FINAL WORD… For a while.
Augustine said, “I write when I learn, and I learn when I write.” Well, after having done some writing and learning, I feel that I can express my hopes for the Church in the following:
The Church is Christ’s Bride and His institution on earth. The Church spreads Jesus Christ’s eternal and life-giving truths to a lost world.
The Church is entrusted with the good deposit of the faith. The truths of Christ teach us how to live and be satisfied in this life, and these truths have been entrusted to the Church. The Church’s job is to make us into disciples so that we can make disciples of others.
The important thing to realize is that the more you learn about Christ and about God’s revelation of Himself, the more satisfied you will become as you learn about the great joys in imitating Christ. The way we learn about these truths is through involvement in a local Church. Christians learn directly from their elders, who are entrusted with the truths of the faith, and, as Christians continue to learn on their own, they consult with the elders to make sure their learning coincides with the truths of the faith.
Therefore, EVERYTHING SHOULD BE DONE TO ENSURE THAT THE TRUTHS OF THE FAITH ARE ENTRUSTED TO THE NEXT GENERATION OF DISCIPLES WITHIN THE CHURCH.
The Church is so important. And the Church’s truths give us the ability to imitate Christ—which is much better than any amount of money, American Dream, or anything of human imagination.
What can be done to ensure the truths of the faith are passed on:
1. Live near other believers.
a. Living near other believers facilitates discipleship
b. Living near other believers makes life more affordable and bearable, which is important since Christians usually come from the ranks of the poor.
2. Have elders instead of a single pastor.
3. Let every male convert know that he is expected to advance in the faith to the point of eventually having the role of deacon or elder.
4. Focus on staying with your local church or planting new churches, and placing your occupation below the Church.
5. Elders and overseers being willing to be and almost always being bi-vocational in order to plant more churches.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Respond:
Why shouldn’t Christians live near each other? Why shouldn’t Christians participate in life together? Why shouldn’t the good deposit of the Church’s teachings be passed down through elder leadership of churches? Why shouldn’t all men be encouraged to one day be such faithful imitators of Christ that they would be recognized as beneficial to their church in the capacity of elder?
Will we Christians give up all our cultural beliefs about individualism, materialism, and consumerism so that we can do life together, make disciples, and be satisfied in this life? The Church is our mother, and we must place the Church above ourselves. We must do so because the Church is entrusted with teaching us truth. We do not know truth on our own. Truth comes from the Bible, which has been entrusted to the Church. We must come together as Christians and live in community in order to work together for our own joy and the transformation of society.
Will we Christians give up all our cultural beliefs about individualism, materialism, and consumerism so that we can do life together, make disciples, and be satisfied in this life? The Church is our mother, and we must place the Church above ourselves. We must do so because the Church is entrusted with teaching us truth. We do not know truth on our own. Truth comes from the Bible, which has been entrusted to the Church. We must come together as Christians and live in community in order to work together for our own joy and the transformation of society.
CONTACT ME:
You can most easily correspond with me through my e-mail: DLFruge@gmail.com. I greatly desire to be fellowshipping and living among true Christians.
A word of warning: I hope these truths about communal churches encourage you and excite you. However, I must inform everyone that upholding God’s sovereignty is required for every teacher and elder in the healthiest of biblical churches.
I desire to find other men and families desiring to find their fullest Christian fulfillment in living for Christ alongside other Christians through membership in a communal church. The main key is love for God and other believers. Communal living brings Christians into the family God desires for them, and which He desires for the entire world. Life in communal churches is more difficult than “go-it-alone” American Christianity, but it is 100 times more fulfilling. Through communal churches children and the next generation are discipled, elders pass down the truths of the Faith, the lost see our love for one another, poor members benefit from the generosity of others, richer members actually know the people and the plight of those they help, worship and life are more meaningful, God has more dedicated Christians to work through, the thought of complete financial ruin is extinguished by the network of brothers and sisters in Christ, all men are in the process of becoming potential candidates for eldership, churches are being planted by groups of elders, and Christians find full satisfaction in God, through which He is most glorified.
A word of warning: I hope these truths about communal churches encourage you and excite you. However, I must inform everyone that upholding God’s sovereignty is required for every teacher and elder in the healthiest of biblical churches.
I desire to find other men and families desiring to find their fullest Christian fulfillment in living for Christ alongside other Christians through membership in a communal church. The main key is love for God and other believers. Communal living brings Christians into the family God desires for them, and which He desires for the entire world. Life in communal churches is more difficult than “go-it-alone” American Christianity, but it is 100 times more fulfilling. Through communal churches children and the next generation are discipled, elders pass down the truths of the Faith, the lost see our love for one another, poor members benefit from the generosity of others, richer members actually know the people and the plight of those they help, worship and life are more meaningful, God has more dedicated Christians to work through, the thought of complete financial ruin is extinguished by the network of brothers and sisters in Christ, all men are in the process of becoming potential candidates for eldership, churches are being planted by groups of elders, and Christians find full satisfaction in God, through which He is most glorified.
