OUTLINE // Lesson 10: Church & Ministry

• Matt. 18:15-20
  • 18:17 – church = group of Christians
  • 18:20 – church =
    • 2+ people
    • meeting together
    • under Jesus’ authority
    • (Jesus will also be present)
• Philippians 1:1 – city-wide church; 2 offices
  • Acts 2:46 – city-church met in houses and temple
• Ephesians 4:11-16:
• Goal of church = build itself up to the fullness of Christ (i.e. disciple itself)
  • By people/”ministers” (4:11):
    1. Apostle = “sent one”; missionary; initiates new churches 
    2. Prophet = “spokesman for God”; guides and warns present church
    3. Evangelist = “announcer”; leads non-Christians to Christ
    4. Shepherd/Pastor = tends to the church and her needs
    5. Teacher = effectively communicates truths of Jesus/God
• Healthy churches consistently practice:

1. Biblical leadership (Phil. 1:1; Eph. 4:11-16)
2. Communion (1 Cor. 11:20-21)
3. Baptism of new Christians (Acts 2:41) // See Lesson 2
4. Giving/Charity (Acts 4:32-37)
5. Spiritual gifts (1 Cor. 14:26) // See Lesson 6
6. Praying, singing, praising (1 Cor. 14:15-16; 1 Tim. 2:1) // See Lesson 9
7. Discipline toward unrepentant sin (Matt 18:15-17; 1 Cor. 5:11)
8. Understanding/obeying the Bible (Acts 2:42; 1 Tim. 4:13) // See Lesson 8
9. Fellowship, including over meals (Acts 2:42) // See Lesson 7
10. Mutual participation that edifies all (1 Cor. 14:26)

• ^^ All of this is to disciple/grow each other in Christ (1 Cor. 14:26) // see Lesson 2

• Simple Church Template (for house church/small groups)
• Conclusion: Church = Jesus’ strategy to grow disciples who grow disciples

End of Lessons: What Now?

2 Tim. 2:2 says: “What you have heard from me…entrust to faithful men, who can teach others”

That’s our God-given command. Thus, I recommend you:

1. Train others to train others with these lessons.
2. Join/start a house church/small group (as described above)
   • Optional aid: Simple Church Template, using the Start Trek
3. Join an online community/discussion of others who have been similarly trained