
As we look out at the start of another year, each of our GoChurches is clarifying the Vision Focus for the coming year. Setting out their Purpose, Priorities, Goals & Tasks.
The Vision doesn’t change: “We are a family of churches working together to reach the world”
So, what is Church?
DCPI uses the following definition in their Church Planting Essentials training:
“A church is a group of believers in Christ who meet regularly for biblical worship, learning and mission”. (DCPI CPE manual)
3 key headline activities that cover the range of activities almost every church across the world is involved in.
Those summarised activities closely match the activities we read about when we look at the early church in Acts 2:
Acts 2:42-47 (NIV)
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who 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 favour of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
Church speaks of what we are. Not just a group of Christ believers but a covenant group of Christ believers who are being built together to do the works our Heavenly Father prepared for us in advance to do.
Covenant may not be a word we hear much about these days but Jesus gave us a new covenant. His Body & Blood, all He was, is & will be, so we could become new creations, sharing in His righteousness, peace, nature & abilities. Covenant involved the permanent sharing of abilities and nature. Linked and united together, a body or family.
This is why there is no such thing as a lone Christian. We are all called to be part of the Body of Christ. To learn to walk in love with people who like us are being transformed from one degree of glory to another. A group of people who are being changed daily. Church!
That group of people live together to bring glory to the Lord. Not just singing songs but through their lifestyle of obedience and devotion they honour the Lord with their whole lives. True worship! This love and devotion will spill out to those not yet part of the church. Reflecting the Father’s love, who sent His only Son to save any who call on His name. Making His Name known to everyone so that they too can call on His Name. Going wherever there is opportunity, in the power of the Holy Spirit, as witnesses of His goodness and love. Multiplying salvation!
Church! What an awesome group of people, reflecting a Wonderful Saviour.