Pastoring Is Easy as is the Christian Life Together, getting to know our Father in heaven
Thoughts for Meditation from Pastor Tom
Apprenticeship Church
It's about the body
His intention was the perfecting and the full equipping of the saints(His consecrated people), [that they should do] the work of ministering toward building up Christ’s body (the church),Eph 4:12 AMP
Question, when does the ministry come through the people rather than off the platform ?
Apprentice : one who is learning by practical experience under skilled workers a trade, art, or calling - Merriam Webster dictionary
Church is 100% participation as all are actively involved with the Lord and his purpose with the gifts present. The gifts present are the people who are attending, each of whom, are fully equipped to function. The Lord is working with each individual to bring them light to guide them to a deeper relationship with the Father and greater confidence in their calling.
“The place of prayer is the place of discipleship“ the apprenticeship church functions in the place of prayer (not a formality but an engagement) . Where the Lord directs the participants as he will accomplishing discipleship individually and cooperatively.
Each gathering uniquely addresses the development of those present through his lead and the humble yielding of expectant participants. All participate as the Lord directs, he knows each, their gift, confidence, and calling and has planned accordingly. This is often realized through the coming and going of individuals by his direction, spoken or unspoken, you can observe the changing flow of the gathering as the participants change .
The church’s job is not teaching about God but facilitating encounters with Him by actively yielding to His directives. Various and sometimes conflicting gifts are necessary for true discipleship as the Lord affirms and challenges each one according to their need while confirming his truth in their heart. The interaction orchestrated by the Lord builds love, unity and strength in the body, with humility as what has been accomplished was the result of acknowledged yielding.
“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” Mt 18:20
I will build my church; Mt 16:18
You are a vital part of the true church, your gift and calling have an impact to make.
It's about the body
His intention was the perfecting and the full equipping of the saints(His consecrated people), [that they should do] the work of ministering toward building up Christ’s body (the church),Eph 4:12 AMP
Question, when does the ministry come through the people rather than off the platform ?
Apprentice : one who is learning by practical experience under skilled workers a trade, art, or calling - Merriam Webster dictionary
Church is 100% participation as all are actively involved with the Lord and his purpose with the gifts present. The gifts present are the people who are attending, each of whom, are fully equipped to function. The Lord is working with each individual to bring them light to guide them to a deeper relationship with the Father and greater confidence in their calling.
“The place of prayer is the place of discipleship“ the apprenticeship church functions in the place of prayer (not a formality but an engagement) . Where the Lord directs the participants as he will accomplishing discipleship individually and cooperatively.
Each gathering uniquely addresses the development of those present through his lead and the humble yielding of expectant participants. All participate as the Lord directs, he knows each, their gift, confidence, and calling and has planned accordingly. This is often realized through the coming and going of individuals by his direction, spoken or unspoken, you can observe the changing flow of the gathering as the participants change .
The church’s job is not teaching about God but facilitating encounters with Him by actively yielding to His directives. Various and sometimes conflicting gifts are necessary for true discipleship as the Lord affirms and challenges each one according to their need while confirming his truth in their heart. The interaction orchestrated by the Lord builds love, unity and strength in the body, with humility as what has been accomplished was the result of acknowledged yielding.
“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” Mt 18:20
I will build my church; Mt 16:18
You are a vital part of the true church, your gift and calling have an impact to make.