Monday, April 14, 2008
Living in Community
There is a tremendous lack of love among churches today. Little or no discipleship is carried on in churches, and the truths of the faith are not being entrusted to the next generation. Current church models are neither solidly biblical nor can they function in a postmodern culture. However, if Christians truly love each other and live near enough to do life together, they will find their fullest satisfaction in God and lead others to enjoy Him forever.
I have found that I have a deep desire to live in community with other like-minded believers. I long to be with other Christians in an environment in which we live in close community so that we can go through this life together.
As Christians we need to return to studying our Bibles and Christians doctrine. We Christian men need to step up and learn to be leaders in the Church. Christ is our Head, and being at His feet in Heaven is our goal. Our earthly jobs do not matter; only our Christian job on earth matters, and that is to glorify God by enjoying Him and sharing His transforming, rejuvenating power with the world.
The rewards of living in close community with other like-minded believers is well worth it. It will take some time due to financial restraints, but living in community with believers is a good as life gets on earth, even though it is much tougher than the average American life.
Christ set up His Church to be a body. There is no need for it to be separated so drastically. If Christians return to doing life together, the Church will expand and Christians will find innumerable joys in imitating Christ together.
I have found that I have a deep desire to live in community with other like-minded believers. I long to be with other Christians in an environment in which we live in close community so that we can go through this life together.
As Christians we need to return to studying our Bibles and Christians doctrine. We Christian men need to step up and learn to be leaders in the Church. Christ is our Head, and being at His feet in Heaven is our goal. Our earthly jobs do not matter; only our Christian job on earth matters, and that is to glorify God by enjoying Him and sharing His transforming, rejuvenating power with the world.
The rewards of living in close community with other like-minded believers is well worth it. It will take some time due to financial restraints, but living in community with believers is a good as life gets on earth, even though it is much tougher than the average American life.
Christ set up His Church to be a body. There is no need for it to be separated so drastically. If Christians return to doing life together, the Church will expand and Christians will find innumerable joys in imitating Christ together.
Calling for Communal Churches:
By communal churches I mean that Christians ought to strive to live near one another and that churches ought to focus on the community in which believers live. Christians must forfeit their earthly goals and seek community with other believers if they are to be truly satisfied in this life.
The position of elder is open to all men in the church once they meet the Bible’s qualifications. Furthermore, all men are encouraged to eventually become an elder. All men should see themselves as future elders who will plant churches. Because they are Christians, the men are charged with eventually being faithful enough to have the Church’s teachings entrusted to them.
Christians need to live near to each other so that they can help each other home school their children through cooperative homeschooling. Living near each other also allows for Christian discipleship and evangelism. Furthermore, Christians can greatly transform their community if they work together.
The position of elder is open to all men in the church once they meet the Bible’s qualifications. Furthermore, all men are encouraged to eventually become an elder. All men should see themselves as future elders who will plant churches. Because they are Christians, the men are charged with eventually being faithful enough to have the Church’s teachings entrusted to them.
Christians need to live near to each other so that they can help each other home school their children through cooperative homeschooling. Living near each other also allows for Christian discipleship and evangelism. Furthermore, Christians can greatly transform their community if they work together.
Points on the Communal Church:
1. Christians ought to live near each other and be members of an elder-led community church.
2. Communal churches provide the best model for stewardship. As more converts come from the lower class, it is important that Christians learn to love and rely on one another. Only by being willing to share their possessions will Christians be a transforming force in this world.
3. All Christian men should have the goal of being an elder and planting churches.
4. Communal churches provide the best model for evangelism because they show Christian love to the world and prevent a coherent worldview to the lost.
5. The communal church is the only fully coherent Christian worldview because it displays the love by which the world will know we are Christ’s disciples.
6. The communal church model provides the best forms of discipleship because it is Christians doing life together often with the purpose of glorifying God and reaching the lost.
7. The communal church model saves everyone a lot of time from commuting back and forth.
8. The communal church model makes cooperative homeschooling possible for everyone.
9. Communal church members will live close enough to each other to help each other with home construction, house maintenance, athletics, and other group activities.
10. Christians must be willing to look for ways to live near one another and participate in a communal church. They must be seeking God’s will for when the church is large enough to send members out to start a new communal church in another community.
2. Communal churches provide the best model for stewardship. As more converts come from the lower class, it is important that Christians learn to love and rely on one another. Only by being willing to share their possessions will Christians be a transforming force in this world.
3. All Christian men should have the goal of being an elder and planting churches.
4. Communal churches provide the best model for evangelism because they show Christian love to the world and prevent a coherent worldview to the lost.
