Church?
What is church? Is it a location? How many people do you need for it to be church? I'm serious. Do we really believe that it is where
“two or more are gathered,” or do we need to have announcements, Sunday School, special music and take an offering for it to be church? Do you have to have a sermon for it to be church? Hey, I'm just curious. I sometimes wonder if everything we call church is really “church.” I know this with 57,000 people a week disengaging from church, we probably should be rethinking how we do church. I think there are lots of ways to do church. My Orthodox and Catholic friends wouldn't agree; they seem to be pretty clear on what they think church is, and I like to go to their meetings from time to time. I find it enriching and stimulating to my mind and my heart, but I'm not convinced that what they are doing is a replication of the early church. There are many people who think they know what church is; there are tens of thousands of examples of this in the Yellow pages across America. Is it as simple as the words of Jesus: “For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them." (Matthew 18:20) Just curious, what do you think?
“two or more are gathered,” or do we need to have announcements, Sunday School, special music and take an offering for it to be church? Do you have to have a sermon for it to be church? Hey, I'm just curious. I sometimes wonder if everything we call church is really “church.” I know this with 57,000 people a week disengaging from church, we probably should be rethinking how we do church. I think there are lots of ways to do church. My Orthodox and Catholic friends wouldn't agree; they seem to be pretty clear on what they think church is, and I like to go to their meetings from time to time. I find it enriching and stimulating to my mind and my heart, but I'm not convinced that what they are doing is a replication of the early church. There are many people who think they know what church is; there are tens of thousands of examples of this in the Yellow pages across America. Is it as simple as the words of Jesus: “For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them." (Matthew 18:20) Just curious, what do you think?
Replies to This Discussion
-
Permalink Reply by Scott Miller on -
Growing up in the Vineyard, I was taught that we are the church, it is us. i was also taught to love the whole church, that is the whole body of Christ in all its expressions. So having spent the last thirty years of my life in the church, I realize what a priviledge it is everytime any believers gather together no matter what are beliefs and differences, we all have one thing in common, we belong to Him. I agree with you Carl, I dont think what most of the body calls church, especially its leaders. is really representative of the early church where they gathered together daily and had all things in common with no lack. In most churches the pursuit of knowledge and lots of activities has replaced initimacy with Jesus and with one another. Church has become another fast food experience where we put in our time, give our money, say hi to our friends and for the really committed, serve, If fruitfulness really does flow out of intimacy, then we find most churches lacking. I do believe there are big changes happening, people vote with their feet and as you noted they are voting in ever increasing numbers. So it is a critical time for all of us as the body to hear the voice of the Lord and to respond to what the Holy Spirit is saying to the church today in this hour.
-
Permalink Reply by Karen Flaherty on -
When I think of the early years of the Church, I always think of Acts 2:42 -47 - They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
-
Permalink Reply by Ernie Morones on -
I Like " For where two or three are together in my name, there am I with them" but a lot of churches gather not in the name of jesus, but in the name of program's or sminary, we went to school or church growth classes and say ok here is the way God has to move.. but we forget the its Jesus's church never our's. Also in act's it say's that "the lord" added to the church daily.. Jesus will build his church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it. So if where not gathered in his name, then he wont be in the midst of us,. he will say I never knew you. Its not our worship, teaching, programs, missions, but the "agape" love of jesus christ that will draw men to him, for without his "agape" love we dont even have the right to call ourselves christians. This is just my opinion, from what iv'e seen and what I beleive the word teaches. In his grip. Ernie
About
© 2010 Created by Carl Tuttle.
Powered by 
.
