IC vs ROC: (19 of 20) Choosing ROC: A Kingdom Decision
Encourages congregations and individuals to embrace ROC as the authentic, biblically-grounded model for vibrant Kingdom community.
IC vs ROC: (19 of 20) Choosing ROC: A Kingdom Decision
Let me tell you a story. A few years back, my friend Caleb was in a bit of a spiritual funk. He’d been active for years in one of those big, bustling institutional churches—you know the kind: polished sermons, professional music, sleek programs for everything from toddlers to teens. But Caleb was feeling restless, a kind of deep spiritual itch that he just couldn’t scratch. Something was off, he’d say, but he couldn’t quite put his finger on it.
Then one day, Caleb stumbled into a modest gathering at his neighbor’s house—a small circle of believers sharing food, laughter, and Scripture. There wasn’t any impressive pulpit or stage, no spotlight gleaming off a charismatic leader. Instead, there were humble conversations, earnest prayers, mutual confession, and an atmosphere rich with authenticity.
What Caleb discovered that day was what I call a Recipe-Oriented Congregation, or ROC. He didn't know that at the time, of course—he just felt something profoundly different, like fresh air after a stuffy room. That little group of believers embodied Radical Humility, mutual accountability, and relational authority, all grounded firmly in the teachings of Jesus, especially those found in Matthew 18.
See, Caleb had been caught up in a church culture driven by hierarchy and performance metrics. It had impressive numbers and professional polish, sure—but real spiritual transformation? Real, messy, life-changing community? That was scarce. The IC (Institutional Church), in all its well-meaning attempts to manage and control outcomes, had inadvertently created barriers between believers and the God they sought to follow. It was not malicious, perhaps—but fatally flawed, yes.
Choosing ROC over IC isn’t about merely picking a different church style, folks. It’s about a Kingdom decision, a deep and deliberate alignment with Jesus' clear vision of communal life found in Matthew 18. The entire Church Discourse kicks off by flipping worldly notions of greatness upside down. Remember when the disciples asked, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" Jesus didn’t highlight someone with authority, wealth, or eloquence. Nope, He pulled a child into the circle and spoke about humility, transparency, and trust.
Childlike trust, humility, and transparency—these aren’t just virtues; they're the very foundation of Kingdom community. Without these, even our best-intentioned churches drift inevitably toward what feels comfortable or culturally acceptable, rather than what God intends. Institutional churches often lose sight of this, blinded by worldly benchmarks of success and stability, managing the flock instead of shepherding with sacrificial love.
But when we choose ROC, we intentionally step into the kind of community where vulnerability is valued, where confession isn’t scary but healing, and where the greatest among us genuinely becomes servant of all. No thrones, no pedestals, no artificial divides—just a communal table where each voice is heard and valued.
You might say, “Theophilus, this sounds wonderful, but isn’t a little structure and hierarchy necessary?” Well, sure—in big institutions, perhaps. But small groups genuinely following The Recipe—living out mutual submission and accountability—don’t require those rigid structures. The sheep are cared for because everyone takes seriously their role in protecting and nurturing one another. No sheep left behind. Ever.
Consider the shepherd analogy in Matthew 18:10-14. Folks in Jesus' time got it loud and clear: you go up the mountain with 100 sheep, you better return with every single one. No excuses, no exceptions. That wasn't just a quaint illustration—it was a sobering call to responsibility. We are accountable for each other, deeply and irrevocably.
Imagine a community where we live by this level of accountability. Imagine if believers everywhere started gathering not around charismatic personalities or denominational programs, but around The Recipe—around Jesus' clear instructions on humility, transparency, and mutual care. Imagine the transformative power unleashed when love, trust, and respect genuinely flourish.
I know, shifting from IC to ROC might feel daunting. It might even feel lonely at first, because stepping away from familiar institutions is tough. But let me assure you: when you gather according to The Recipe, Jesus promises His presence, and together, you and He will change the world. And that is not hyperbole—that's a promise straight from the King Himself.
So let’s reflect on this for a moment:
What holds you back from embracing ROC-style community?
Where in your spiritual journey have you seen hierarchy stifle genuine growth?
How might your relationships change if humility and transparency truly defined your community?
Friends, these aren’t just rhetorical questions—they are invitations. Invitations to deeper community, richer faith, and a life aligned profoundly with the Kingdom of Heaven.
This blog series, "IC vs ROC," sets the stage for my upcoming book, "The Recipe," where I unpack the profound guidance Jesus provides in Matthew 18 for congregational life. If this resonates with your heart, please subscribe to our community; your support will help us share this vital message far and wide.