If they exist with no real power to impact the community where the live, they are being mismanaged. Many times this mismanagement is cultural and will take time to remove, but a visionary leader will get the job done.

Maybe what we need today are more visionaries whose desire is to genuinely and completely fulfill God’s will for his churches. Maybe that is what we need to pray for. Maybe that is what we need to step up and become.

Just a thought …