5. The communal church is the only fully coherent Christian worldview because it displays the love by which the world will know we are Christ’s disciples.
6. The communal church model provides the best forms of discipleship because it is Christians doing life together often with the purpose of glorifying God and reaching the lost.
7. The communal church model saves everyone a lot of time from commuting back and forth.
8. The communal church model makes cooperative homeschooling possible for everyone.
9. Communal church members will live close enough to each other to help each other with home construction, house maintenance, athletics, and other group activities.
10. Christians must be willing to look for ways to live near one another and participate in a communal church. They must be seeking God’s will for when the church is large enough to send members out to start a new communal church in another community.
Happiness/Satisfaction:
There is true satisfaction and happiness in serving God from a communal church environment. We as humans desire to be happy, we desire to worship God, and we desire to be loved by others. The communal church meets all our god-given needs and puts a stopper on all our fleshly desires because a godly community will approach others about their sins.
Red Flag!:
Whenever someone says something about the Church reforming its ways a red flag ought to go up in your head. You ought to check it out and see what it’s saying. Many people claim to desire to get back to the Bible, but nearly none actually do desire it.
Why Now? Why Not?:
Why ought we to fight for a communal model now? Why wait? Others have waited a long time. They have chased materialism and fallen prey to doubt. It is time to serve God together in love. Perhaps God as appointed us for such a time as this and if we do not step up then surely another will.
Why has it not happened to this point? Well, it has happened in the past (and it is probably happening right now in many parts of the world). It definitely happened in the past with the Swiss Brethren, but they were exterminated by those who feared their commitment to Christ.
However, today we have great opportunity. America is safe in many ways to start communal churches, but life is still just as dangerous for committed disciples as it has always been. Secondly, today we have the internet; we can communicate.
Not only is the world ripe for beginning communal churches, the world is ripe for Christ to spread His message through dedicated churches. The fields are white (However, it is not an easy road, but it is a joyful one and the only one for committed disciples).
Why has it not happened to this point? Well, it has happened in the past (and it is probably happening right now in many parts of the world). It definitely happened in the past with the Swiss Brethren, but they were exterminated by those who feared their commitment to Christ.
However, today we have great opportunity. America is safe in many ways to start communal churches, but life is still just as dangerous for committed disciples as it has always been. Secondly, today we have the internet; we can communicate.
Not only is the world ripe for beginning communal churches, the world is ripe for Christ to spread His message through dedicated churches. The fields are white (However, it is not an easy road, but it is a joyful one and the only one for committed disciples).
“First among Elders”:
As far as eldership goes, Mark Dever has noted in his Nine Marks of a Healthy Church that the great increase in conversions and churches on America’s frontier caused ELDERSHIP to DISAPPEAR and the single pastor to takes its place (p. 229). According to Dever the elder pattern just couldn’t handle the influx.
However, that was maybe 200,000 to 2,000,000 people coming into churches. Today we’re talking about 300,000,000 lost people in America! Do you honestly think the elder pattern can handle it? IT BETTER! It’s the only biblical pattern there is, and it is the only form of leadership that will spread correct doctrine and true, sustainable growth.
Eldership is the way the church entrusts the deposit of the church to new converts. The best form of eldership is having the understanding of a “first among equals” in eldership. There ought to be the idea of a leader, one who has equal power but is recognized as the eldest elder.
Having a “first among equals” among the elders is crucial for when the church begins to grow. This will help ensure that churches can grow with just one elder at the start, but converts must be encouraged to strive for eldership once the congregation realizes they meet the biblical standards and would be helpful for the church.
However, that was maybe 200,000 to 2,000,000 people coming into churches. Today we’re talking about 300,000,000 lost people in America! Do you honestly think the elder pattern can handle it? IT BETTER! It’s the only biblical pattern there is, and it is the only form of leadership that will spread correct doctrine and true, sustainable growth.
Eldership is the way the church entrusts the deposit of the church to new converts. The best form of eldership is having the understanding of a “first among equals” in eldership. There ought to be the idea of a leader, one who has equal power but is recognized as the eldest elder.
Having a “first among equals” among the elders is crucial for when the church begins to grow. This will help ensure that churches can grow with just one elder at the start, but converts must be encouraged to strive for eldership once the congregation realizes they meet the biblical standards and would be helpful for the church.
Preservation of the Saints:
American churches have pursued the culture to the point that Christians are not distinguishable from non-Christians (“Christians in name only”). This has caused so many people to believe, or at least not discount, the possibility of people losing their salvation.
However, what does Scripture say in 1John 2? “They went out from us because they were not of us. For if they had been of us they would have continued with us. But they went out that it might become plain that they were not of us.”
Is anyone leaving the church today? Were they ever really vital members of the church? However, in a communal church this passage makes a lot more sense and it will be very evident when people reveal that they never came to Christ.
