Like so many of us, I've been tied up with a lot of other things over the holiday season. So this week's message is just a few words. But as the post title indicates, it may still be important.
I was
thinking about just what it was that led us to start up a house church
gathering; in other words trying to figure out what are the important defining
characteristics of the kind of work we believe God is calling us to help build
and support. The result is the following short list of five "values"
for the church:
Worship – This speaks of much more than prayer
and singing, but of a basic understanding that ultimately the church is built,
and led, by God alone.
Friendship – By this we don't necessarily mean spiritual
instruction, or communal worship, or accountability (important as these are),
but simply appreciating and enjoying one another's company in the context of
Christian brotherhood.
Discipleship – As we meet together in the name of
Christ we constantly learn from one another, through the Word, and in the process
take on Christ's calling and character.
Liberty – This means freedom to rejoice, laugh,
cry, share, and exercise our spiritual gifts in the name of Jesus.
Evangelism – While we enjoy the blessings of friendship
and personal growth, we remain aware that God has called us to a larger mission
and purpose.
Not all
church assemblies are created equal (see the previous post, "Of Mustard Seeds and Church Splits"). The values above should prove useful, then, in
that they help us to keep in mind the specific direction that God has given us.
Now given the validity of these values (particularly Discipleship and Worship),
this list may need some correction or revision. So please let me know what you
think.
Here’s to balanced church life!
ReplyDeleteAmen!
ReplyDelete