INTRODUCTION

What is "Doing Church?" To most people this would be attending a meeting in a religious building dedicated for the purposes of "church services." A prescribed ritual would be followed under the auspices of a clergy person. When "church" is over, the participants leave the building and go back to living life.

"There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death." Proverbs 14:12

If you desire to do Church God’s way, then this book is for you. If your desire is to justify what you are now doing, then this book is designed to challenge your presuppositions, confront your theology, and it will probably make you angry.

We have today every conceivable kind and type of "church." There is the "World’s Largest Church" in Seoul Korea under the leadership of David nee Paul Yongi Cho, where more than five hundred thousand are counted as members. There is the "Seeker Friendly" phenomenon here in America, and the Revival Churches and the Old Line Denominations and the Charismatics and the Pentecostals and the wild fire of the House Church Movement, and a host of others.

Which of these is the correct way to do church? Or are they all acceptable to our Head? I want to make just this one point here: bodies are different. They are short and tall, fat and skinny, athletic and clumsy, strong and weak, etc. Churches are different. The Church at Jerusalem was not the same as the one at Ephesus, and the Church of Antioch was different than either, as was the Church in Laodicea. And each of those churches met in a variety of configurations.

The question of what constitutes a body or a church is part two of this book, but because of the great need of authenticity and understanding in this area, it is important that we first discuss hearing the voice of Jesus.

May the love of God penetrate the swirl of events and pressures seeking to destroy us, and renew our hearts and minds with His peace and the remembrance of His indwelling presence.

We must keep our focus on Jesus and not the deteriorating religious and secular systems. We must do this and encourage one another to love and good works as the day of the Lord fast approaches. We must also live as Jesus lived here on earth -- doing nothing on our own initiative, but moment by moment responding to His voice and direction. "A student (disciple) is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher." (Luke 6:40) When Jesus our master teacher finishes discipling us in any area of life, we will be like Him. We will do things the way He does.

What a beautiful promise!

What a scathing condemnation of the faithlessness, unbelief, and prayerlessness of us modern Christians. Jesus said, "Anyone who has faith in me will do..." John. 14:12 Do you have faith in Jesus? If so, where are the seeing blind? the hearing deaf? the living dead? the walking lame? the rejoicing poor? Jesus said, "ANYONE."

We are to do what He did, the way He did it.

At this point our need is to repent! Repent for the Kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and turn to Jesus to follow Him. Stop following all the wrong ideas, wrong theology, wrong approaches to ministry, wrong concepts, wrong faith, wrong approaches to life.

Every episode recorded in the Gospels between Jesus and others seems to be different on the surface, but it was always the same. He approached each individual or group in a unique manner, but always from the same source. Sometimes He taught, then healed. Sometimes He touched, sometimes He allowed them to touch. Sometimes He referred to somebody's faith, sometimes faith isn't mentioned. Sometimes He did signs and wonders, then taught, sometimes He taught first.

Do you want to do it like Jesus? Do you want to follow Him? Okay. Here is the key. Here is the pattern, method, or system Jesus always used as He Himself describes it:

"I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by Himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son does also". John 5:19

"By myself I can do nothing. I judge only as I hear, and my judgment is just, for I seek not to please myself but him who sent me." John 5:30

"For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me." John 6:38

"He who sent me is reliable, and what I have heard from him I tell the world". John 8:26b

"When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know who I am and that I do nothing on my own but speak just what the Father has taught me. The one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, for I always do what pleases him". John 8:28,29

"I am telling you what I have seen in the Father's presence." John 8:38a

"I have not come on my own; but he sent me". John 8:42

"For I did not speak of my own accord, but the Father who sent me commanded me what to say and how to say it. I know that his command leads to eternal life. So whatever I say is just what the Father has told me to say." John 12:49,50

Got it? Once you see it, it's clear. Jesus said what He heard Father say; Jesus did what He saw Father do. Don't add anything or make it more complex. Jesus said what He heard Father say; Jesus did what He saw Father do.

Why did Jesus spit on the ground, make mud of the spittle and anoint the blind man's eyes? (John 9:6) Because He saw that happening. In His Spirit (the same Spirit He has placed in us) He saw this vision -- He saw Father doing it, so He did it. Why did He say to the woman at the well, "Go call your husband?" John 4:16 Because He heard Father say it. This is the pattern and method Jesus always used. "Always" is a strong word. It is the word Jesus used.

All right, that's the way Jesus always did it. What about us? Do we do it the same way? Yes! We do it the same way Jesus did. Moment by moment we are to always follow the same pattern, method, and system.

"As the Father has sent me, I am sending you" John 20:21

"As you (Father) sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified". John 17:18,19

"But when he, the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will only speak what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come." John 16:13 (Even the Holy Spirit He has sent to live in us, follows the same pattern as Jesus.)

Please notice carefully the following excerpts from John 10 about hearing the voice of the shepherd:

Beloved, we are to minister, do evangelism, live life, exactly the same way Jesus always did it. What we hear Jesus say, that's what we are to say. What we see Jesus do, that's what we are to do. The way Jesus says to do it, that's how we do it. That's it. That's the whole program.

What if you don't hear His voice?

If you don't hear the voice of the Good Shepherd something is wrong. It is normal for sheep to hear the voice of their shepherd. It is not normal to not hear the voice of your shepherd. A sheep that does not hear the shepherd’s voice is in the wilderness and probably lost. Call out to Jesus your shepherd and ask Him to speak to you. He will go in search for every lost sheep.

Read the Bible. The more we read His Word, the more we are in tune with Him. Sometimes He speaks to us through the scriptures, but this is not what we are talking about in "hearing His voice." The Bible helps us keep focused, instructs us in all manner of ways, and encourages us to listen to the voice of God.

If you're not hearing His voice, stop what you're doing, get still before God, and listen. Do not be afraid of silence when you are alone or when the church gathers. It is fear that causes people to fill silent spaces with noisy words and thus lose intimacy. "Be still and know that I am God." (Psalm 46:10) Make sure you are following Jesus, deny yourself, take up your cross and die to yourself (Matthew 16:24), press on with Jesus and listen. If you still don't hear, ask Him to speak to you and tell you what's wrong.

Perhaps I’ve jumped ahead of you, and you are struggling with the more basic question, "Why would God want to talk with me?" I think we have all wrestled with the implications of this question.

I know what’s going on under the surface where I live and commune with myself. I know enough of who and what I am to be greatly disappointed. Even though God loves the world, does that include me? I know that under the right or wrong set of circumstances there exists in my old nature the ability to commit the worst possible sins. I know the weaknesses, the desires, and the denials that have plagued my intended walk with the Lord. Surely, I think, God would not want to talk with me.

God loves me! This is the most difficult thing for any of us to believe; in fact we can’t believe it without a revelation from God Himself. Only Jesus was naturally lovable to His Father and by the will of Father, Jesus took my place of punishment and estrangement from God, so that I might be clothed in Christ. I might stand before our Father as righteous, holy, pure, and forgiven. I am in the Beloved no longer a sinner, but now a restored son, a saint if you will.

All of this was to restore fellowship with us, His separated children. Fellowship includes conversing. Walking together includes sharing desires and hopes and dreams. His Spirit now lives in us, not as a silent stranger, but as One Who communicates and Who guides us into all truth and tells us what is yet to come. He makes known to us what belongs to Jesus. (John 16:13,14)

We are the only kind of people that exist. There is no other "better" kind to whom God can talk. We are all there is. Although the image of God was ruined and destroyed in our old nature, we are being made new in the attitude of our minds, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. (Ephesians 4:22 – 24) God wants to talk with you.

The Lord speaks to us in our spirit. We also hear the voice of our own soul, and also the evil one who attempts to communicate with us every way he can. The devil is pushy and harsh, condemning and self-justifying. A sheep must learn to distinguish between the voice of the Good Shepherd and the other voices. Some believers have stopped listening because they don't want the responsibility of distinguishing the voices, or they’re being a martyr or a hypocrite. If this is what you have done, repent and grow up. Jesus has a lot to say and He wants to intimately share with you moment by moment.

The Lord usually speaks to us in a "still small voice." Oh, He also speaks through events and happenings, through catastrophes and mighty shakings, but like Elijah, the closer we get to Him, the less we are concerned with the wind and fire and earthquakes, and the more we respond to the gentle whisper. (1 Kings 19:12)

Many of us no longer hear the voice of Jesus because sometime in the past we heard His voice and did not want to do what He said. We shut it off, and don't listen anymore. We become like those lonely, isolated people who are surrounded by words and messages, but don't hear anything. When God breaks through our silence and comes to us, like Adam in the garden, we too respond, "I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid." Genesis 3:10

We hide from God in religion, work, projects, relationships, drugs, alcohol, movements, school, sports, movies, TV, (the list is endless). The more "good" the hiding place is, the more we fool ourselves into thinking, "I’m OK with God because I’m doing something good." We forget that the fruit of the knowledge of good and evil is death. (Genesis 2:17) The knowledge of evil is death. The knowledge of good is death. The greatest enemy of the best is the good. Hearing and responding to the voice of Jesus is what is best.

If you have been hiding from God and drowning out His voice, then I urge you to repent. Ask Jesus to forgive you for not listening to Him, for not doing what He asked you to do, and for not paying attention any more. Then, if it's appropriate, do what He had asked you to do before.

If you feel guilt and therefore don’t want to hear His voice, get washed in Jesus’ blood and forgiven. When Adam realized he was naked, he hid. Jesus clothes you with His righteousness. We are dressed in a magnificent wedding gown. "As many of you," Paul says, "as were baptized into Christ, have put on Christ." Galatians 3:27 We are well dressed, and fully clothed in Christ. He likes these garments He has given us.

If you are confused, or uncertain about the voice of Jesus, go and counsel with an elder or spiritual overseer. The Lord our Shepherd has also given us gifts of under-shepherds to care for the flock of God. (1 Peter 5:2 – 4) Go and counsel with one who is God's gift for you so that the evil one cannot confuse you and render you ineffective.

