Podcast Summary: "Why I Love The Church" | Jabin Chavez Leadership Podcast #067

Podcast: Jabin Chavez Leadership Podcast
Host: Jabin Chavez
Episode: #067
Date: October 8, 2025

Overview

In this episode, Jabin Chavez shares his deep affection and conviction for the local church, discussing its significance not just as a religious institution, but as God’s chosen vehicle for spiritual growth, community, and transformation. Drawing on scripture, personal stories, and leadership insights, Jabin makes a passionate case for why the church remains vital—both for individuals and for society at large. He specifically addresses leaders and pastors, encouraging them to invest in the church and partner with their congregations in building God’s vision.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Leadership Principle: Leaders Set the Tone

• Jabin opens by emphasizing the importance of self-development in leadership—“We reproduce who we are, not what we want.” (00:13)
• Growth in leaders directly influences growth in their organization.

2. The Biblical Foundation for Loving the Church

• Reflects on Jesus’ words in Matthew 16: "Upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell will not prevail against it." (01:30)
• Cites Saint Cyprian of Carthage: “No one can have God as their father who does not have the church as their mother.” (02:05)
  • Jabin acknowledges the reality of "church hurt" but insists on unwavering commitment to the church as God's plan.

3. The Church is Built by the People

• Cites Acts 2:42 on early church devotion to teachings, fellowship, and community. (03:10)
• Draws from Exodus 25 and the building of the tabernacle: “God spoke to Moses, but the people built it.” (05:10)
• Leaders are to empower and activate people; the church is not built by clergy alone.

4. The Role of Pastors and Leaders

• Acts 6: The apostles devoted themselves to prayer and teaching, delegating other tasks so the church can function healthily.
• Notable quote: “Eugene Peterson said, a busy pastor is a lazy pastor.” (07:00)
  • Encourages pastors to focus on teaching and prayer and allow the congregation to serve.

Three Reasons Why Jabin Loves the Church

1. The Church: God’s Preferred Way to Reach the Lost (09:00)

• Most people come to Christ through a church service, not TV, street evangelism, or crusades.
• “The church service is God's number one way to save the lost.” (12:45)
• The Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) is contextualized as a church gathering—“This is a church service... you don’t teach on a street corner. You don’t teach them the Bible... when a person’s holding a freaking strawberry daiquiri.” (11:55)

2. The Church Helps Us Discover Our Gifts and Calling (15:00)

• Based on 1 Samuel 3:8, Samuel learns to hear God in the temple, guided by Eli.
• “Samuel is discovering and being taught in real time in the house of God that he’s a prophet.” (16:20)
• The church serves as a platform for developing talents (musicians, photographers, videographers, etc.).
• Personal stories: Jabin recounts going from a small town in New Mexico to ministering worldwide, all thanks to opportunities given by the church. (18:10)
• “The church made my world so much bigger.” (19:35)
• “When you’re part of a church, your money goes where you’ll never go.” (21:00)
• Diversity and community: Jabin tells a touching story about interacting with an elderly woman at church, reflecting the breadth of connections the church fosters. (22:00)
• Shares how his eight-year-old daughter is growing and serving through church involvement. (24:12)

3. The Church Develops Us (25:45)

• Discipleship is a journey, not a class or schedule.
  • “Discipleship is not busyness. It is choosing to follow Jesus within a community.” (26:00)
• “A person who is not a disciple, a class will not make them a disciple.” (28:25)
  • Real discipleship is found in practical service and community: “Because I’m helping park cars... holding babies... shaking hands... having an issue with another serve team member but I’m not quitting.”
• Emphasizes the “one another” commands of the New Testament (over 100 times): love, serve, forgive, encourage, etc. (30:15)
• First Peter 4: "Each of you should use whatever gift you’ve received to serve others..." (31:15)
• The church unlocks both gifting/anointing and character development in believers.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the church’s purpose:
  “The church is God’s plan A and he does not have a plan B. The church is the hope of the world.” (02:25)

• On church hurt:
  “Many of us have mama issues, also known as church hurt. But I’ll never give up on the church.” (02:10)

• On the Great Commission & outreach:
  “The Great Commission is a church service. It’s not hitting the streets... the church service is God’s number one way to save the lost.” (13:15)

• On discovering gifts:
  “The church made my world so much bigger.” (19:35)
  “Think about all the musicians that are touring the world right now. That all started in the church.” (20:10)

• On discipleship:
  “Discipleship is your choice to follow Jesus.” (28:45)
  “A class will not make them a disciple.” (28:25)

• On community:
  “You can’t be a disciple without one another.” (30:30)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Opening and Leadership Philosophy: 00:00 – 02:00
• Why I Love the Church – Introduction: 02:00 – 03:20
• Old Testament Foundations (Exodus 25): 04:20 – 06:30
• Empowering the People (Acts 6, Ephesians 4): 06:30 – 08:45
• Point 1 – Church Saves the Lost: 09:00 – 13:45
• Point 2 – Church Discovers Gifts: 15:00 – 24:30
• Personal Stories on Church Impact: 18:10 – 24:30
• Point 3 – Church Develops Us: 25:45 – 31:30
• "One Another" Commands & Discipleship Practicality: 29:30 – 32:30

Conclusion

Jabin’s passionate advocacy for the local church rings clear throughout the episode: it’s the ongoing work of Jesus and always worth investing in. Whether through saving souls, cultivating gifts, or fostering deep spiritual formation, the church plays a vital role in believers’ lives. Jabin challenges leaders to empower their people and reminds listeners that, despite its imperfections, the church remains our mother and God’s primary agent for change.