Francis Schaeffer, “I am convinced that people will not listen if we have the right doctrine or the right polity, but are not exhibiting community…With orthodoxy of doctrine, there must equally be orthodoxy of community.”
George Gallup has identified the six spiritual needs of Americans:
1
The need to believe that life is meaningful and has a purpose.
2
The need for a sense of community and deeper relationships.
3
The need to be appreciated and respected.
4
The need to be listened to and heard.
5
The need to feel that they are growing spiritually.
6
The need for practical help in developing a mature faith.
A Life-giving church is not about a crowd. It is about becoming an authentic Christian community. Membership in City Church of Chattanooga will not be institutional membership, but covenant membership.
It is based on commonality — a shared life.
Acts 2:42-47,They joined with the other believers and devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, sharing in the Lord’s Supper and in prayer…. And all the believers met together constantly and shared everything they had. They sold their possessions and shared the proceeds with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes…(NLT)
It is to be a counter-culture.
Mark 10:42-43, You have observed how godless rulers throw their weight around and when people get a little power how quickly it goes to their heads. It’s not going to be that way with you. Whoever wants to be great must become a servant. (Message) The trademark of this community will be love for one another.
John 13:35, Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples. (NLT)
There is a core of committed Christ-followers.
A place where believers are know for their spiritual maturity because they have been taught with excellence.
A place where true worship exists because believers are truly in love with Jesus.
A place where believers are growing in love and in grace to one another
A place where believers can wait to learn more…serve more…give more…tell more…grow more.
An attractive place for seekers.
A place where seekers are welcomed guest. A place where seekers are accepted no matter what their spiritual condition A place where energy and resources are give to attracting seekers.
An extension of grace. A place where sharing time and possessions is normal. A place where bearing another’s burdens is basic A place where the spiritual gifts of believers are released. A place where an atmosphere of grace-giving is prevalent (praying, sharing, caring)
Acts 2:42-47,They joined with the other believers and devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, sharing in the Lord’s Supper and in prayer…. And all the believers met together constantly and shared everything they had. They sold their possessions and shared the proceeds with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes…(NLT)