The principle of two or three witnesses is important, (Deuteronomy 17:6) especially when we hear questionable messages. Seek godly counsel. (Proverbs 8:14; 15:22) If what you are hearing is from God, others will be hearing it also. If the evil one is trying to isolate and destroy you, the counsel of your brothers will protect you.

When you hear things that are hard, follow Jesus. Fear Him more than men. Seek His favor, rather than praise from men. He has sent you; be faithful to Him. He is with you; walk in His ways. He has loved you unto death; be secure in Him.

Please read this at your home churches or Bible studies or whatever you call the gathering of the saints when Jesus is in the midst. The time is short, and I believe this is a crucial message. Most of us need help with it -- encouragement to believe God and not our own souls or understanding.

It is true! The God of the Bible lives in us and speaks with us. The world in its present form is passing away. You are precious and loved. The nations (USA, Russia, England, China, Canada, etc.) are as a drop in the bucket, or as dust on the scales. You are not. You are God's inheritance. It is time to lift up our heads for our redemption is drawing near.

As you seek to do church God’s way, ask Him what to do, when to do it, how to do it, what to cover in the meetings, when to meet, who to counsel with, etc. Jesus said, "I will build My church." Get out of His way and let Him do it through you.

If following the voice of Jesus is new for you, I testify to you that the fruits of this journey are wonderful and exciting. That which causes doubts and hesitation when we hear His direction is usually our own pride. A common happening is Jesus will ask us to go and say something to a stranger or go pray for them. We think, "If I do that, they'll think I'm crazy. What if this isn't the Lord?"

So what? Lots of people think you're crazy anyway. Depending on your point of view on a multitude of things, someone thinks you have left reality, especially those who don't know and love our God. You really don't have anything to lose. My counsel is that whatever you think the Lord is telling you, do it, unless it is immoral, ungodly, or unbiblical.

After lots of struggles and failures, I am committed to following my own counsel, and have done so for a number of years. To the best of my recollection, I have never approached a stranger to pray or speak a word that has not quickly resulted in tears of gratitude and the powerful working of God. That can be expected. He initiated it, I didn't. He wants to bless, and has given the direction.

Besides, if you or I hear a direction, act on it, and still feel or look silly, so what? What difference does it make? The alternative is trying to save our life, and Jesus said we would lose our lives if we do that. (Matthew 16:25)

We are wise to begin each day with quality time with the Lord. I find that it’s best for me to start early enough to have plenty of time with Him before the day gets started. I usually read a Psalm, a few other chapters, and then ask the Lord if there is something else He would like me to read. I read whatever comes to mind and it is usually wonderful. As I read, I ask questions and dialogue. Often I am drawn far from the preconceived plan of reading. I continue speaking with the Lord - thanking Him, presenting to Him the things that are on my heart, and asking to share the things on His heart. Then I present to Him the day’s activities - asking for approval or veto of the things I want to do, and get His assignment for the day or week or long-term project. Even when He gives a longer project, we must be open to adjustments at His say-so.

I think it’s crucial to gather this "manna" before the sun gets hot, before the hustle-bustle of our lives encroaches on the time set apart to be with Him. Of course we try to spend all our time in this intimate give and take fellowship, but somehow it is better for me early in the morning. When I rush the time in the morning, the rest of the day suffers, and I find myself speaking with Him less than on those days when we have had a good start.

When you and the Lord are in harmony and the communication is free flowing, ask Him about church. Would He like you to gather in your home for church? When? For how long? Should you lead it? Should you ask someone else to help you get started? Should you also meet with others? Should you follow some guidelines? What about...Should...When...How about... - remember to thank Him for His direction, His willingness to speak with you, His love, and His mercy.

Is this too simple? too worldly? too mechanical? Does this make you seem too important? You are important. You are a vessel of almighty God who loves you, speaks to you, and desires to use you as an instrument of His love. Listen to Him, and do what He says.

If you are a leader, one of the important priorities He will probably give you is to help your people break free to hear His voice. Several times during one-on-one sessions I have had similar experiences. First we go through the Word of God in written form showing clearly that the Lord speaks to His people (we use many of the scriptures referred to here). Then after praying for God to speak to the other person in his spirit, I ask, "Well, what did He say?"

"I didn’t hear anything," they respond, but Jesus assured me that He did say something.

"Yes He did," I respond, and then demand, "What did He say?"

"Oh it was just, ahhh, nothing really, just sort of a pat answer, probably I made it up," they answer.

What did He say?" I demand again. "What did you hear?"

Finally they sheepishly [we are sheep you know] admit, "I heard Him say, ‘I love you.’" Then they try to keep it on a low key as if this was no big deal.

The Almighty God, Creator of Heaven and Earth, Who spoke the worlds into being, Who counts the nations as a drop in a bucket, became one of us in the person of Jesus because He loves us. He died in our place because He loves us. And then, from His home within one of His children, God speaks personally and tenderly, "I love you."

Friends, this is a big deal. It is the biggest deal there is. Nothing is more important, more timely. God loves me, He lives in me, and He speaks to me. In this day of ultimate conflict, we need, I need, constant communion, direction, and assurance from the One who holds the future. This world and its systems are terminal. I am not terminal; I am eternal, for Christ, who lives in me, is eternal.

It is also a big deal that His love and tender mercy be shared with as many as possible during the close of this age. Nothing is more effective in evangelistic outreach than church planting. I pray that the Lord tells you to become one of His harvesters, and gives you specific guidance for gathering the people He loves.

As you continue reading this treatise, ask Him about the concept of Church of the City and how that truth affects all the other preconceived ideas we operate with. If you hear something different than what I have proposed or am about to present, I would appreciate hearing from you and having the opportunity to be corrected.

But first, please listen to a modern parable.

[30 – 2001 ad]

A great King defeated the cruel and wicked tyrant in a land of slavery and poverty. The people were rescued from their bondage; however, the King left the tyrant in the land. The cruel tyrant worked hard to keep people in slavery and poverty, but now he had no authority. He could dominate people only if they were afraid of him and gave in to their fears.

Each person now had the right to choose allegiance to the King or to stay in his miserable condition. The King said he wanted a people, a beloved family that loved him. He called his people, "Eccle," and said that everything he did would be for his Eccle People.

One day the King returned to his own homeland, which was also where the Eccle People would go. He promised to return. As he left, the great King gave gifts to his people and asked them to tell the enslaved people about him. The great King would also make them Eccle People, if they wanted.

The Eccle grew and grew. Everything the great King was doing was for their benefit, yet he didn't come back. After a while the cruel tyrant, who hated the King and the Eccle People, came up with a plan to ruin the Eccle and turn the people against one another and away from the King. "Then," he thought, "I can have my own Eccle, and be like the King."

The tyrant got the Eccle People to fight with each other. He had some of his slaves infiltrate the Eccle and pretend to love the King. Since the King hadn't come back, the Eccle had relaxed, and started letting people into their midst who wanted to love the King, yet also keep serving the tyrant. Trouble. Trouble. Trouble.

This is what happened: Over time, the Eccle allowed the tyrant to steal some of the treasure of the King's blessing. From time to time the King would send a champion to tell the Eccle to take back the stolen treasure. Many of the Eccle people listened to the champion and reclaimed the treasure, but others would not. The ones who listened lifted up a banner to the treasure stating, "If you want this treasure, come here." Soon, however, the banner got dirty and it's message proclaimed, "Stay Out! This is for lost treasure seekers only!"

Instead of correcting the Eccle, it was now divided. Of course, the old Eccle People were right because they were the old Eccle. Of course, the new Eccle People were right because they re-accepted the King's gift. The Eccle began to fight with themselves. They even killed each other in the name of Eccle truth.

Then some of the Eccle People noticed that the fifteenth teaching of the King was being taught improperly. Of course they formed the "Eccle of the Fifteenth - The true and unadulterated Eccle." Again and again this happened until there were hundreds of Eccle groups instead of the one Eccle of the King. The tyrant was very happy, and got to stay in the cities.

Then - just recently in Eccle timing - certain Eccle People began using some of the King’s parting gifts. Others said, "Don't do that! Those gifts were only for the time when the King went away. We have everything we need today, and we certainly don't want that anymore." Then there were "Giftmatics" in various Eccle groups as well as Non-giftmatics, and of course, many new "True Eccles" were formed.

Now, today, there is trouble. The King has been telling his servants he is coming back for his Eccle. He is raising an army to crush the tyrant. The King wants his Eccle People in each city to throw out the tyrant. It's incredible, but the King actually thinks there is only one Eccle in each city.

What can we do?

SUGGESTION ONE: The leaders of the different Eccle groups can turn away from their pet doctrines and points of division, and turn towards the great King. As each gets closer to the King, he also will get closer to the other leaders. Then they could put the Eccle People in the city back together the way the King intends.

The problem with this suggestion is that as the leaders get close to each other, they will see each other more clearly. Some of the leaders talk funny, others look funny, a few smell funny and the majority think funny. The tyrant will work hard to make them stare at each other, and then, once their eyes are off the great King, the tyrant will keep them divided so he can stay on in the city and continue to do whatever he wants.

SUGGESTION TWO: We can petition the King to send some "hit men" to kill the leaders. Then the people who haven't been trained to hate the other Eccle groups will come together. The great King can then appoint new leaders if he wants.

The problem with this solution is that no one wants to die this way. To die for the great King would be glorious, but to be put to death by him to be gotten out of his way? Granted, he might follow this plan with or without our petitions, and who knows how many levels of Eccle leadership he might remove.

SUGGESTION THREE: We can just forget about it and let the great King take care of it himself. Each of us can say, "I don't want to deal with it. I choose not to dirty my pure doctrine by mixing with those fools who teach:

the King will whisk us away from all trouble."

we will bring the King back by our great faith and works."

the King isn't really concerned about these cities."

