family on a mission

There must be more to church than this… * Church as we’ve known it has not produced Biblical results * the Church is meant to show to the world the wisdom, love, power, grace, authority, reality, joy and peace of God * the means of this is through wise, loving, powerful, gracious, joyful, peaceful people living full of the Holy Spirit * generally speaking, the Church in our culture has lost sight of the incredible cost and radical implications of being disciples of Christ, citizens of the kingdom of God.

So what is the essence of ‘the Church?’ * the Church is God’s precious chosen family, the apple of His eye, belonging to Himself and to one another * this family are His ‘sent ones’ to fulfil His mission in the earth: “to bring all things under the authority of Christ”. * FAMILY ON A MISSION

Why is how we ‘do Church’ important? * everything we do must be helpful to who we are * the business of Church can demand great resources (time/energy/money) that means less available to reach the world and nurture family! * the larger our expression of Church becomes, the more likely that more and more people find their place of service and fulfilment within the Church rather than in the world. * our experience of Church life must reflect our theology: e.g. priesthood of all, every day is holy etc * our desire as leaders is to equip and make space for each person to make the impact in the world God desires.

Some key convictions * we are called to impact this city street by street, neighbourhood by neighbourhood; saturating entire communities with the glory of God; being the joy of the whole earth * by seeing our love for each other many will come to Jesus. our ‘family life’ must be visible and welcoming to outsiders. * “even the lame will carry off plunder” – it is God’s desire that every single disciple be fruitful in multiplying and making other disciples. * it is the responsibility of each one of us to embrace the call to discipleship, to personal growth, to Spirit-led Kingdom 1 st living.

How does leadership work? * leadership is relational (family) not hierarchical * leadership is to equip, inspire, teach and train * leadership is not responsible to ‘do all the work’ and take every new initiative – everybody can hear the Holy Spirit * leadership is to serve willingly and lead by example * leadership is to counsel and oversee, bringing encouragement, clarity and, where necessary, correction. * everybody should find their place where they can gladly submit their lives under God’s anointed leadership * leadership in the Church is not higher status or a mark of being a successful Christian! It is a call and a burden.