Session 9
Part of the family

Ice-breaker

Talk about churches you have been to, what you liked about them and what made you uncomfortable.

Defining "church"

What does the building itself (inside and out) tell you about a church?

Think of some different 'denominations' and what you know about them.

What can you learn about a church by observing the people who attend it?

What part should the building, denomination and people play in your choice of a church?

The biblical understanding of 'the church' is that it is the community of those who have responded in faith to God's promise of salvation in Jesus. It can refer to the worldwide community; all believers, past present and future; or local congregations of believers.

In Acts 2:42-47, we see the first church in Jerusalem at work. This church has become a model for us. Search out the key ingredients of such a church:

Pictures of the church used in the Bible

The people of God the Father

Read 1 Peter 2:9-18. We are a community, under the rule of a King.

What are the implications of acknowledging God as the ruler of our lives - individually and corporately?

How does the concept of being God's people affect our relationship with Christians in other churches?

A body whose head is Jesus

Read 1 Corinthians 12:12-27. A body needs all its parts, however insignificant!

Think about a Sunday service. What Which parts of the church community make it happen?

Ephesians 4:15-16 adds the idea that our commitment and love for Jesus and for one another are the joints and ligaments that give strength to the body and hold it together.

A spiritual building which is the home of the Holy Spirit

Read 1 Peter 2:5 and Ephesians 2:19-22. Look at Ephesians 2:19-22. We are part of a household of faith, built on a deep spiritual heritage, with Jesus as the cornerstone. Verse 22 shows how this can become a powerhouse.Are you a loose stone, or are you part of a building?

1 Peter 2:5 describes us as the living stones that make up this building. What do you miss by remaining a loose stone, and not becoming part of this building?

What churches do

Gathering Coming together

There is usually a time each week, generally on a Sunday, when the church gathers together for a worship service.

Jot down what you think a worship service should involve:

How does this compare with the practice of the early church as found in Ephesians 5:18b-20?

Most churches also encourage people to meet together in small groups. What are the benefits of this?

Doing God's work - the 'mission' of the church

The final instructions a person gives are especially important. Read Matthew 28:18-20.

How can the church carry out this commission?

Belonging

What helps us to feel that we belong to a church community?

Joining a church can be a daunting prospect. Getting involved in a small group plays a key part in helping individuals to feel settled and acceptedthis. Once you are established in a group, you should find that you are loved and accepted for who you are. . This is why we encourage Foundations graduates to join a small group.

The church needs to be welcoming to individuals, and in return but each person also needs toshould show some kind of commitment to their local church. This starts by beginning to attend regularly. Does anything prevent you from doing this?

Baptism is a public way of expressing thiscommitment; declaring some kind of formal membership of a church also shows that you mean business. We shall look more closely at both these issues in the next study.

Playing your part

Think again about the picture of the 'body' in 1 Corinthians 12:27 and verses 12-20. You too can be a working member of this body, however new you feel.

Talk about where you can start to serve, in the body of Christ.

Think about the natural talents which you can use. You will also receive spiritual gifts that God can use. Think about what fires you up, the things you feel passionate about, and pray for God to show you how you can serve him in these areas.

The challenge

Can you function as a Christian without belonging to a church? In what ways would a solitary Christian miss out? However, we need to remember that it's not just you that needs a church, the church needs you!

Your choice

Think about what you are going to do next. If you need to find a church, how are you going to set about this? If you already belong to a church, how are you going to become more involved?