Paidion,
In your experience, what does a local expression of THE CHURCH look like?
"Parachurch" organizations
Last edited by Guest on Wed Dec 31, 1969 7:00 pm, edited 0 times in total.
Reason:
Reason:
"How is it that Christians today will pay $20 to hear the latest Christian concert, but Jesus can't draw a crowd?"
- Jim Cymbala (Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire) on prayer meetings
- Jim Cymbala (Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire) on prayer meetings
A local church can take several different forms. But I think the following might be shared by virtually every local church:
1. There is a discernment of the BODY OF CHRIST, that is, a recognition of the one and only CHURCH.
2. There is a disbelief that the CHURCH is divided up into denominations.
3. Meetings are not pre-programmed.
3. There is a body ministry. That is, anyone who is part of that local expression of the CHURCH is free to minister to the others as they are inspired by the spirit of God . Ministry is not limited to one or a few. Some may give a short talk. Others may sing a new song that was never sung before. Still others may prophesy, or testify, or lead a song.
4. There is a body of elders who oversee the church but who are not necessarily the ones who speak and teach.
5. The local church is not a democracy, but a theocracy. Decisions are reached not by voting, but by the leading of the Lord when the body comes together in prayer. The Lord working within them brings them into harmony and agreement concerning God's will.
The following practices are common but not universal among local expressions of the CHURCH:
There is an attempt by many local churches to hold beliefs and practices which are as close to those held by the first and second century churches as can be determined. For example, many of them share in the eucharist (thanksgiving) every Sunday. For many, this is not a formality tacked onto the end of the meeting. Rather the whole meeting is centered around the death and resurrection of Christ, and the expression of thanksgiving for his loving sacrifice.
Baptism in most groups is by immersion.
There is usually a closer almost daily contact between those who meet together, more so than in most other "churches", and mutual support, a willingness to assist fellow disciples whenever needed.
Some groups practise community of goods and live in close proximity to one another.
I am sure much more could be said, but this is all I can bring to mind right now.
1. There is a discernment of the BODY OF CHRIST, that is, a recognition of the one and only CHURCH.
2. There is a disbelief that the CHURCH is divided up into denominations.
3. Meetings are not pre-programmed.
3. There is a body ministry. That is, anyone who is part of that local expression of the CHURCH is free to minister to the others as they are inspired by the spirit of God . Ministry is not limited to one or a few. Some may give a short talk. Others may sing a new song that was never sung before. Still others may prophesy, or testify, or lead a song.
4. There is a body of elders who oversee the church but who are not necessarily the ones who speak and teach.
5. The local church is not a democracy, but a theocracy. Decisions are reached not by voting, but by the leading of the Lord when the body comes together in prayer. The Lord working within them brings them into harmony and agreement concerning God's will.
The following practices are common but not universal among local expressions of the CHURCH:
There is an attempt by many local churches to hold beliefs and practices which are as close to those held by the first and second century churches as can be determined. For example, many of them share in the eucharist (thanksgiving) every Sunday. For many, this is not a formality tacked onto the end of the meeting. Rather the whole meeting is centered around the death and resurrection of Christ, and the expression of thanksgiving for his loving sacrifice.
Baptism in most groups is by immersion.
There is usually a closer almost daily contact between those who meet together, more so than in most other "churches", and mutual support, a willingness to assist fellow disciples whenever needed.
Some groups practise community of goods and live in close proximity to one another.
I am sure much more could be said, but this is all I can bring to mind right now.
Last edited by Guest on Wed Dec 31, 1969 7:00 pm, edited 0 times in total.
Reason:
Reason:
Paidion
Avatar --- Age 45
"Not one soul will ever be redeemed from hell but by being saved from his sins, from the evil in him." --- George MacDonald
Avatar --- Age 45
"Not one soul will ever be redeemed from hell but by being saved from his sins, from the evil in him." --- George MacDonald