The football coach addressed the team the day after a miserable performance on the field. As all eyes focused on him, he held up the pigskin and announced, “Gentlemen, this is a football.” For the team it signaled a return to the practice field and stress on the fundamentals of blocking and tackling. For six weeks in January and February we return to the basics of our faith and remind ourselves of what it means to be a church—a church that Christ purchased with his blood.

What does it mean to be a church after all?

What is it that a church is supposed to do?

What good is church?