Someone noted that “thinking outside of the box keeps you from suffocating inside of one.” We must continue to allow God to shape us and our expressions of his church (ekklesia). He is an innately creative God. It is in this vein that I offer the following thoughts. This is not a definitive way to think of church community or gatherings. It is simply an alternative to a one-size-fits-all type of thinking that may free some of us to be more creative in our experience of church life and community.
I find that my own experience of ‘church gatherings’ involves, realistically, three or more micro communities. I have a couple of house church fellowships that I regularly connect to you. These provide a sense of God-connection, worship, prayer, Bible focus, and spiritual friendship. In addition, I have a specific support group and small network of friends that I frequent providing me with a place for deep community-life where transparent sharing and transformation is facilitated. Finally, I have a number of groups that I spend time with who share my mission focus and keep me accountable and motivated to use my gifts to make a difference in the world.
Having considered this, I am reflecting on three elements of church community that one does well to be intentional about, though there may be a variety of ways to incorporate these elements into our lives. Sometimes I, and others, refer to these three aspects as Up, In, and Out. They are also clearly outlined in Acts 2:42, 47.
- Up. This refers to fellowshipping with others in ways that encourage and build our vertical relationship with God: prayer, worship, Bibles discovery, etc. (Apostle’s teaching, prayer).
- In. This refers to sharing real life with one another. Transparency, ‘confessing of sin,’ and sharing our burdens and real-life concerns with one another. (Breaking of bread, fellowship).
- Out. This refers to our mission in the world to see others impacted by the power and love of God. (Favor with all the people).
There may or may not be one, specific group of people that provides us with all three elements perfectly, and multiple ‘micro communities’ may best suit us at certain times. I love the house church gatherings that I connect to. But those who gather are involved in very different missions out in the world. Therefore, I find it very powerful to also connect with those who are more specifically focused on the type of mission work that I am involved in. Thus my own need for a different micro community. Furthermore, I also find that the kind of deeper sharing that continues to bring healing to my heart and soul is best facilitated in specific types of groups or with a friend or two whom I can be fully honest with.
Again, I am not trying to prescribe everyone to my current ‘gathering’ scenario. But I have discovered that being intentional about all three elements of church (ekklesia) has given me a foundation for, perhaps, the strongest spiritual life I have had in my life. I believe the principle is that, yes, we need each other and that these three prongs provide us with strong community support for our walk with Jesus. The ‘how to’ of walking that out… well, that’s where there remains much room for creativity and exploration.
Comments
8 responses to “Multiple Micro Communities”
Our ministry mission statement is Faith can bring us reproach and daily struggles can rob us of our faith however, we come together taking a stand for change with truth, love and understanding.
The world is not an easy place and everyone needs someone. Hurts, habits and hang-up are stongholds we all can overcome. Therefore, with faith we provide an uplifting place for support with truth, love and understanding to all.
The way we meet our statment goals is meeting in small groups. We have a group for women and a group for men. We also go into the homeless shelter and teach Bible study there.
This is the season and “place” Patti and I have come to. We know it well, though many of our Christian friends question our faith and choices based on their “inside the box” understanding.
Rodger you have shared a good word. In, Up and Out. This shows the different levels that we can function at and builds us up in the Body of Christ.
Also “The ‘how to’ of walking that out… well, that’s where there remains much room for creativity and exploration.”I have learned in Christ that he is really interested in how we see and approach His Ministry and Church. He will join in with us in our “creativity and exploration” to further His purposes on all the levels we choose to be involved in-in the Body of Christ. He is very interested in us.
For me I have a ministry or work that is separate from the simple church I attend. That is my “out”. The simple church fires up my “up” and “in’.
Thanks for sharing, Josiane, how you walk out your ekklesia expressions.
One of the greatest obstacles for disciple making movements where we work in Africa is other Christians who don’t understand it. But love them all…
Like the way you said your simple church gang fires up your “up” and “in.” Thanks for sharing, Doug.
“…so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love,
may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth,
and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge,
that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.”
There is an amazing expanse of love relationship between us, God, God’s people and God’s harvest for us to pursue. I think the creativity is actually from God in what he has designed us to be and is empowering us to do. Our part is to obey and give God the credit. The box of institution forced upon the “breadth, and length, and height and depth” of the loving instructions of God is pure deception from the evil one. We are still supernaturally connected to these saints by the work of God. They are included in God’s plan to “build up” when the pew time is over. I did that in a Church of Christ this Sunday. I got an email response from one of the “men of peace” God connected me to.
Love the way you express this, Tim. Appreciate the thoughts!