It will also be tough. My wife and I just had a young lady we sheltered for six months runaway from our house without a word while we were gone. Sometimes the people we shelter and disciple will go out from us because they were not of us.
However, what does Scripture say in 1John 2? “They went out from us because they were not of us. For if they had been of us they would have continued with us. But they went out that it might become plain that they were not of us.”
Is anyone leaving the church today? Were they ever really vital members of the church? However, in a communal church this passage makes a lot more sense and it will be very evident when people reveal that they never came to Christ.
It will also be tough. My wife and I just had a young lady we sheltered for six months runaway from our house without a word while we were gone. Sometimes the people we shelter and disciple will go out from us because they were not of us.
Postmodern Community:
It is CRAZY that the one thing our postmodern culture is yearning for is community, yet American churches are FURTHER away from providing community than nearly any other social institution. While the Church is supposed to be the only thing on earth bringing people together in true love of others and their Savior, American churches are ironically quickly going the other direction.
Communal Living:
Communal living means that families live near to each other on the same street, or in the same neighborhood, or within walking distance. This allows for Christians to do life together and to impact the world around them.
This is especially necessary in today’s world because American churches have focused on the rich who are lost. However, when the lost do begin to come to Christ they will be mostly poor. Current church models will not work with them because non-Christians work all the time and live in very difficult financial situations. However, community living allows everyone to help each other out.
This is especially necessary in today’s world because American churches have focused on the rich who are lost. However, when the lost do begin to come to Christ they will be mostly poor. Current church models will not work with them because non-Christians work all the time and live in very difficult financial situations. However, community living allows everyone to help each other out.
No Game Plan:
The problem with most healthy “Nine-Marks” churches is that they do not encourage members to live near one another. In their stated beliefs they do not encourage members to sojourn in this life together and to work together to impact their communities through communal living, because they do not focus on living near each other, developing elders, and starting new communal churches.
What happens with these solid, healthy churches is that over time many members do end up living closer together and doing many aspects of life together. This love happens naturally, and it is very wonderful and biblical. However, it is more biblical to encourage this love and encourage people to live near each other in order to practice Christianity together. By doing so this happens much more quickly, and the planted churches strive for this communal living rather than also finding out for themselves all of its benefits.
Solid, healthy churches need to incorporate into their goals a dedication to teaching that members ought to live near each other in order to be more fulfilled in their Christian lives and to have help in transforming their community.
What happens with these solid, healthy churches is that over time many members do end up living closer together and doing many aspects of life together. This love happens naturally, and it is very wonderful and biblical. However, it is more biblical to encourage this love and encourage people to live near each other in order to practice Christianity together. By doing so this happens much more quickly, and the planted churches strive for this communal living rather than also finding out for themselves all of its benefits.
Solid, healthy churches need to incorporate into their goals a dedication to teaching that members ought to live near each other in order to be more fulfilled in their Christian lives and to have help in transforming their community.
Healthiest/Truest Church:
There are many true churches. However, some churches are healthier than others. I have been to and been a member of many healthy churches. Yet, all these churches lack one thing: the members are more committed to their own goals than to the Church. Because of this the members do not love each other, they do not live near each other, they do not see their role as Christ’s bride as foremost, and they are not being a redeeming force for Christ in the world.
The Healthiest Church is one which has the goal of its members doing life together.
The Healthiest Church is one which has the goal of its members doing life together.
Christian Hedonism:
If we follow Piper’s model of Christian Hedonism to its logical conclusion of satisfaction and delight in God, we see that the communal church is the answer for our most perfect enjoyment and our best way to glorify God and witness to the world.
Communal churches provide a loving family of believers, provide a coherent worldview, give purpose and possibility to live, give assistance, guard the entrusted deposit of the faith, and enable Christians to transform their communities.
Communal churches provide a loving family of believers, provide a coherent worldview, give purpose and possibility to live, give assistance, guard the entrusted deposit of the faith, and enable Christians to transform their communities.
Communal Church:
The Church ought to be a group of families who live near each other. They spend time together doing activities: church, worship, prayer, cooperative home-schooling, athletics, music, home and car - maintenance, and constructing new things. All these involve discipleship and focus primarily on the church with its members, and secondarily on reaching out and impacting the community.
The problem right now is that church members live too far away from each other. They cannot do life together; most do not even like each other. We must fix these things. The world will know we are Christ’s disciples by our love for one another.
The problem right now is that church members live too far away from each other. They cannot do life together; most do not even like each other. We must fix these things. The world will know we are Christ’s disciples by our love for one another.
Looking for:
I’m looking for several families or single persons who have a passion for glorifying God and enjoying Him forever through the means He has given us to do so: His Word and revelation of Himself in order to imitate Christ. I’m hoping to find Christians dedicated to God and ready to forsake materialism and consumerism, “this world.”
