Church: A Biblically Based Model

 

Church: A Biblically Based Model

We often use the word "church" without truly grasping its essence. Let's break down the biblical understanding of "church" and "a church," exploring how these concepts translate into practical gatherings.

The Church: The Universal Body of Christ

"The church" refers to the universal body of believers, all those who follow Jesus Christ. It's the global, interconnected community of people whose lives are being transformed to reflect His image. This isn't a building or an organization; it's a living organism.

A Church: Gatherings of Believers in Action

"A church" is the tangible expression of "the church" in specific locations. It's the natural outcome of believers living out their faith together. We can categorize these gatherings into three levels:

  • Simple Local Church: Small groups (10 or less) meeting frequently, focused on discipleship, relationship, and obedience.
  • Regional Church: Gatherings of multiple local churches within a region, meeting less frequently for corporate worship and fellowship.
  • Whole-Body Church: Larger gatherings of multiple regional churches, meeting occasionally for broader fellowship and sharing.

Scriptural Foundations:

Key passages that inform this understanding include:

  • Matthew 18:20 (where two or three gather in His name)
  • Acts 2:42-47 (the early church's model of community)
  • 1 Corinthians 5, 11, 14, Hebrews 10:24-25 (guidelines for church gatherings)

The Practicalities of Gathering:

1. Simple Local Church:

  • Focus: Discipleship, relationship, accountability, Bible study, prayer, and worship.
  • Frequency: Frequent and regular meetings.
  • Giving: Meeting local needs through heartfelt giving, not mandated tithing.
  • Multiplication: The foundation for church multiplication through disciple-making.
  • Location: Homes, parks, cafes, anywhere intimate gatherings can occur.

2. Regional Church:

  • Focus: Corporate worship, fellowship, prayer, testimonies, communion, and teaching.
  • Leadership: Expression of the five-fold ministry (Ephesians 4:11-16).
  • Giving: Primarily focused on fellowship and worship, with giving occurring within the local churches.
  • Frequency: Less frequent gatherings (monthly or bi-monthly).
  • Location: Larger spaces like barns, large homes, or public squares.

3. Whole-Body Church:

  • Focus: Corporate sharing, fellowship, and celebration.
  • Giving: Distribution of funds collected by regional elders to meet needs within the body and community.
  • Mission: Equipping believers, not primarily an evangelistic outreach (though non-believers are welcome).
  • Leadership: Elders are appointed from within the body.
  • Frequency: Occasional, larger gatherings (quarterly or bi-annually).
  • Location: Larger venues like community halls, gymnasiums, or theaters.

Sent-Out Workers (Missionaries):

  • Fully supported by the whole-body church, financially and spiritually.
  • Sent out with the church's blessing, representing their commitment to the Great Commission.
  • Local workers are supported, but those sent abroad recieve priority of financial support.

Church Ministries: Organic Expressions of Community:

  • Ministries should arise naturally from the needs and gifts within the church.
  • Focus on gatherings based on life stage (family, youth, men, women).
  • Social ministries are the natural outworking of a healthy body of believers, not seperate programs.

Church Multiplication: Making Disciples Who Make Disciples:

  • Local churches multiply by sending out groups to start new gatherings.
  • Regional and whole-body churches grow as local churches multiply.
  • Meeting locations should be chosen based on the type of gathering.

Moving Beyond the Institutional:

This model emphasizes relational community, organic growth, and biblical simplicity. It challenges us to rethink our assumptions about church and embrace a more dynamic and effective expression of the body of Christ.


Learn more at www.theexchangemin.com

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