“The church is a group of Christ-followers who function, believe, and understand themselves to be the Body-of-Christ in their sphere of influence”. (from Kenny Moore in Denver)
Generally the functions are identified as worship, evangelism, discipleship, ministry, and community, with prayer, baptism, missions, Lord’s Supper, and church planting included as key components of those five…..but how does the Holy Spirit guide you about this? Read Acts and the New Testament yourself and note the recurring patterns of Christians as they gathered….let HIM lead you about what to include as functions of your church (some call them rhythms).
Now, if a group is doing those things in a cathedral, or in mega-building with stage, or in a white wooden chapel, or in a home, or in an apartment, or in a park, or in a parking lot, or in a cafe’, or in a dorm, or in the 1st century catacombs/caves…….THEN ITS A CHURCH!!!!
What if a group is doing less than those things? Then its not a church no matter what the sign says! The group must be a fully functioning Body-of-Christ in order to become His Hands, His Voice, His Heart, His Compassion in their slice of the world.
So, why can’t a group of Christ-followers just begin to live-out the functions or rhythms of the Body-of-Christ together……………………………………………………….now that could spread through passionate believers wherever life takes them!
….for more ideas about this visit www.coffeehousechurches.com and click on the video (especially the 4 minute diagoue for group discussion about halfway through)