Growth Potential:
A group of four to six families would begin a communal church with the four to six men being the elders. The communal church would love one another through their actions and reach out to the world around them.
The church’s goal would be to grow to about 200 members living near the church. By this time the church will be ready to nominate other elders and send them out to plant new communal churches in other parts of town, the metroplex, the state, America, or the world.
The home church would decrease back down to 60 or so members while the many groups of 4-6 elders with their families would relocate in other communities.
This calls for members to be more dedicated to Christ’s Church than to their status in this world. It requires those with more permanent jobs to help support those who move their families. It requires trust in others and friendships that are close enough in the Lord to provide for others without being taken advantage of by the dependent church planters. Also, this movement of members to a new church plant frees up homes nearby for new converts to move into in order to be more involved and be discipled better.
If the churches split every three years, and if every family works to bring two converts into the congregation every year, within twenty years the entire earth has the possibility of coming to Christ. (The statistic of 8 billion in twenty years comes from taking six families and multiplying it by 2 for the first year and 2.72 for every year after that since not only the new converts are winning people to Christ, but the prior converts are as well. This takes 22 years, if you just include converts, but if you factor in the converts families and children it would be considerably less. If converts each only led two people to Christ and then stopped it would take just 30 years.)
This discipleship model can work within this context because communal churches develop elders through discipleship, close living, and working together to praise God and make His glory known to the world.
Lastly, growth is possible, but it is not the reason for communal churches. The reason for communal churches is that they provide the most vitality and joy for Christian sojourners on this earth.
The church’s goal would be to grow to about 200 members living near the church. By this time the church will be ready to nominate other elders and send them out to plant new communal churches in other parts of town, the metroplex, the state, America, or the world.
The home church would decrease back down to 60 or so members while the many groups of 4-6 elders with their families would relocate in other communities.
This calls for members to be more dedicated to Christ’s Church than to their status in this world. It requires those with more permanent jobs to help support those who move their families. It requires trust in others and friendships that are close enough in the Lord to provide for others without being taken advantage of by the dependent church planters. Also, this movement of members to a new church plant frees up homes nearby for new converts to move into in order to be more involved and be discipled better.
If the churches split every three years, and if every family works to bring two converts into the congregation every year, within twenty years the entire earth has the possibility of coming to Christ. (The statistic of 8 billion in twenty years comes from taking six families and multiplying it by 2 for the first year and 2.72 for every year after that since not only the new converts are winning people to Christ, but the prior converts are as well. This takes 22 years, if you just include converts, but if you factor in the converts families and children it would be considerably less. If converts each only led two people to Christ and then stopped it would take just 30 years.)
This discipleship model can work within this context because communal churches develop elders through discipleship, close living, and working together to praise God and make His glory known to the world.
Lastly, growth is possible, but it is not the reason for communal churches. The reason for communal churches is that they provide the most vitality and joy for Christian sojourners on this earth.
Mobile:
Church members must be willing to get up and move to another community if the world is going to be won to Christ. Living within five minutes is about the furthest members can live away from each other and still practice life together.
It is definitely difficult to find another home within reach of your job, so that the community of believers can continue to practice the Christian life together. However, it is nearly impossible without God’s help for a group of church members to relocate to a new city. This requires much dependence on God and trust in fellow members.
This is why communal churches are key. Churches must spread through planting, but only through communal churches can they really evangelize and grow, and communal church plants by definition require people going out to a new location together. Moreover, only with the closeness of the communal church will people trust each other enough to be giving their resources to help others plant churches and get established.
It is definitely difficult to find another home within reach of your job, so that the community of believers can continue to practice the Christian life together. However, it is nearly impossible without God’s help for a group of church members to relocate to a new city. This requires much dependence on God and trust in fellow members.
This is why communal churches are key. Churches must spread through planting, but only through communal churches can they really evangelize and grow, and communal church plants by definition require people going out to a new location together. Moreover, only with the closeness of the communal church will people trust each other enough to be giving their resources to help others plant churches and get established.
Elder-Focused:
Churches can only grow as fast as the leadership grows.
Every male convert ought to be expected to be an elder in his church after 20 years of being discipled and entrusted with the good deposit. Churches must teach this truth before they can really grow and focus on being healthy communal churches.
Every converted man is to be an elder. An elder is any man who has lived a godly life long enough and knows the truths of the faith enough to share them with those who ask or to realize when people stray. To deny this mandate is to spit on Christ’s transforming work in a human and to cripple the Church. To not nominate such a godly man to the position of elder is wrong and destructive to the church.
However, there are other elders for teaching and for explicit leading due to their gifts, but every capable man must be nominated to eldership once God has worked in such a man to the point that his counsel and eldership would benefit the church – if his character also lines up with 1Timothy chapter three.