(Place your check mark at the correct answer.)

ARE THERE ANY OTHER SUGGESTIONS?

Most of us have separated "church" from life. We think of church as an experience separated from our real life. It is something that we "do" or attend. This is a horrible abomination before God. Jesus came into the world to give us life, not a religion or system. He came to give us the life that is Himself, and to call us out of the world into His body, His church.

HISTORY

Adam and Eve held a "worship service" whenever God came and walked with them in the garden. (Genesis 3:8) How often this happened before the fall is anyone’s guess, but that was life and "church" as God intended. The next worship gatherings we read about were animal sacrifices made by Noah, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. These were all family affairs, albeit some of the extended families were quite large.

The history of "doing church" continued when God commanded an assembly (church) for the Passover. This too was a family affair with the addition of some neighbors if the family was too small to eat the roasted lamb. There were prescribed foods, rituals, and messages to be done year after year as a remembrance of God’s great deliverance. (Exodus 12:1-51)

In the law there were two kinds of gathering or assembling or "doing church." The first was the Sabbath, "the seventh day is a Sabbath of rest, a day of sacred assembly." Leviticus 23:3 The other type of sacred assembly was the gathering of all Israel for the feasts or festivals of the Lord. (Leviticus 23:4ff) The first sacred assembly took place in the home around a meal. The second type was a huge celebration that took place at the tabernacle or later at the Temple in Jerusalem.

When these laws were given to the people, there was no such thing as a synagogue or "high place." When the people entered the land they were told to destroy the high places. They didn’t do it. At times God met with His people at the high places, but He said He didn’t like them. When revival broke out during the times of the divided kingdom, the indication of how deep the revival went was whether or not they destroyed the high places. Then came the synagogue. Actually this concept came out of Babylon. It was not ever, as far as I can determine, the will of God for His people. More on this later.

Today, God lives in His people, and whenever we gather, church is in session. Wherever we gather, church is in session. However we gather, church is in session. Here are some more technical, biblical concepts of church and their implications.

MEANING OF CHURCH

Although we sometimes misuse this word "church" to mean a building or sometimes even a denominated portion of the Body of Christ, CHURCH is always people. It is the called out people. The word in Greek is made up of the prefix "ek" meaning out of, and "kaleo" which means call. The church is the people who have heard the good news (Gospel) of the kingdom and been called out of the world and into Christ. They are an alternate society that is purposed and destined to fill the earth with the Kingdom of Jesus Christ.

While Jesus was on earth He said, "I will build my church." Matthew 16:17 Now He is at Father's right hand in the heavenlies where He rules everything for, on behalf of, and in the interest of His church. (Ephesians 1:22) He is preparing His people to join Him as a bride joins her husband. In His eyes, He sees us as we will be. Now He is helping us wash and cleanse ourselves from the filth and pollution of the world. The church is His bride, His beloved, His object of obedience to Father, His prayer burden, His goal and objective in ruling all the affairs of mankind. The Church of Jesus Christ is the most magnificent thing on this earth.

The Church is Jesus' Church. No other person in the Bible is said to have a church. Even the reference from Acts 7:38 about the church (ecclesia) in the wilderness refers to the One like Moses who was there with the church. Of course He was. It was His Church. It was Jesus.

CONFIGURATIONS

The word "ecclesia" is used 115 times in the New Testament. Three times it does not mean the people of God. Those references are to the "assembly" of the City of Ephesus during the Acts 19 riot. Here are the other 112 times "ecclesia" is used as the people of God:

If you are interested in the biblical model, the pattern, the normal, typical, ordinary, regular, common, standard use of church, it is the church of the city. In Jerusalem or Ephesus, with the thousands upon thousands of members of Christ, there was one church per city. That church obviously met in a myriad of configurations, but it was one church with a body of elders who were to guard and keep each other and the flock (one) of which the Spirit of God had given them oversight. (Acts 20:28)

Let's brace ourselves and examine the corruption of this word and some of the extremely evil ways we use "church" today. These perversions of the word describing Jesus' Bride are flippant, arrogant, and audacious. Since we are to give an account for every idle word, I expect there to be much apologizing to Jesus for this mockery.

THE BUILDER

Jesus said, "I will build my church." Some, not to be outdone by anyone, start nailing boards and cementing stones and say, "my church," or "our church." The materials of Jesus' building are living stones, joined by Apostles and Prophets with Jesus Himself the Chief Cornerstone. It is a building or temple of PEOPLE who are a dwelling place for God. "Our church" is built on the foundation of the city's building code, blessed and authorized by Caesar through a "501 c 3" status, with the chief cornerstone being the division or separation of "our church" from every other "church."

Although many who go to building church according to their own notions and ideas have good intentions and very noble aspirations and tremendously high ideals, they are much like Uzzah when he conscientiously reached out to steady the Ark of the Covenant. God would have none of Uzzah or David’s high ideals that day and struck this champion dead on the spot. (2 Samuel 6:1-8) There was a prescribed way to handle the Ark. No other good ideas were acceptable. Jesus retains the commission to build His Church and we must hear clearly and act in obedience.

Speaking of "my church" is the fruit of self-deification. Adam and Eve bought the lie in the garden and we have all been paying the price ever since. This "my church" business is some of its rotten produce.

BUILDINGS

We could go on about High Places (a place considered holy because it is some special kind of sacred place), compromising Jesus' betrothed, entering into covenant relationships with organizations that separate and divide the body of Christ. Another way of saying this is, fornicating or committing adultery with a religious system. Rather than the word "church" for our buildings, there is a more appropriate name for these kinds of "houses." He who has ears to hear, let him hear.

Therefore, do not use the term "church" for a building. Please stop this detestable practice. It is evil to make such a reference. It could be appropriate to say something like, "the building where the church meets," or "That is our church's (meaning the people's) house." However, this is so confusing, I recommend that you NEVER AGAIN REFER TO A BUILDING AS A CHURCH. Warning: if you do this in my presence, I may correct you and refer to the building by a more accurate description.

DENOMINATIONS

This inappropriateness is also true for using the word "church" for a denomination or franchise. At best, denominations are para-church organizations that keep various parts of the church in the city pure to their function. For example, all "Praescalopeans" meet with other "Praescalopeans" to keep the "Praescalopean" heritage thriving. This is like stomachs meeting with other stomachs in order to encourage one another to be good stomachs. That's acceptable, but the stomach must function with the other parts of the body. The "Praescalopeans" are first of all part of the church of that city.

So, in one sense, denominations are containers to hold and preserve the uniqueness of a portion of the body. But in another sense, they are prostitute systems that divide the church in the city. Therefore, it is unwise to use the term "church" for such a system.

THE CONFIGURATIONS OF CHURCH

The church (ecclesia) is always people. The church is always the people who are called out of the world and belong to Jesus. There is only one church in any given place. The universal church is the Church in heaven and earth, separated by only a thin veil. The church on earth is the people who are joined to Jesus on the earth. There is only one church on earth, or in any other geographical designation of the earth. "Church" is used 16 times in the New Testament referring to the universal church.

The Bible refers to church of the city as the primary expression of church (81 times). Smaller groupings are also called church, but the place of government and function and wholeness is the citywide church. The Bible, in fact, could be called a tale of two cities: Babylon and Zion. Both exist in the same city, and the battle rages everywhere for the lives of each person for whom Jesus died. Are they part of Zion, or lost in captivity in Babylon? Zion, the city-church, is the church that has elders with the authority to sit at the gates and rule. The fact that we seldom use the word church in the biblical manner is a clear indication that we are more interested in our own ways rather than what the Bible says.

Congregations are also referred to as churches in the New Testament (10 times plus 4 times as house church), but they are not the unit of completeness. They are like organs or limbs in a body; or instrumental sections in a symphony; or flocks that together make up a fold. Shepherds (pastors) lead each flock and together with the other elders rule or govern the church in the city. A shepherd may have primary responsibility for the flock entrusted to him by Jesus, but he is to be in mutual submission to all the elders of the city that guard each other and the flock. (Acts 20:28) When you gather as church in your home, either as one family or as a house church, that is as valid a meeting of part of the church of your city as any other church gathering whether it numbers 100, 1,000, or 10,000.

The church then is the body of Christ as expressed in the city. It meets in a variety of ways and forms and places. I think the most natural place to meet is in homes, but the upper room that held 120, or the school of Tyrranus in Ephesus, or Solomon’s Porch at the Temple are all wonderful places for church meetings. If a separate building is available, use it as He directs as a tool for the church of the city.

THE KINGDOM

The Kingdom of God is the government of God. Wherever God rules, the Kingdom is present. When God's will is done, God's Kingdom has come in that area.

Jesus Christ is the King over the Kingdom. He is the King of kings. He is my King, and I am to reign as a king under His government. He is my Ruler, and I am to rule under His direction. His government is to come; His will is to be done here on earth as it is in Heaven. As His servant, I am an instrument of the coming of His Kingdom into those areas where I have responsibility.

His Kingdom comes in my body, soul, and spirit; His Kingdom comes in my marriage and relationships; my work and my time. His Kingdom comes to my home, closets, garage, junk drawer, etc. etc. The Kingdom of God, the order and government of God, comes everywhere as together we stand in the victory He has won, and rule in His name.

The servants of God extend the rule of God throughout the earth. Creation is partially under the rule of God, and partially open to the ministry of God's people. (Matthew 8:23-27) All creation groans and travails, awaiting the revelation of the sons of God. The children of God can and will function the way Jesus did. As we rise up and function in this way, creation will be set free. (Romans 8:19-23)

The antithesis of the Kingdom of God is the world. The whole world lies in the grasp of the evil one. The world is not the created world; it is the world system. The world is MAN ORGANIZING HIMSELF APART FROM GOD. However, men of the world never operate apart from the god of this world who manipulates and deceives. John summarizes the world, or world system, as "the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life." 1 John 2:16

In the world, (man organizing himself apart from God) the motive for everything is envy. Solomon said, "All labor and all achievement spring from a man's envy of his neighbor." Ecclesiastes 4:4 Nothing was excluded in this description of what makes the world tick.

