What is the purpose of the gathered local church if the marketplace is where ministry is to happen?

The gathered local church: From Acts and moving through the letters to the churches in the NT I see a pattern that emerges for the gathered local church. The pattern was that they gathered to be equipped to go and live (learning from Scriptures, the apostles and each other), they prayed together to move God’s hand to act on behalf of other believers, people within the community, and the advancement of the gospel and Kingdom of God, to fellowship with other and be encouraged as they advance the Kingdom, and to worship God collectively (through songs, hymns, tithing, prayer and learning). In the American church we have become more like social clubs gathered together to make ourselves feel good about our religious behaviors, worship God, and listen to someone tell how things can be better if we would just follow God more (again religious behavior). I cannot and will not categorize every church in this manner, but the evidence in statistics and through experience clearly points that this is the status quo for most.

Leadership Network is a community of thought leaders that are right on target Biblically and culturally. Reggie McNeal is the leader in “missional renaissance” and I would highly recommend anyone reading him and learning from him. I was trained in “church growth” and the ideas emerging from this missional renaissance movement resonate very well in my heart. I believe they are Biblical and should be guiding all the churches across the globe. Jesus came to serve humanity first through his death burial and resurrection, but while he was on earth he demonstrated his heart for humanity by serving their needs. He gained an listening audience as he served them. He went “out” to where people were and cared for them. He did not sit in the temple everyday and expect people to come to him (although he did this on occasion) – he went to them.

The purpose of the gathered local church is to be equipped and encouraged through fellowship, prayer, worship and study, so that we can be effective in leading people to Jesus (not church). The church is defined as a group of gathered believers. What is the overall purpose of every believer? Advancing the Kingdom through the gospel. So let’s meet together to get what we need to be reenergize and equipped to go and do it again.

I hope this clarifies my thought even more. I’d love to continue to visit as well.