In the New Testament, you can’t find – by command, precept, or example – what many call “church” these days.

Nope, not, nada …

Just ain’t there.

Instead, you see smaller, intentional, participatory fellowships which relate together in their own home towns as part of the local Body of Christ, with throughout-the-week community.

In those fellowships, people regularly gather together in homes (and other places where life naturally happens) to motivate and encourage each other towards love and good works.

As they gather, they openly participate in ministering one to another out of the many diverse gifts God distributes among His people, for the mutual edification and building up of each other.

More than simply a “home group,” each fellowship exercises the full duties and responsibilities God has ordained for His Church and all believers, which include:

  • Sharing the Lord’s Supper together as a common meal;
  • Making disciples and teaching obedience to all that Christ commands through the authority of Scripture as God’s written Word;
  • Baptizing new believers;
  • Equipping and building up each other to serve God in whatever diverse way or sphere of life He might call us;
  • Encouraging and holding each other accountable; and
  • Exercising congregational discipline if needed.

Together, each local fellowship and those in them take seriously their role as Christ’s “ekklesia,” which is the local assembly called by God to represent His Kingdom in their own home town.

They also have a flat leadership structure where all can minister and contribute as the Holy Spirit directs – including elders (plural) who emerge among them to watch over, guide and protect them through example and persuasion rather than top-down control.

You know …

Just like the New Testament shows, but actually commands.

Because when it comes to “church,” you can’t get to Biblical …

By continuing to hold onto your contrary, post-Biblical human traditions.