However, do not think I have a low view of eldership. My whole goal is to show how the communal church develops biblical elders better than they are currently being developed.
Every male convert ought to be expected to be an elder in his church after 20 years of being discipled and entrusted with the good deposit. Churches must teach this truth before they can really grow and focus on being healthy communal churches.
Every converted man is to be an elder. An elder is any man who has lived a godly life long enough and knows the truths of the faith enough to share them with those who ask or to realize when people stray. To deny this mandate is to spit on Christ’s transforming work in a human and to cripple the Church. To not nominate such a godly man to the position of elder is wrong and destructive to the church.
However, there are other elders for teaching and for explicit leading due to their gifts, but every capable man must be nominated to eldership once God has worked in such a man to the point that his counsel and eldership would benefit the church – if his character also lines up with 1Timothy chapter three.
However, do not think I have a low view of eldership. My whole goal is to show how the communal church develops biblical elders better than they are currently being developed.
Evangelism:
Evangelism is greatly helped by believers living in community because it allows them to display their beliefs to the world.
Evangelism involves the gospel message being presented to the lost. However the lost think about much more than the gospel: they see you and how you talk (fidgety or bored), they know your lifestyle and whether you live it out, they also have a view of the Church (especially those in America), and they have other conceptions of Christianity that are messing with your message of the gospel.
So the more ways you can help people hear the message, the better. From experience I can assure you that when they see a godly family in action it helps tear away their misconceptions so that they hear the gospel clearly. Just imagine how much it would help for them to see the whole church loving each other and working together in a way that completely fits a coherent worldview. They might have seen churches on Sunday morning, but just think how great it would be to have them over to your house and to have so many godly families around you. They would get a clear picture of the Bride of Christ.
And that is just the evangelism side. The discipleship side is even better, and when the disciples work together it helps increase the evangelism. Christ’s Church really is like a growing snowball, a big, pure, white snowball rolling across white fields!
Evangelism involves the gospel message being presented to the lost. However the lost think about much more than the gospel: they see you and how you talk (fidgety or bored), they know your lifestyle and whether you live it out, they also have a view of the Church (especially those in America), and they have other conceptions of Christianity that are messing with your message of the gospel.
So the more ways you can help people hear the message, the better. From experience I can assure you that when they see a godly family in action it helps tear away their misconceptions so that they hear the gospel clearly. Just imagine how much it would help for them to see the whole church loving each other and working together in a way that completely fits a coherent worldview. They might have seen churches on Sunday morning, but just think how great it would be to have them over to your house and to have so many godly families around you. They would get a clear picture of the Bride of Christ.
And that is just the evangelism side. The discipleship side is even better, and when the disciples work together it helps increase the evangelism. Christ’s Church really is like a growing snowball, a big, pure, white snowball rolling across white fields!
Advice for Churches:
Churches should add to their commitments: a commitment for members to live nearer to one another in order to cooperate in evangelism, worship of their Savior, raising their children, discipling new converts, and sojourning through this world. Churches should establish elders in their churches and seek to send out elders in order to plant new communal churches as soon as possible. In so doing, all churches should strive to enable every converted, able man to become an elder (it is inconceivable that churches teach that a Christian man can grow in the faith and not be able to provide godly counsel in a church after twenty years as a Christian – this is possible only in rare cases. In every other case these twenty-year “Christians” are not Christians at all*).
*However, I give this example: a Christian who is locked up for twenty years after conversion would not be ready upon release to give counsel in a church. I believe that due to the poor leadership among churches this is exactly the case in churches today. Therefore, I believe that all these Christians are indwelled by the Spirit, and the Spirit is orchestrating things in His timing to bring Christians to their full life in Him.
*However, I give this example: a Christian who is locked up for twenty years after conversion would not be ready upon release to give counsel in a church. I believe that due to the poor leadership among churches this is exactly the case in churches today. Therefore, I believe that all these Christians are indwelled by the Spirit, and the Spirit is orchestrating things in His timing to bring Christians to their full life in Him.
Discipleship/Entrusting:
The Church is like a family that loves each other even when it hurts or causes hurt to others in order to discipline them. The Church is the place where the truth is handed down and entrusted to future generations.
Therefore, it only makes sense that discipleship occur in the closest possible ways it can occur and yet still be biblical. We must live by the truth and then look for every possible way to disciple others in the truth. If we really want to entrust the good deposit to others then we need to strive for a communal church atmosphere. (A communal church is very different from a monastic church in which everyone lives together in the same house).
Therefore, it only makes sense that discipleship occur in the closest possible ways it can occur and yet still be biblical. We must live by the truth and then look for every possible way to disciple others in the truth. If we really want to entrust the good deposit to others then we need to strive for a communal church atmosphere. (A communal church is very different from a monastic church in which everyone lives together in the same house).