The Gospel (good news) of the Kingdom is that the King Himself has come and paid the price to re-establish us as the family of God. The King has redeemed us to be rulers and take dominion over the earth. The King has called us as His holy people out of the world, into Himself, into His Church.

The KINGDOM OF GOD is not the same as the CHURCH. I repeat: The Kingdom is not the Church; the Church is not the Kingdom. The Kingdom is the rule or government of God; the Church is the people of God who have been called out of the world.

The message preached by John the Baptist, Jesus, Paul, etc. was the Kingdom of God. More specifically it was: "Repent for the Kingdom of God is at hand." As the message of the Kingdom went out, His church came forth out of the world. Today, the message of church, or really a broken part of the church goes out and walls and divisions come forth.

At this time, this pregnant time (KAIROS), the message ordered by the King is, "Repent for the Kingdom of God is at hand."

"For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit." Romans 14:17

The Kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking.

The Kingdom of God is a matter of righteousness, peace, and joy.

The Kingdom of God is in the Holy Spirit.

"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this." Isaiah.9:6,7

A military emphasis

ARMY

The voice of God has thundered among His people about army, warfare, and preparation. Army is an appropriate, timely emphasis for the church. Actually, however, the church in the city (the biblical model of the functioning, warring church) is more a rag-tag mob. There is little semblance of discipline, order, rank, assignment, specialties, objectives, and all the other factors that make up "army."

WARFARE

COMMANDERS

The gates are the entrances into and out of the city. "The Lord loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob." Psalm 87:2 Elders are the God-appointed keepers of the gates. "In that day [this day] the Lord Almighty will be...a source of strength to those who turn back the battle at the gate." Isaiah 28:5,6 If the elders of the city were at their God-appointed posts, the principalities could not come and go as they please. However, in most churches (one per city) the elders hate each other, justify their divisions, and refuse to function together according to the biblical model. Consequently, victories are short lived and painfully lost in an aftermath of demonic retribution.

The elders have the authority in the heavenlies to shut the gates to the shedding of innocent blood, pornography, drugs, gangs, satanism, Islamic fundamentalism, terrorism, humanism, and every other devil inspired form of wickedness that permeates this pagan culture in America. The fact that we once occupied the centers of justice, education, and culture for Jesus Christ, and that now it has been lost or eroded beyond recognition, is sin that rests at the feet of the elders. The elders are responsible.

STRATEGY

When Jesus encountered and plundered the kingdom of darkness by healing the demon possessed man who was blind and mute, He gave us one of the keys of warfare. The religious leaders accused Him of working by the power of Beelzebub. Jesus responded, "Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand." Matthew 12:25 Satan's strategy is to divide and conquer. God's strategy is to unite all things in Christ. It is significant that the need for unity is presented in these three units: kingdom, city, and household.

God is calling the elders of the church (one per city) to repent for the divisions in the body of Christ. Elders, turn away from everything that hinders the function of the church as Jesus desires. Elders seek the other elders in the city and begin to rule in your God appointed places. I believe that if even a remnant portion of the elders began to function, we would see health and blessing multiplied instead of the constant increase of pagan wickedness that is now the norm for the divided churches (one per city) throughout the United States.

ORGANIC STRUCTURE OF CHURCH

The cellular and organic structure of the church in the city is as varied and complex as the make up of a human body. The various organs and parts must be different; they must be divided for function but not separated. The flocks are not the same, yet each is a part of the whole church in the city. Some flocks, or organs in the body, are tightly compacted while others are large and loose. Some are able to handle germs and bacteria; other parts must be kept sterile. I recommend the book, Fearfully and Wonderfully Made by Brandt and Yancey as an illustrative guide to the structure of church in the city.

Pastors, evangelists and teachers do not readily understand the nature of church. Because of their gifting, they even resist the truth until God gives revelation. Apostles and prophets are the men assigned to lay the foundations of the church in the city and set it in order. Some have been dreaming and eating and breathing the church in the city for years, and have felt tremendous frustration that others do not see and quickly embrace the revelation.

Different principles of organization and structure have been used by various denominational franchises and assorted groups of Christians. The better the plan, the more effective the organization, the more damaging it has often been to the coming forth of church in the city. The stronger the denomination, the more it divides brothers and sisters from the rest of their family in the city and deprives them of their inheritance. If the house church movement denominates [as it is in constant danger of doing], it will become another move of God, corrupted into Satan’s plan to divide and conquer.

KING JESUS

Government is the means by which the will of God is made known and carried out in the earth, through the church. The true form of government throughout the earth and the world is a kingdom or benevolent dictatorship. Jesus, Mary's Boy, the One like us who came from Nazareth, is the absolute ruler of everything. Jesus rules the world for the church. Jesus rules the world through the church.

Church government is the means of bringing the will of Jesus to the different levels or expressions of church. There are some trans local servants that help with this, but the seat of church government is the local church (one per city), where the elders govern. The local church is not a single congregation or flock or house church. The local church is the church in the locality, or the church in the city.

THREE FORMS

There are three forms of church government: hierarchical, local church (city church), and the individual leading of the Holy Spirit. All three of these types are working together in the biblical account of the choosing of the deacons, Acts 6; and in the appeal to Titus, 2 Corinthians 8. As is the case with almost all truth, the divided church has separated these three forms and pitted them against each other.

It is the will of God for the church today to be governed by Jesus Christ through these three forms of government. The three are to function together, and not separately. The tension of the three keeps life and protection in the church.

The hierarchy is the apostles and prophets. It is not denominational officials, although some of them may well be called to be apostles or prophets. The local church form of government, or the voice of the church, is the elders’ body functioning as the governors of the church in the city. The individual leading of the Holy Spirit is the witness of the Spirit to each person.

Here is how a specific issue might be dealt with: A prophet hears from God that the Church of Springfield has become too ingrown. He tells the elders to repent, to change. The elders hear the prophet and others who wish to speak to the issue. Proposals are made. The elders inquire of the Lord what His will is, and how to implement it. Then each elder speaks his heart and mind without interruption. He says what he believes God is saying, and what God wants accomplished. Beginning with the youngest, every one must speak. (This is called the Sanhedrin method, and it keeps the younger men from being intimidated by the older elders and apostles.)

Then a lead elder, like James of Jerusalem, speaks forth the will of the presbytery. If all agree, each shepherd, who is primarily responsible for that part of the church which makes up his flock, implements the will of the church as he leads and feeds the flock of God. The elders may feel that a certain ministry should come into the church and help. Each shepherd would then lead his flock into some kind of larger expression to receive this ministry, or perhaps he is to bring the will of the Lord in this matter to the people he serves himself.

Each individual member of the presbytery and each member of the church must respond to the leading of God's Holy Spirit. (1 John 2:27; 1 Corinthians 2:12; John 14:26; etc.) Each person must also follow the example of their leaders and submit to God's authority. (Hebrews 13:17; 1 Corinthians 11:1; etc.) Do not remove the tension this causes. Thank God for the tension.

ELDERS and FIVEFOLD MINISTRY

MINISTRY

Ministry is service or labor for the Master at His direction with His gifts. All God’s people are ministers. There is no separate class of ministers and non-ministers. All are called to ministry and the ordination into ministry is baptism.

SPECIAL SERVANTS

Jesus has given some special gifts to His church to help us in our ministries (everyone has a ministry). These special gifts are Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors and Teachers. These ascension gifts are to prepare us for our ministry. (Ephesians 4:11,12) We are to eagerly desire the greater gifts, namely Apostles and Prophets. (1 Corinthians 12:31)

Evangelists proclaim the Gospel of the Kingdom and usher us into the Church. Pastors care for and feed us. Teachers instruct us. Prophets make course corrections and proclaim what time it is, what God is calling for. Apostles keep it all together, or in this day, put it together - set the church of the city in order.

ELDERS

I believe that every elder is primarily one of these gifts to the church, and also a combination of several of these five functional offices. When an elder is in the local church, he usually functions as any other elder. When he goes out (through the gates) he goes according to his special gifting or calling.

We must give special attention to elders, because the Lord has put this item high on His agenda. As the church is set in order, and ministry is released, it is imperative that the elders begin to function according to the pattern set by God.

Leaders "rule over" people in the world systems. It is not that way among us. Elders wash feet or toilets, count others more important, take bum raps, accept punishment they don’t deserve, ascend to their office by suffering, and have learned more than most to stop trying to save their lives.

The Greek word "presbyteros," translated elder, first means older. The elders should be the older men who have faithfully walked with Jesus longer than most, and have lots of experience for the youngers to draw from. God, however, has seen fit to place young men in this position at certain times and situations.

Elders are governors. In Heaven, 24 elders sit on the thrones around the throne of God. During the Old Testament Theocracy, the elders ruled the city, sitting at the gates and judging. God ruled through the elders. There was no king, except Jesus, and that name had not, as yet, been revealed. Elders are rulers.

In 1 Peter 5:1-4, the Apostle Peter writes to the elders as a fellow elder. He highlights the two aspects of the elders’ job: shepherd and oversee. The word for shepherd (pastor in Latin) includes nurturing and care as well as feeding. It is the work that a good shepherd does with his sheep. The word for overseer is a combination of epi (upon or over) and scope (see or watch). It is translated as bishop in the ancient King James Version, but most modern translations correctly translate this "overseer." An elder, then, is an older ruler who shepherds and oversees.

In Acts 20:28, Paul addresses the elders of the church of Ephesus, and uses both of the above words in the one verse. He tells them first of all to keep watch over "yourselves," that is each other, the other elders, and then all the flock. Because of Paul’s lengthy visit to Ephesus (Acts 19:8 – 10), and the extraordinary miracles that took place (Acts 19:11,12), and the citywide transformation (Acts 19:19,20), I estimate that the members of the Church of Ephesus were around 30,000 at that time. It was one church with many elders who had the assignment to guard each other and the flock.

