The local church is our Lord’s plan for the discipleship of his people. If you are a Christian, you should know what Jesus intends for local churches. You should know what part you play in the local church. You should know why the local church operates as it does. These things are foundational for your maturation in Jesus Christ.

Read the whole syllabus here.

Church: Do I Have to Go? by Garrett Kell

Meeting 1: The Church Is Essential (July 2)

• Read chapters 1 & 2.
• Answer the discussion questions provided in the packet linked above.
• Consider how the Lord would have you pray and act in response to what you've read.
• Discuss what you read with your parents, siblings, or friends.

Meeting 2: True and False Churches (July 9)

• Read chapters 3 & 4.
• Answer the discussion questions provided in the packet linked above.
• Consider how the Lord would have you pray and act in response to what you've read.
• Discuss what you read with your parents, siblings, or friends.

Meeting 3: Sacraments and Membership (July 16)

• Read chapters 5 & 6.
• Answer the discussion questions provided in the packet linked above.
• Consider how the Lord would have you pray and act in response to what you've read.
• Discuss what you read with your parents, siblings, or friends.

Meeting 4: Authority and Discipline (July 23)

• Read chapters 7 & 8.
• Answer the discussion questions provided in the packet linked above.
• Consider how the Lord would have you pray and act in response to what you've read.
• Discuss what you read with your parents, siblings, or friends.

Meeting 5: The Church's Mission (July 30)

• Read chapter 9.
• Answer the discussion questions provided in the packet linked above.
• Consider how the Lord would have you pray and act in response to what you've read.
• Discuss what you read with your parents, siblings, or friends.

Meeting 6: What's Next? (August 6)

• Review the book.
• Answer the discussion questions provided in the packet linked above.
• Consider how the Lord would have you pray and act in response to what you've read over the course of this summer.