3.  The New Testament reveals that there were many churches.  Members of Christ congregating and working together as members of local groups is the divine pattern. ◦ Acts 2:42-47; 9:31; 11:20-26

4.  The work of the Lord includes spiritual labor each Christian is to be doing as a member of a local congregation (1 Corinthians 15:58).

5.  In a community members of Christ join and link together to further the Lord’s cause of salvation. ◦ Ephesians 4:11-6 ◦ 1 Corinthians 12:20-27

6.  The Lord ordained that members of churches should be shepherded by qualified elders (Acts 20:27-30). ◦ 1 Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-9; 1 Peter 5:1-4; Hebrews 13:17 ◦ Shepherds must care for the flock among them, watching what comes in and what dangers rise up.