And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine & fellowship, in the breaking of bread,

& in prayers. Acts 2:42

Popular view of the church: institution or an organization.

Terms used that correspond to the world of business or academia: Sunday school, VBS, lectureship, associate minister, Director of Christian Education, Director Of Music.

“In the beginning the church was a fellowship of men and women centering on the living Christ. Then the church moved to Greece where it became a philosophy. Then it moved to Rome where it became an institution. Next, it moved to Europe, where it became a culture. And, finally, it moved to America where it became an enterprise.” (Dick Halverson, chaplain of U.S. Senate, Quoted in E. Glenn Wagner, Ph.D, The Awesome Power of Shared Beliefs, Dallas: World Publishing, 1995)

“In the beginning the church was a fellowship of men and women centering on the living Christ. Then the church moved to Greece where it became a philosophy. Then it moved to Rome where it became an institution. Next, it moved to Europe, where it became a culture. And, finally, it moved to America where it became an enterprise.” (Dick Halverson, chaplain of U.S. Senate, Quoted in E. Glenn Wagner, Ph.D, The Awesome Power of Shared Beliefs, Dallas: World Publishing, 1995)

God’s design for the church: an intimate household.

Matt 12:46-49 – “My brother & sister & mother”

John 2:16 – “My Father’s House”

Heb 3:4-6 – “Christ, a Son over His own house”

Mark 10:28-30 – “Houses & brothers & sisters & mothers & children & lands”

1. Concern about humility (Matt 18:1-4)

2. Concern about personal influence (18:5-7)

3. Concern about personal spiritual health (18:8-9)

4. Concern about unity (18:10-14)

5. Concern about discipline (18:15-17)

6. Concern about divine authority (18:18-20)

7. Concern about forgiving (18:21-22; 25-35)

8. Concern about serving (20:25-28)

Make assembly times a top priority

The “mealtimes” of the church (Heb 10:24-25)

Make your spiritual family the dearest circle of friends

Honor, prefer one another (Rom 12:10; 1 Pet 4:9)

Seek ways to serve

Develop your talent (Eph 4:16; 1 Pet 4:10-11)

What am “I” doing to make this local church a healthy

intimate household?