Why the Church Still Needs a Make‑over

In this episode of Renewing Your Mind, Dr. Robert Godfrey revisits John Calvin’s 1544 treatise, "The Necessity of Reforming the Church," and asks why the church continues to drift from its purpose. The treatise argues that the church is made up of sinners, and that over time those failings shape worship, doctrine, and governance.

Calvin’s 1544 Call to Action

Calvin wrote the treatise for the laypeople of Strasbourg and Geneva, who were facing a political crisis. With the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V at war with France and the Ottoman Empire, the Protestant princes needed a written case to secure toleration and resources. Calvin’s task was not to lay out a full theological system but to present a clear, urgent argument that the church must be reformed now.

Four Pillars of Reform

Calvin divides his argument into four topics that he calls the "soul and body" of the church. Worship and salvation are the soul—what keeps the church alive—while sacraments and church government are the body—how that life is expressed. By diagnosing the evils in each area and offering remedies, Calvin shows how each can become corrupted when the church is led by sinners.

Relevance for Today’s Church

Godfrey connects Calvin’s insights to the church we live in, inviting listeners to consider how the same issues—worship, salvation, sacraments, and governance—continue to shape the life of the church. He encourages a fresh look at how the church can be reformed now, rather than waiting for a future moment of change.