What makes a church good? Have you ever thought about that? In his new book, Will the Real Church Please Stand Up, author Matthew Richard shows us what makes a church great is an unwavering focus on Christ. Pastor Richard joins this episode to discuss the new book with host Elizabeth Pittman. 

Find out more and pre-order the book at cph.org/realchurch. Available to order starting October 8.

 Show Notes
Come join the Campbells as they test out churches in their brand-new town of Midway. They're looking to see which one fits their family and faith the best. Each church offers something different such as post-church refreshments, use of technology, outreach programs, or childcare. Even with all of these perks, do these churches still count as “good” or are they missing something pivotal to their worship services?

Author Matthew Richard joins the podcast to talk about his new book and how he helps readers discover eight different churches, and how to be able to see what a good church has: Christ at the very center. Pastor Richard also discusses his first book in the series, Will the Real Jesus Please Stand Up?, who he came to write the second book, his own experiences as a pastor, and more. 

Questions

• What led you to book number two?
• Tell us how you created the Campbell family. 
• What should be looking for to identify the unity and purpose in a church?
• Tell us about the distinction between friendship and biblical fellowship, and why it’s important in a congregation. 
• Tell us about the architecture of a church and what it can tell us about the unity and purpose of a church.
• You draw the distinction between the Great Commission and the Great Commandment. Tell us how churches may get that misplaced. 
• Talk about one of your example churches and how they are too focused on their status as people in the church. What happens when we put too much focus on social status in the church?
• Tell us why the three estates are important for the church and how you use Peace as an example. 
• Trinity takes readers to the first church in the book that is very denomination focused. What are the good and bad aspects of denomination distinctions and at what point does fidelity to the denomination become problematic?
• What does the real church stand for and how do we recognize it?
• What would you say to someone who starts to look around their own church and are concerned their focus has strayed from Jesus? What do you suggest they do?
• What advice do you have for the pastor who is trying to ensure his congregation is staying focused on the true unity and purpose of the church?
• How can groups who work through this book together maintain a sense of fellowship as they discuss problems their own church may be facing?

About the Guest
Rev. Dr. Matthew Richard is the pastor of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Minot, North Dakota. He is married to Serenity, and they have three children. Besides being a busy dad, he enjoys amateur carpentry work and knife collecting, as well as being a whisky and Taekwondo enthusiast.