Elders are accountable to each other. Elders are to guard and love and keep the other elders. Part of Paul's anguish was that he knew that some of these very men would draw disciples after themselves. That is the history of almost 2,000 years. It's time, beloved, to get it back to what was (one church per city), and then go on in Him unto His purposes.

UNITY

GOD

The pattern for unity is God. God is one. God is in three persons. God is tri-une. The relationship between Father, Jesus, and the Spirit is the kind of relationship we are to have. (John 17:21) When we are like that, the world will believe.

This unity of God is reflected throughout His creation in the most basic things of life. For example, time is one thing, made up of three distinct parts with integrity. And yet each part, past, present and future, is also time. Time is tri-une. Space is one thing, made up of three distinct parts with integrity. Again, each part, height, width and depth, is also space. Space is tri-une. Matter is one thing, made up of three distinct parts with integrity. I.e. energy, mass and motion. Matter is tri-une. And in each of these tri-unities, no part can be removed without destroying the integrity of the whole.

In the unity of God, there is equality of worth and value in each part; together with ranking and order according to function. Functionally God is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit from the top down. From our perspective, we relate through the Holy Spirit within us, to Jesus our Savior and Lord, and through Jesus to our Father in heaven.

FAMILY

A family reflects this same unity. Each individual member of the family is equal in worth, value, and importance; and the family functions with the order of father, mother (husband, wife) and children beginning with the eldest. Each is loved, valued and precious before God, yet there is governmental (Kingdom) order that carries rank and authority.

LEVELS OF UNITY

In Ephesians chapter four, we have three levels of unity for Christians. Verse three tells us to keep, work at, fight for, maintain, and don’t let go of, the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace. Verse thirteen says we will come to a unity of faith. Even though there is only one faith (verse five), we haven't gotten there. In the process of coming to the one faith (with the help of verse eleven) keep verse three. Verse sixteen is the goal of this unity, the highest expression of it. We are going to be an organic unity, a real body. Hallelujah!

BODIES

A body is "unique, distinct, divided parts working together for the common good under direction." The Sword of the Spirit divides bone and marrow, soul and spirit so the body can function. Hebrews 4:12) The parts must stay divided in order for the body to live. The parts must not separate or disregard each other in order for the body to function and not die.

SYMPHONY

The Greek word, "sympheron" is translated "common good" in 1 Corinthians 12. Our word symphony is another excellent example of church in the city. The Great Conductor for the Symphony of your city is now standing at the podium. He is tapping His stick for attention. It is time to stop tuning your instruments. If it's not tuned, you're out (Matt. 25:1-13). It is time to stop running around the country to be with like instruments, and to get into your proper place in the great symphony orchestra of your city.

When this music is heard, the world will believe. The Bride will be joined with the Bridegroom in ecstatic union. The marriage supper will begin, and we will drink the new wine with Jesus. Ready or not, this is it!

The fellowship or congregation or house church you are participating in is part of the body. It participates in the symphony of the city church. You are not an isolated, unimportant part. You must hear the voice of the Great Conductor and play at His direction. If He wants to you to lead "The Hallelujah Chorus" in B flat, and you’re playing "Mary Had a Little Lamb," in C, you are an annoyance, or worse an obstacle to be removed.

Jesus has enough obstacles to get out of the way in this day. Therefore, listen to Him by His Spirit within, and do what He says. It is time for Zion to be a praise in the earth.

TENSION [Understanding Doctrine]

This treatise on tension is included in Doing Church God’s Way because unity is God’s heart and desire for His Church. The understanding of doctrine from this perspective of tension allows us to be peacemakers in a fractured and broken body, and instruments of healing rather than fearful agitators who insist everyone must see it our own narrow way. So however you "do church," do it from the perspective of wholeness and unity of the church of the city.

Everything that is alive has tension. There are at least two opposing forces in every living thing whether it's a part of a living person or organ or teaching or doctrine. My arm works because there are muscles that oppose each other. I could have the biggest front muscle in the world, but if there is not another one on the back side opposing it, I am crippled in that limb and unable to function.

Tension is strong and vibrant. Tension moves and lives and functions. My heart is pumping out the life-source of my blood with tremendous force. My arteries and muscles and skin are holding it back in its proper channels with a great deal of tension. We measure that tension carefully. If it gets too high, something pops. If it gets too low, everything stops. Proper tension is wonderful. Proper tension is life.

Balance, however, is precarious. When things are balanced, they have to remain quiet and unstirred lest one side or the other fall over. It is like a teeter-totter, or balanced scales; nothing can be added or moved. It is like building a house of cards, or a child's tower of blocks.

Here are a few examples of the points of tension of living doctrines:

The Bible is the living word of God. God is the author of His Word. The Bible is the work of men who wrote with their own styles and mannerisms and addressed the specific problems of their day. Well, which is it? Yes!

The believer has eternal security, safe in the hand of Jesus, chosen in Him before the world began, predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son. The believer must take heed lest he fall, he must withstand the one who desires to destroy him, and if he crucifies the Lord anew after tasting of the life of His Spirit he can't even repent any more. Well, which is it? Yes!

God is one. There is none other God than one. "Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one." God said, "Let us make man in our image." Baptize in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Jesus said, "I and the Father are one." Of Jesus the Bible says, "This is the true God." Well, which is it? Yes!

We are justified by grace through faith for Christ's sake. We even maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from observing the law. Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead; so we see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone. Well, which is it? Yes!

Jesus is the Son of God, the eternal Logos Who spoke the worlds into being. He is God of God, very God of very God. Jesus is the Son of man. He was born a true man, made to die, bleed, suffer, feel, and be tempted to sin. Well, which is it? Yes!

Do you see it? Every living teaching has points of tension. Do not cut them up and kill them. Let them live side by side. Do not compound the idiocy of religious cowardice.

This is what has happened: In our fear and insecurity, we can't stand the tension. We succumb to the fear of the evil one, or the world, or our own flesh, and remove the tension by building a sterile, balanced, unchallengeable doctrine, sealed with the religious dictum, "thus says the Lord." Then, as our position gives off the odor of death, others look for another doctrine. The other pole, or point of tension to our teaching, is "discovered," and since it also comes from the Bible, another sterile, balanced, unchallengeable doctrine is presented with another, "thus says the Lord."

The church (one per city) is now divided and, therefore, cannot stand. Satan's strategy to divide and conquer has prevailed. The breach in the wall allows the evil one to come in and out, killing, stealing, and destroying. The elders, called to sit at the gates, now defend their dead doctrines instead of the church. They protect their flocks from the evils of the other doctrines, so now the devil, the ultimate anti-Christ, can come and go through the very gates themselves. What a mess!

Elders, repent! Seek God and the other elders of your church (one per city) and get into spiritual formation at the gates. Shut the gates to drugs, pornography, the shedding of innocent blood, hatred, prejudice, and all the forms of wickedness that you have allowed to invade your city through your sin and cowardice.

"Lift up your heads, O you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord, mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O you gates; lift them up you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is he, the King of glory? The Lord Almighty – he is the King of glory." Psalm 24:7 – 10

"In that day the Lord Almighty will be a glorious crown, a beautiful wreath for the remnant of his people. He will be a spirit of justice to him who sits in judgment, a source of strength to those who turn back the battle at the gate." Isaiah 28:5,6.

TITHES AND OFFERINGS (Stewardship)

Everything belongs to God. All 100% is His. Everything we are and have is dedicated to God. He owns it; we manage it.

My body belongs to God; but I manage this resource by what I eat, how much I sleep, what physical condition I maintain, etc. My times are in God's hand, my days are numbered; but I manage the day-to-day, minute-by-minute operations. He gives me abilities and opportunities, and I decide whether I use them, or squander them. Money (congealed sweat, time, and effort) is God's; but I spend it according to His directives.

The tithe is 10%. Tithing is the practice of taking 10% of the money I receive, and paying it as a sort of Kingdom tax. It comes first, off the top, before other management obligations are met. Most tithers see this as an obligation, not a gift. An offering would be a gift, over and above the tithe.

I believe that the Old Testament law about tithing is not in effect, but the blessing from tithing is still valid. Also, the same is true of Sabbath rest. Tithing and Sabbath rest are both alike in that they pre-date the law, are illogical, and both are portion acknowledgments that all is God's, whether money or time.

Tithers testify that 90% goes farther than 100%. That does not compute in worldly terms. Also with all our hurryings and busyness and feelings of self-importance, resting with God an entire day can be traumatic. Calling that day a "delight" and leaving important tasks unfinished seems contradictory.

Some argue that since our entire life is a rest in Christ, we no longer need to observe the Sabbath; or since all I am and have is God's, tithing no longer applies. I agree that we live in the freedom of Christ, and not under the law of Sabbath or tithing. However, both of these practices (not religiously) help me see and experience life in a more godly manner. I believe that taking 10% off the top as a Kingdom tax is pleasing to God and provides a basis for blessing. It is true that some need to be sowing into the Kingdom 50% or 80%, but 10% is the standard, time-honored, God-blessed amount.

Whose is the tithe? - God's. Who gets the tithe? - God. How do you pay it? - However God says to pay it.

In Malachi, which was written for and about the Priests and Levites, God says to bring the full tithe into the storehouse. The storehouse was in the Temple and each Priest or Levite was to bring his tithe for the use of the Priests who functioned at the Temple. We have no such system today, but I believe if the principle were applied it would encourage leaders to pass along their tithes to some kind of storehouse for church of the city and the use of the apostles and prophets. Franchise operators often say, "The tithe belongs to the local church where you are fed." That's nice, but the church is first the church of the city, then a congregation or a house church. Which gets the tithe? Ask God, and then counsel with your leader or elder.

