Digging Wells, Not Building Fences: Rethinking Belonging, Boundaries, and Grace in Center-Set Christianity (Spiritual Abuse Series)
How the “center-set” model of Christianity offers a radical alternative to legalism, spiritual abuse, and rigid boundary-drawing—and what it means for those longing to experience authentic grace, community, and transformation. Kicking off their new Spiritual Abuse series, Mike and Tim dive deep into Paul Hebert’s set theory and how it reshapes our understanding of who belongs, what discipleship looks like, and how churches can prioritize Jesus as the true center.
Key Takeaways: • Bounded vs. Centered Faith – How the traditional “bounded set” model prioritizes behavioral and doctrinal checklists, often at the expense of grace, honesty, and transformation. • Dangers of Boundary-Focused Churches – Why focusing on who's “in” and who's “out” fosters legalism, fear, and superficiality. • The Center-Set Alternative – Exploring a transformational perspective where the direction of a person’s heart toward Jesus, rather than meeting external qualifications, defines spiritual belonging. • Indicators vs. Boundaries – Why behaviors (like generosity, love, peace) should serve as indicators of heart orientation rather than rigid membership tests. • Church Discipline and Relational Accountability – Reflecting on Paul’s example in 1 Corinthians and discussing the delicate balance of transparency, restoration, and protecting community health. • A Call to Build Wells – How churches and communities can be rooted in grace, welcoming honesty and brokenness while always pointing toward the wellspring of Jesus.
Resources Mentioned: • Paul Hebert’s “Set Theory” (Theological framework on Bounded, Fuzzy, and Centered sets) • Mark Baker – Author and scholar adapting Hebert’s theories for modern congregations • Dallas Willard – Teachings on the inward transformation of discipleship • Galatians & Matthew 19 – Scriptural cases for center-set thinking and critiques on boundary models
This episode kicks off a larger conversation on the roots and mechanics of spiritual abuse—how legalism, control, and fear undermine the gospel of grace and the heart of Jesus. Join the journey as Mike and Tim dig deeper in upcoming episodes.
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Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford
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