Worldview:
I believe it is necessary for a coherent worldview that Christians live in community. Christians living in community present the true biblical model for Christian living and show the world something it could never imagine: groups of people living near one another, loving others more than themselves, and looking forward to Heaven more than this life.
Obstacles:
Communal churches face many obstacles. However, the difference is that Christians living in community can help one another through those obstacles, but Christians not living in community are even worse off.
One of the biggest complaints I hear about living in community is that when people have children their ability to do outreach is severely limited. This makes little sense, since the purpose of living in community is so that our children are raised in the Lord and also so that in raising them we can reach out to the community.
We must shape our outreach around our lives. We are humans just like the rest of the world, but we are regenerate. We must help the world find peace and joy through what makes sense to them. If we help each other fix our houses, coach a basketball or soccer team, organize neighborhood events, provide music lessons, show the benefits of cooperative homeschooling for intellectual purposes, and seek to meet the community’s needs, we will find that living in community is the best way.
Those who do not live in community spend most of their lives driving to and from church events or member’s houses. They live in separate communities so their impact is divided or nonexistent. Times for discipleship and worship are also greatly hindered by the difficulty of finding time for each other.
One of the biggest complaints I hear about living in community is that when people have children their ability to do outreach is severely limited. This makes little sense, since the purpose of living in community is so that our children are raised in the Lord and also so that in raising them we can reach out to the community.
We must shape our outreach around our lives. We are humans just like the rest of the world, but we are regenerate. We must help the world find peace and joy through what makes sense to them. If we help each other fix our houses, coach a basketball or soccer team, organize neighborhood events, provide music lessons, show the benefits of cooperative homeschooling for intellectual purposes, and seek to meet the community’s needs, we will find that living in community is the best way.
Those who do not live in community spend most of their lives driving to and from church events or member’s houses. They live in separate communities so their impact is divided or nonexistent. Times for discipleship and worship are also greatly hindered by the difficulty of finding time for each other.
Commuter vs. Communer:
The life of someone who doesn’t live in community involves too much commuting. They must drive to others’ houses to provide cooperative homeschooling. They must drive to church and other people’s houses for worship and prayer. They must drive to other people’s houses to help with home repairs, share a meal, or spend time with other Christians. The men cannot disciple the young men well, and the women are equally hampered in training up the young women. Furthermore, new converts cannot see how Christians raise their children together because Christians do not live near each other.
Not only do those attending a communal church not have to worry about all these drawbacks, but they also have the opportunity to combine to impact their community. Secondly, they have a working demonstration of love to show the watching world. This greatly helps with evangelism and possessing an unshakable worldview.
Not only do those attending a communal church not have to worry about all these drawbacks, but they also have the opportunity to combine to impact their community. Secondly, they have a working demonstration of love to show the watching world. This greatly helps with evangelism and possessing an unshakable worldview.
Narrow Way:
Some will definitely think that not many will come to Christ because not many can fit on the narrow way. I still suggest for your small numbers the biblical model of living in community. If your numbers on earth are small, then it only makes sense to go through life together. If like Luther you desire to ensure your progeny is godly, then it only makes sense to disciple them together with other strong believers. But you cannot discount the Church’s job to transform the world around it, and living in community ought to allow you to impact the world not retreat from it.
NOT Communism:
There should never be a full “community of goods.” This is not biblical and not even practical. However, the elders of a church may find themselves with lots of gifts having been given to them in order to give away to the needy.
In communal churches, when people love each other and are involved in discipling others and meeting their needs, the model of giving in Acts will flow very freely. But it will not flow uninformed to those trying to live off the Church without being connected to the True Vine.
In communal churches, when people love each other and are involved in discipling others and meeting their needs, the model of giving in Acts will flow very freely. But it will not flow uninformed to those trying to live off the Church without being connected to the True Vine.
Angry or Determined:
Most everyone has grown up in “determinedly-imperfect churches.” By this I mean that the churches refuse to fix their obvious biblical problems.
I am sure that Martin Luther was bitter and angry toward the Roman Catholic Church for sending scores of people to Hell and not practicing biblical mandates.
Martin Luther was probably angry that he did not grow up in a Reformed Church. He grew up in the Roman Catholic Church and only became a priest because of a lightning storm. He grew up severely disadvantaged in his childhood because of it.
So also, I suppress bitterness because I grew up amidst American churches - where church members don’t love each other, where there is no church discipline, and real discipleship is dead.
Churches are not discipling people because they are not making disciples of Christ. A true church is one in which the members love each other and strive together to glorify God and enjoy Him. We can either be bitter because we have not grown up in a healthy church or we can determine to change things.
I join Luther and desire change.
I am sure that Martin Luther was bitter and angry toward the Roman Catholic Church for sending scores of people to Hell and not practicing biblical mandates.