We suggest as a guideline that you take 10% off the top and put it in a tithe box, or tithe account. Then ask God how to use it, and do what He says. If you're not certain, counsel with your leader or elder. I hope the Lord says to pass some along to Crushed Grapes. Remember, however, that in Old Testament times, some of the tithe was used for travel expenses, food, and drink to celebrate (party) with the Lord in Jerusalem at the feasts.

Tithing is an especially important discipline for children. Parents are wise to begin this practice as soon as the child has any money to manage. Remember that he who is faithful in little will be faithful in much.

Special needs should be met as close to the need as possible (by the individual, then family, then congregation, then city church). Don't take a need that can be met in the family to the congregation. Stay as close to the need as possible.

Special projects should be undertaken as God leads and financed accordingly. The elders are the authority in the city church and should be consulted before committing significant resources.

In stewardship, as in all areas of life, keep growing, ask the Lord for direction, counsel with your leaders, and do what God says.

There is a blessing in passing the tithe along person to person. It is a way of saying, "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord." Children, hand the tithe to your parents, and so honor the relationship and the government of God. Adults hand the tithe to your pastor or spiritual overseer and by this act say, "As a responsible child of God, I receive you, man of God, as His servant, and I give it unto Him in you."

AUTHORITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY

Q. How does the relationship of church of the city and the elders fit into present groupings of churches? Where is the primary loyalty and oversight?

A. Jesus is the authority. All submit to Him. His will and desires are our will and desires. Every area of government and accountability exists to help us find the mind of Christ and follow it. In the normal local church (one per city) the elders are the God-ordained government under the Lord Jesus, and as they recognize apostles and prophets. Together, in plural leadership, the elders constitute local church government [one per city].

Q. To whom is the head of a family (church) accountable?

A. The father (or single mom in some cases) is accountable first to Jesus, then to the family God called him to serve, to the other family heads, and for counsel and direct oversight to his pastor who leads the house church or congregation where he fellowships.

Q. To whom is the elder accountable?

A. An elder is accountable first to Jesus, then to the sphere of his oversight in the church, and to the other elders of the church (one per city). An elder may have a mentor or spiritual father in another city to whom he looks for personal counsel and guidance, but the elders of the church, functioning in plurality, are the government of that local church.

Q. To whom are apostles and prophets accountable?

A. Apostles and prophets are accountable first to Jesus, then to those whom they serve, and to their fellow apostles and prophets as well as the elders in the local church with whom they govern. When apostles and prophets minister translocally (beyond the local city church), they go out through the gates (elders) and enter the other church through those gates (elders). They speak and function with authority from Jesus as foundation stones (Ephesians 2:20), ranked first in the church (1 Corinthians 12:28). They are the greater gifts we are to seek (1 Corinthians 12:31), but often these gifts are not received (1 Corinthians9:2).

THE COVENANT MEAL

The best place to celebrate Communion is at a meal just like when Jesus instituted the Lord’s Supper. The best setting is the family dinner table, or a restaurant or a hall, or anywhere a portion of the church of the city gathers and it seems appropriate. We have made the Eucharist, or The Lord’s Table, into a religious rite that tends to separate this awesome partaking from life itself. Jesus did not come to set up a religion or a ritual of some kind. He came to give life and to share life with us.

The people eligible to share in the covenant meal are those who are members of the church, or those who love Jesus. We are commanded to examine ourselves and to partake worthily. Those who are worthy are those who look to Jesus and His New Covenant for grace and mercy and forgiveness. They no longer look to themselves for qualifications of worthiness – they look to Him Who remembers their sins no more, and celebrate that forgiveness in the meal.

A very common heresy rampant throughout much of what we call "church" is the use of this covenant meal to strengthen a special or separate covenant that the partakers experience. In the old-line denomination I journeyed within, you had to have essential doctrinal agreement before you could share the meal. In another movement we shamefully looked at the covenant as a separate bonding between "us," but not "them."

There is only one New Covenant, and one shared communal meal between each member or portion of the Body of Christ. If I make this a private, sectarian rite, I am gutting the heart out of the meaning of the many partaking in the one loaf. (1Corinthians 10:17) The many are my fellow members of the called out people who comprise the Body of Christ. Father forgive us, for we know not what we do.

THE CONFESSION OF THE CHURCH OF THE CITY

A large portion of Christianity considers The Apostle’s Creed, The Nicene Creed, and The Athanasian Creed as universal or small "c" catholic, that is: they are the confession of everyone who is a Christian. While pastoring in an old-line denominational congregation I was rudely awakened with the fact that I did not believe the Athanasian Creed. This is what happened.

I was caught up in and blessed by a friendship with a brother who was also a "Bishop" in a different denomination. He held to the "oneness" or "Jesus only" position and denied the historical doctrine of the Trinity. We prayed together and fellowshipped in the wonderful ways of Christian brotherhood. I disagreed with his teaching in this area, but knew his love for Jesus, his faith, and his desire to follow and please God. On Trinity Sunday I used to lead the entire congregation in reading the Athanasian Creed. The next Trinity Sunday after our friendship flourished, I almost blurted out loud, "I don’t believe that!"

I personally do believe the historical doctrine of the Trinity as it is expressed in the Creed, but I do not believe that those who deny this doctrine as it is presented are condemned to hell. That anathema is part of the creed. That anathema has a distinct historical setting. The church hammered out it’s understanding, and then threw in a "go to hell" to everyone that didn’t believe that way. This is a perfect illustration of the process earlier described in "A Parable."

Well, what about Confessions? Doctrinal statements? Closed membership? Different configurations within the church of the city are different in the same way the liver is different than the bladder, but they are all part of the body. There might be an operational policy for the liver that definitely doesn’t work for the bladder, but they are both members. I realize these are not "doctrinal," or "confessional" differences as we know them, but they are the only legitimate differences within the body that I know of. See the treatise on understanding doctrine.

Is there then a confessional or doctrinal statement that may be imposed on every member? Yes! It is, "Jesus Christ is Lord." Not Caesar, not doctrine, not reputation, not money, not power. Jesus is Lord, and every person who confesses this in the face of all the false lords that come at us, is my brother, my sister.

MEMBERSHIP IN THE CHURCH OF THE CITY

We are members one of another if we believe and are baptized. There is only one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one church. The highest earthly expression of that one church is church of the city, and we are fellow members in the city church with every person who believes and is baptized, no matter what congregation they belong to. We are a covenant body, and the covenant is the one sealed in the blood of Jesus, of which all Christians partake.

Therefore, the only requirement for membership is to die to the world, and come to life in Christ. Baptism seals all this. You die (drown) to the old life, and come forth into Christ, into His Body, into His people. We suggest that you baptize all those you "mid-wife" into Christ, and do it A.S.A.P.

FAMILY MEETINGS AS PART OF CHURCH OF THE CITY

"God sets the solitary into families." Psalm 68:6. None of us is born into this world alone. There is always a mother and child, and with very few exceptions, a helper, a father, and others that make up the family and larger community of the newborn.

The basic unit of society is the family. Family is God's idea, not man's. Family is not the creation of the people, the state, or philosophy. It is the design pattern of the Creator: father, mother and children. Even when this basic pattern is broken, it is still family. Single parent and child is a family. Childless couples are families.

We suggest you conduct a family church meeting every week. I think the best time is Friday evening as the family gathers for a Sabbath meal and day of entering into God's delightful presence through rest. This is a suggestion: meet for family church on Friday nights, and take off from work and routine duties on Saturday. Spend time together, and have a good time. (Any time will work for Family Church if this is not a good time for you. i.e. Thursday mornings, Tuesday noons, Sunday mornings, etc.)

Make Friday dinner the biggest and best of the week. Invite friends as God leads. At the dinner table spend some time in prayer at the beginning and hold the "Family Church Service" in connection with the meal. Each person present should participate in some manner. All can share the things that have been happening to them. All can participate in praying for each other. Family members can be assigned scriptures to read, songs to sing, reports to bring.

EVERY PERSON IS PART OF THE FAMILY SERVICE no matter how young, or how new to the gathering. New babies are part of the service and should be prayed for by all present. Guests are part of the service and should be drawn in to whatever degree is appropriate. The father, or leader, should bless everyone present before leaving the table. Songs, scripture and teaching may be appropriate and can be led by whomever the leader designates. Each and every person is a part of this family church service.

As the church activities continue and the family leaves the table (not necessary) we suggest you play games, tell stories, watch appropriate videos, go walking, laugh, wrestle, dance, or do any of the other holy things in which God would enjoy participating with you.

The family church service is usually the most effective and fruitful of the various configurations in which church congregates. Remember that the scriptural pattern of church is church of the city, and when you conduct a family church service, it is a valid meeting of a portion of that church in your city.

Even if you are a member of one of the established "church franchises," it is probably acceptable for you to conduct a family service, though some might object to calling this "church." There could also be a problem in certain franchises with celebrating the Lord's Supper, where the keepers of the ancient ways have determined that only "ordained clergy" can do this.

SOME OBJECTIONS

Here are a few objections consistently raised by those called to leadership:

1. "I don't have enough training."

So what? You are the God-ordained leader of your family, and therefore, you have the anointing for your family. You have blessings to impart, as do others in your family, and, hopefully, you haven't stopped growing and being trained.

2. "But I don't know enough about the Bible or about God."

You probably know more than your children. But, if perhaps your wife or an older child or a guest does know a lot, you might have them share once in a while, under your leadership.

3. "I'm not good enough."

You are washed in the blood of Jesus; therefore, no one on earth is "better" than you. Also, God obviously disagrees with your reasoning because He gave you this responsibility.

4. "It's not really church, you know."

Yes it is! It is the biblical kind of church spoken of four times in the Bible. It is part of the church of the city, which is the pattern and legitimate structure of New Testament church.

Those things that are not really church, you know, are buildings and denominations. They have no biblical base and compete with [are against] the plan of God.

