Think Biblically: Conversations on Faith & Culture Why The Church Still Matters Today (with Carmen Imes)
4 snips
Jan 13, 2026 
In this engaging conversation, Dr. Carmen Imes, an Associate Professor of Old Testament and author of *Becoming God's Family*, highlights the crucial role of the church today. She argues that church community, designed by God, counteracts individualism and fosters deep connections. Carmen delves into the significance of family language in scripture, emphasizing the loyalty it fosters among believers. She also addresses the limitations of solo faith and encourages perseverance in community, outlining when it's appropriate to leave a church setting.
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Build Intergenerational Church Bonds
- Do pursue intergenerational church relationships beyond single-age chapels or classes.
- Imes urges cultivating long-term bonds that walk with you through weddings, funerals, and life seasons.
Sibling Language Explains Church Family
- First-century culture viewed sibling ties as the deepest bond, so church-as-family language is powerful.
- That metaphor calls Christians to reorganize identity around spiritual siblings under God the Father.
Church vs. Chosen Family Echo Chambers
- The church differs from 'chosen family' echo chambers because it gathers people you wouldn't always pick.
- Imes emphasizes obligation to love and form bonds with diverse members God brings to the community.