Martin Luther was probably angry that he did not grow up in a Reformed Church. He grew up in the Roman Catholic Church and only became a priest because of a lightning storm. He grew up severely disadvantaged in his childhood because of it.
So also, I suppress bitterness because I grew up amidst American churches - where church members don’t love each other, where there is no church discipline, and real discipleship is dead.
Churches are not discipling people because they are not making disciples of Christ. A true church is one in which the members love each other and strive together to glorify God and enjoy Him. We can either be bitter because we have not grown up in a healthy church or we can determine to change things.
I join Luther and desire change.
Word to the Wise (College Students):
If you’re going to college, get a degree that will allow you to get a job in the world. You can learn everything there is to know about theology and the Bible from books, the Bible, and from other Christians. Do not get a degree in anything that will not help you get a job out in the world.
The reason for this is that most real church work requires ministers to be bi-vocational. The financial support for ministers is rapidly decreasing. You have two options: get a good degree now or while doing your ministry also have to work a low-paying job.
The reason for this is that most real church work requires ministers to be bi-vocational. The financial support for ministers is rapidly decreasing. You have two options: get a good degree now or while doing your ministry also have to work a low-paying job.
Bi-vocational Necessity:
To glorify God and minister to the world through communal churches will require hardship and suffering. Elders will have to go without and find second jobs since many lost people are poor. Converted disciples will begin to tithe and even give graciously, but because most lost people are poor already, their giving will not greatly support elders –but their giving will allow elders to live at their own low financial levels. If we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.
Job/Church/Community:
There are three main places where you spend your time: where you live, where you go to church, and where you work. If you need to add where you play golf or exercise then you better make sure you are spending enough time at your church and where you live.
Obviously your job is not as important as your community or your church. So doesn’t it just make sense to live in a community with members of your church (light bulb)!
Obviously your job is not as important as your community or your church. So doesn’t it just make sense to live in a community with members of your church (light bulb)!
Average Day:
The Average Day for Communal Church Members (flexible):
Men:
Before work: Rise, pray, meditate on Scripture, love their wives and children with affection and teaching.
Work: Work as unto the Lord and look for opportunities to engage people about the gospel and what the communal churches are all about in striving to live for Christ.
After Work: Spend time teaching children and wife through word and deed; join other men to repair things in his home, or take sons to another’s home for house maintenance, or prayer, or athletics; share a meal with his own family and other recent converts or unregenerate “seekers;” go to bed with his wife.
Women:
Women would stay at home if they have children in order to raise them. The woman has the most time with the children and is therefore pivotal for their spiritual development and academic learning.
Although wives would have more household duties, they would be just as intellectually and theologically informed as the men. It is also recognized that their job of raising children is extremely difficult.
Children:
Children are learning the truths of Scripture and seeing those truths played out in their families. They are not subjected to the world, but they see, and know, and are involved enough in the world to know its lies and be prepared to be a witness for Christ at a much later age.
Men:
Before work: Rise, pray, meditate on Scripture, love their wives and children with affection and teaching.
Work: Work as unto the Lord and look for opportunities to engage people about the gospel and what the communal churches are all about in striving to live for Christ.
After Work: Spend time teaching children and wife through word and deed; join other men to repair things in his home, or take sons to another’s home for house maintenance, or prayer, or athletics; share a meal with his own family and other recent converts or unregenerate “seekers;” go to bed with his wife.
Women:
Women would stay at home if they have children in order to raise them. The woman has the most time with the children and is therefore pivotal for their spiritual development and academic learning.
Although wives would have more household duties, they would be just as intellectually and theologically informed as the men. It is also recognized that their job of raising children is extremely difficult.
Children:
Children are learning the truths of Scripture and seeing those truths played out in their families. They are not subjected to the world, but they see, and know, and are involved enough in the world to know its lies and be prepared to be a witness for Christ at a much later age.
Blue-collar Christians:
Most people who attend Churches today work five days a week. However, most of the lost in the America work six to seven days a week. They work weekends and they work very late. Most of their jobs are low paying also.
The current church models do not work for them. All that happens is that these wicked sinners “get saved” and never go to church because they work on Sunday mornings.
Through the efforts of Christians a small portion of the lost come to Christ truly, but they cannot attend church on Sundays and their spiritual development is greatly hampered.
However, setting up communal churches, pulling these people into the sway of the church, informing them of Christ’s demands on their lives, and discipling them will ensure that they provide leadership for the Church in the future rather than a hindrance.
The current church models do not work for them. All that happens is that these wicked sinners “get saved” and never go to church because they work on Sunday mornings.
Through the efforts of Christians a small portion of the lost come to Christ truly, but they cannot attend church on Sundays and their spiritual development is greatly hampered.
However, setting up communal churches, pulling these people into the sway of the church, informing them of Christ’s demands on their lives, and discipling them will ensure that they provide leadership for the Church in the future rather than a hindrance.
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