What does it mean to belong?
So what does it really mean to belong? I often struggled with this while pastoring in the traditional church setting, because I oft found my own views did not match those of the church, or the denmination.
Allow me to explain:
Our church required in its constitution and by-laws that the only way for one to belong, I.E. "be a member" was to accept a set statement of faith and embrace the doctrine of the church, and/or make a confession of faith and be baptized. While I am all for a person making such a confession, and I am certainly all for baptism I simply do not see this model described in scripture. What I do find was Jesus traveling the countryside inviting people to come and follow, and then he taught them along the way and their lives were transformed through the following, and through the belonging. I dont find Jesus saying "hey come follow me, but first you have to accept my set position on things, and then you can follow me." He calls, people follow, transformation comes after, not before.
A community of faith is one where ALL peoples, at ALL stages of their faith's journey should be able to belong, and grow. From the person who does not believe there is a God to the believer of 30 years who thinks they have it all figured out, and every spot on the journey in between. It is in the belonging that believing and transformation come.
posted by Carl at 8:54 AM
17 Comments:
Carl, now you have my attention and I love the points you are making. All that you have said is just another reason the American church is sliding down the slippery slope.
Keep posting, I can hardly wait to read on in the future.
Now I have your attention??? Just now??? :0) LOL
Thanks Bob more will follow
Jesus is the Head of the Church and we as believers are His Body. That makes us "the Church". Church takes different forms for different people. For some it is the traditional church and for some it is the home church. It matters not what form it takes but what message it gives to the people in attendance and what changes it makes in their lives. For the message of the Bible does not change; only the way it is presented to people to reach them at their point of need. Jesus reached the masses because of His love for them. He touched them as they needed in their lives but He gave them the choice to respond. And that response of faith was what changed their lives! Keep on touching people for Jesus....He will make a difference in their lives as you lead them to Him.
Thanks Mom, keep participating!
The form follows function. Do we make the making of disciples the main thing for all Christ followers? If not, then the form falls short of the Great Commission command for all who follow.
The form comes later when we get the making of disciples who make disciples right!
When we do this, lives will be changed to change others so much so that it grows beyong our ability to control the conversion rate.
I long for this, how about you?
I'm starting to love you too, Mom!
Yes, form follows function. That means the body must follow the Head. Jesus said to "go and make" disciples, not "sit and stay" in the church. And if the five fold ministry group is doing their job they will be equipping the saints for the WORK of ministry which is to make disciples! Then we'll see the conversion rate explode exponentially based on how many are going out! Yes, I long to see this happen and I also long to see God's people walking in victory, overcoming the enemy and experiencing the abundance that Jesus purchased for us!
Thanks, Bob. I'm sure before long you'll be just like one of my very own kids!
I am preaching a sermon Sunday on what it means to actually be "members of one another"- Romans 12:5, Ephesians 4:25. What do you think it means practically?
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