This gathering is in essence a house church. House churches are exciting and fruitful and perhaps the very best way to spread the Gospel and draw people into the Kingdom in these last days. The house church movement is sweeping the world. Actually, it is not a "movement" of any group as such. It is part of the harvest of the earth. The stone cut out of the mountain that smashes the feet of the statue and topples the remaining kingdom of this world is growing into the mountain that fills the earth and no one can stop it! (Daniel 2:34,35) The Kingdom of God comes! Jesus is Lord.

"In China, the missionaries were sent home, and the pastors and leaders killed or imprisoned. The result is one of the greatest, if not the greatest, revival the world has ever known! Tens of thousands are born from above daily in China alone. These believers, indwelt by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, gather in homes to worship and exalt God, to pray, and to encourage one another. They are dependent on God for everything, and God is faithful.

Many of us "old timer" Christians here in the United States love Jesus more and more, and dislike the religious systems more and more. We have been gathering as church in homes to worship and exalt God, to pray, and to encourage one another. The number of God's people moving back into homes for church meetings is mushrooming. Christians are emigrating out of restrictive institutions in large numbers, and new believers are attracted to the reality, warmth, and love within the house churches.

If Jesus leads you in this way you must deal with the question or challenge that the keepers of the ancient ways will hurl at you, "By what authority are you doing this?" Or, "Who is your covering for this?" Or, "Who is your elder?" Or, the same question asked in a myriad of ways.

Remember the keepers of the ancient ways asked Jesus the same question. Does this mean you are operating the same way Jesus did? Yes! Absolutely! He said, "As the Father has sent me, I am sending you." John 20:21

The Holy Spirit is our ultimate resource. When we listen to Him, we are connected to the control center of the universe where the Head of the Church rules all things for His Church. He is creative and varied. He is the expert in both macro and micro management. It is His Church and we are His servants. Listen to Him and do what He says.

The enemy of the best is the good. Do not settle for just good. Hold out for the best. Sometimes the best church meetings are smaller, more intimate gatherings where everyone present is involved. These include a meal and lots of lively discussion. Good congregational meetings cannot include these elements. Sometimes, however, the best church meetings are huge celebrations with large numbers present and corporate worship that lifts each up into the heavenlies.

How did Jesus "do church?" Was it when He went to the synagogue "as was His custom?" Luke 4:16 He said later that His followers would be put out of the synagogues. (John 16:2) Was it when He went to the Temple? The Temple was destroyed in 70 AD and now we Christians are the Temple of God. Was Jesus "doing church" when He taught the multitude on the mountain? When He went to the Pharisee’s house for dinner? When He spoke to His disciples along the road? When He met with the woman at the well?

Anywhere Jesus was with others, "church" was happening! Now wherever two or more of us gather in His name, He is with us in a way that is more than His constant indwelling presence. (Matthew 18:20) I believe church is in session whenever two or more of us are together. I believe "doing church" consists of actions we take when we are together. Therefore, church is happening a lot more than we think.

The following resources are present for all the gatherings of church, but apply mostly to those specially called assemblies in the name of Jesus.

CREATION

All of creation is a resource for the ordained-of-God-teachers: fathers and mothers. "Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." Deuteronomy 6:4-7

There is no finer classroom than a fishing hole where Dad or Grandpa talk about the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and the wonder of God Who created all things. Nowhere is there a more effective place for teaching about our responsibility before God to rule and care for the earth as responsible children of God. (This implies that the fishing hole is a sanctuary where church meets.)

There is no finer classroom than the kitchen when Mom or Grandma help the girls bake some cookies or bread or a cake and talk about the miracle of yeast and how the Kingdom of God is like that yeast. (This implies that the kitchen is a sanctuary where church meets.)

When your church meeting is in the park, talk about the trees and the roots, and the leaves, and the squirrels, and the way things grow, and the necessity for water and sunshine, and seeds, and clouds, and rain, and, and, and.

If your house church or family or larger fellowship goes camping in the mountains, call for a church meeting in the dark of the night where everyone lays on their backs and looks at the stars. Ask questions like, "How many stars do you think there are?" "Does God really care for us and love us more than all this?" "How do you think He made the stars?" "What does it mean when the Bible says, ‘He stretched out the heavens’?" "God told our father Abraham that He would make his descendants more numerous than the stars. How big is the family of God?" If you are able, point out the constellations and tell the original story of the Gospel from the signs of the Zodiac.

FOOD

When God commanded the "church service" of the Passover Seder, food was a big part of the message. The slavery in Egypt was bitter, hence the bitter herbs. The meal was eaten in haste, hence the bread didn’t have time to rise; also a house cleaning that removed all leaven preceded future meals. The lamb was slain and it’s blood put on the doorposts of the house so that the angel of death passed over the family. Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed for us, and His blood covers us and delivers us from death.

Those who have not experienced a modern Messianic Passover Seder Dinner should make it a point to attend one and become sensitized to the way these "church services" were conducted around a meal. Remember, however, these services were limited in size to the number that could consume one lamb. They were not the large gatherings we usually encounter today.

Doing church today most often includes eating. Potluck meals make food preparation much easier, and the opportunity for teaching parables from the dinner table are unlimited to a creative teacher. Remember, Jesus the most creative teacher ever will gladly help you with applications and directions.

VIDEOS, CD’S, AND AUDIO TAPES

There is an unlimited resource of these items and they can be very helpful as long as you have electricity. A few of my personal favorites are:

"Live Worship" a CD by Terry MacAlmon recorded live from a service at The World Prayer Center in Colorado Springs. It is available from MacAlmon Ministries, PO Box 62501, Colorado Springs, CO 80962-2501

"The Visual Bible" has produced a four video series on Matthew and also a set on Acts. Matthew is better I think, but both are wonderful. The only words spoken are the N.I.V. translation of those books. In one showing with some grandchildren, four-year-old Samuel could not go more than a few minutes of Matthew without a true "childish" question. By that I mean a simple, perceptive, to-the-root-of-reality question about Jesus, life, and faith. If your house church were to view the Matthew video Bible, and you have a "Sammie" present, plan on several months at least to get through the material. (Remember our plans are always subject to His approval and direction.)

Gayle Erwin is a tremendous source of books and Video’s: His unique style and presentation make his material a natural for house churches. He has several messages on video; and his books, especially The Jesus Style would be a great resource to read at the church meetings. Email and web site: www.servant.org, or write to PO Box 219, Cathedral City, CA 92235.

My friend Robert Fitts Sr. a pamphlet titled, "Discussion Bible Study." You will always be prepared with this little guide. Here is a summary plus seven advantages of house churches also by Robert:

"HOW TO HAVE AN INTERACTIVE BIBLE STUDY

1. Begin with prayer that all will be edified.

2. It is not essential for all to have a Bible, since everyone can share the same Bible.

3. Appoint a leader, but not a teacher.

4. Read around the circle. Those who don’t want to read can pass their turn to another.

5. Read without trying to provoke discussion.

6. Invite interruptions for comments or questions.

7. Keep on track. Discuss the passage read.

8. Do not let one person dominate the discussion.

9. Be sensitive about when to conclude.

10. End with a time of prayer and praise.

THE ADVANTAGES OF HOUSE CHURCHES

SOME EXAMPLES

As I was writing this, I let my thoughts and spirit freely go anywhere. The love and presence of God was overwhelming, and the realization of how far we have fallen was devastating. So many thoughts and remembrances of "doing church" flooded my mind. God’s longing and desire for intimate fellowship with us is huge, and we relegate Him to some religious ritual called "church."

I recalled my first experience with "house church" in the mid 1980’s. A man who had been a young boy in the congregation that I had served looked me up after about a twenty five-year hiatus. He was now married to his second wife, and he was her third husband. They had some serious issues, and God mightily intervened in their lives. They lived on an acreage about forty miles from us. I made it a point to stop by and see them and pray and share whenever I was out that way. After a few months they began to invite some friends when I came by. They always prepared a great dinner and "church" just happened. Then we began to schedule a gathering every other Friday at dinnertime and some of the others began bringing food also.

The gatherings grew and grew. Sometimes we would have thirty or forty people jammed into the kitchen, dining room, and living room area of their doublewide mobile home. The teen-agers drew an assortment of tattooed, pierced, gang-related friends. There were three eighteen-wheel drivers and a number of Harley’s. Most of the folks smoked, and smoked freely during the meetings. Also, many of them liked to drink beer, and they also drank freely during the meetings. Two little seventy-year-old sisters from next-door started coming right away. Their "official church" frowned on alcohol, but when they came to "church" next door, they would have a couple of beers, and we would often have to help them get home.

One day as I was driving to the meeting, the religious latent Pharisee that seems to always lurk just under the surface got me going. I thought, "I need to make these people stop smoking, at least during the teaching. And they should stop drinking when we get together. And the men should be meeting together as men and pray over things and get together before the meetings to pray. And the women …And the youth…And the children." I was really worked up and continued this religious tirade with myself until I pulled into their driveway.

When I stopped and opened the door, I heard in my spirit the loudest, most commanding words I have ever heard: "Frank, if you loved these people like I do, you wouldn’t even think like that." I cried and then tried to re-crucify my old Pharisee nature for the umpteenth time, and apologized to the people gathered that night.

Another time the hostess, who was really seeking God and devouring the Bible, asked me, "Hey Frank, I read something about body, soul, and spirit. What’s that all about?"

I responded with a thumbnail Watchman Nee type answer something like, "Our bodies have needs and wants, and we meet them. We get hungry and eat, we get cold and put on a coat, we get horny and have sex. This is just basic bodily desires and fulfillment just like the animals. But we also have a soul that is made up of our feelings and emotions and how we think, our positive or negative ways of acting. Philosophy and religion are part of this soul realm, and when we are controlled by our souls we are living at a higher level than animals. But for us Christians, God’s Spirit joins Himself with our spirits and we are to live and walk by that spirit. In our spirit, we are to rule over and control our souls and bodies."

After a smoke filled silence she blurted, "Wow! We gotta cut out all this shit we’re doing." Nobody laughed, nobody reacted negatively, and there was a clear consensus that she was right.

When Jesus was "doing church" at Jacob’s well in Sychar, He told the woman that the place of worship wasn’t that mountain the Samaritans claimed as the holy place or even Jerusalem, but, "A time is coming and has now come when the true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshippers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshippers must worship in spirit and in truth." John 4:24,25.

A RECENT TRIP

An apostle came from a distance to visit a fellowship consisting of four families and some singles. The church gathered together Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Monday evenings and Sunday during the day. Here is part of what took place:

Thursday evening all gathered after work at a young couple’s relatively new (a few months) old (seventy years) house. Each person or family brought part of the meal. The visitor ate and spoke mainly with the adults while the children ate and played in the basement. After about two wonderful hours of give and take and teaching at the table, the Lord impressed us to have the children pray and prophesy over the adults. There were eight adults ranging in age from 23 to 68; and seven children ages 2 to 17. The adults sat in a circle facing each other and the children stood behind them. Each child laid a hand on the adult and said something like, "In Jesus’ name, God bless you, and heal you, and…" They were encouraged to then say whatever they wanted as a prayer or anything they thought God might want to say. The two year old blessed people, but needed some help. It was a great church activity helping him and loving on him when he prayed for you. All the other children blessed us mightily and prophesied powerfully without making it some weird religious thing. Even the five year old was in tune with the Spirit of God and very naturally joined in this ministry.

The most difficult leadership problem was to keep the process going. One of the children would have prophesied for long periods of time over each person. That’s wonderful, but in this context, each one was to minister and be trained in ministry. Each child blessed every adult. Some of the prayers and prophecy was short and very sweet.

Friday the younger new homeowner took the day off and spent hours talking, questioning, walking the neighborhood, praying, and chopping wood with the experienced visitor. That evening everyone gathered for Pizza. Dinner was finished much earlier and all adjourned to the basement room where ordinations took place. It was explained that ordination is the recognition that a person has come into an office. It does not create an office, but merely confirms that this has happened already in God. There is, however, some special blessing and gifting imparted through the laying on of hands. (2 Timothy 1:6)

On this night, the young man recognized as an elder, was acknowledged and the fruit of his ministry examined. Many people were being drawn to the Spirit of Jesus in him, both from the fellowship and outside. He knelt down, with his wife at his side and they were both anointed with enough oil to picture the never-ending oil of the Spirit that flows through us. Hands were laid on them with words and prophecies given. Then the 23 year-old-single was also set apart for the mission field, again with enough oil to picture the happening in Psalm 133. These three then took of the abundance of oil from their heads or torsos and prayed over each person present. The meeting went on for several hours, during which we were all blessed and prayed over by the three Spirit-anointed servants. After they were prayed for, the visitor stepped outside and made phone calls and some of the older children got a hot game of Monopoly going all of which fits well into doing church God’s way.

Saturday night was another potluck gathering centered on dedicating the new, old house. The husband and wife whose house was being blessed led the procession. We followed and supported them from room to room as they anointed doors, windows, walls, appliances, tables, beds, fixtures. Everyone participated with prayers, prophecies, and blessings, even the children.

Sunday’s gathering began around 10 AM at the lead Elder’s mother’s house. She is not a part of the fellowship, but often participates when there are special events. That day was her son’s birthday and the birthday of one of her grandsons. There was singing and worship and teaching, and then a relational issue surfaced between two brothers. It was brought to a favorable conclusion as these matters do not live well or long in the light. After this several men watched Pro football, and others chatted or watched a funny video (Shreck). About two PM there was a potluck birthday meal followed by singing and presents and great fellowship. Most left by early evening.

Monday was the last night for the visitor to be there, so many gathered at the lead elder’s for fellowship and some teaching by the guest.

In this particular series of gatherings, it is very difficult to determine when church started and stopped. This is normal. Remember Jesus came into this world to give us life and to share life with us. That special relational communion is forever, and whenever two or three of these called out ones are together, it seems to me that church is happening. It is happening God’s way when it is real and genuine. It is not God’s way when it is pretentious or vain.

AN IMAGINARY "TYPICAL" MEETING

. The gathering of the church at Pete and Mabel’s was usually held on Friday nights and was spread over several hours. One of the Moms came around 4 PM with her children to help set up and prepare food. At least that was her excuse. Actually she loved being with Mabel and learning lessons of life as they cooked and laughed and prayed and sometimes cried together. Everyone brought some food even if it was just the drinks that some of the singles bought on their way from work.

When the weather was nice, they went outside, but usually they ate all over the house. At about 6:30 Pete would gather everyone for prayer. Sometimes the prayers were quite lengthy and the food got cold. When that happened an old timer would usually tell Pete or the other long winded prayer to save the big prayers until later; it’s enough to acknowledge Jesus and His presence and bless the food.

Church continued during the breaking of bread. A consistent need was for more adults to eat with the little children and help the young mothers. After the meal enough time passed for the young children to get hot and sweaty in their running-around-games; the food picked up, and the dishes washed, or rather the paper plates thrown away. And time for personal questions and considerations of future plans and activities.

Pete again gathers everyone together for worship. Children sit on the floor together with some of the young people. Tonight there is one accomplished guitarist, two learners, a young girl learning the violin who can play a little with some of the more familiar songs, two tambourines, and several flags, banners, and streamers for anyone to use.

Charley, the lead guitarist, prays for God’s Spirit to lead them, and as soon as he says, "Amen," young Timothy cries out for "Father Abraham." The singing of "Father Abraham" is perhaps the closest item to a ritual in this church that meets at Pete and Mabel’s. Some of the older folks groan a little especially at the more strenuous moves, but no one would dare quench the joy, enthusiasm, and faith of young Timothy. Others request favorites and Charley plays them if he can. Sometimes a request turns into a volunteering to lead the song. Charley will often say, "I have a new song from the Lord," and proceed to play and sing it several times until we begin to learn it. There are some song sheets, but most do not use them. When guests come others sit with them and then they use the song sheets to help them.

Sometimes the worship has been so wonderful and the presence of God so awesome that it goes for over an hour or more. Sometimes there are only a few songs and a few times we have even been known to skip the music altogether. There is no predetermined limit on or necessity for singing.

During the entire gathering nothing is prescribed except an insistence on being tuned to the Holy Spirit and His leading and following His direction. Prophecy is welcomed and encouraged. Mistakes are quickly dealt with in light-hearted and non-condemning ways. The Bible directive is that we should all seek to prophesy, but that we prophesy in part. To discourage prophecy because there are errors would be to surrender to fear and insecurity. The best place to learn these things is at Pete and Mabel’s where love and honesty and walking in the light makes learning a joy.

When someone sees a vision they are encouraged to speak it out, even, and especially, the children. The person teaching or exhorting can wait and pick it up later. If they forget what they were saying, that is OK.

On this night the singing and music was especially joyful and lasted almost an hour. Pete then called for any testimonies or praise reports. Ed shared about Patty, a single Mom who worked in Ed’s office and had been the subject of some prayer in the church. He said she had come to his office and asked to go for the day because one of the kids got sick at pre-school and she had to pick him up and take him home. Ed said that he felt the nudging of the Spirit and asked her if they could pray for the child before she left. She agreed and Ed spoke a simple prayer for healing and blessing on them all. The child improved dramatically in a way Patty realized was an answer to prayer. Ed and his wife Susie prayed and discussed how to reach Patty. Susie encouraged Ed to invite her to dinner. The next day Patty was excited about what happened.. She asked Ed about it, and he said she should come over to dinner with the children and meet his wife and family and talk about prayer. The dinner was set for the next night. Ed led us in prayer for Patty and her children.

Pete then asked us all to read aloud together from Ephesians, chapter three, verses fourteen through twenty-one. When we finished, Pete shared some insights he had from this section, but before he could finish, four-year-old Jesse interrupted. He had been playing quietly with a toy truck and simply said, "I see a big fat duck walking," and he moved his head side-to-side to portray the waddle.

Pete immediately stopped and asked, "Is there anything else around the duck, Jesse?"

"No, just the fat duck," and he started waddling across the floor. Now the other children began giggling and some began to waddle also. Before long we were all waddling and laughing and some were quacking.

Then the Lord spoke through one of the older women, "You are like fat happy ducks playing in My presence. I enjoy being with you and even playing games." Now the mood changed from laughing games to an overwhelming joy and happiness. Tears flooded our eyes, laughter and crying mixed together like cookies and cream, and the heart-throbbing presence of God filled the room like a sweet bouquet of fragrant flowers. A soft bubbling chorus of each person’s praise and thanksgiving sounded like a mountain stream cascading over rocks. The river of praise continued for an incalculable time and then as if the river emptied into a deep clear lake; the silence grew into a crescendo of hushed awe.

Little else was said or done, but as the hour grew late people gathered their dishes and reluctantly went home.

* * *

Because so many of our brothers and sisters congregate as church in religious buildings led by clergy, I tried very hard to write about a typical service I might have led forty years ago when I served as a Pastor in a denominational setting. It was too difficult. I am not including it here because of my own problems with clergy-led rituals, religious buildings, and what I consider the separation of Jesus from life into a contrived setting. Thank God that He still shows up and works in those settings and that He is much more gracious than I.

DO NOT SPEAK EVIL

OF OTHER CHRISTIANS.

BUILD YOUR LIFE AND MINISTRY

ON CHRIST,

NOT ON ANTI-OTHERS FOUNDATIONS.

WE ARE CALLED TO BE

PEACEMAKERS IN THE

CHURCH OF THE CITY.

SOMEDAY

WE WILL HAVE TO GIVE ACCOUNT

FOR EVERY IDLE WORD.