It can work

[Johnnz]

We had our end of year meal and prayers for each other last night.

I have long believed that NT leadership is not about position, status, authority or whatever else is currently popular. As others prayed for me and my wife the respect we had and the function we performed were obviously highly valued. I saw afresh how we don't need church leadership holding positions, but instead people simply exercising their gifts on behalf of others and for their benefit.

I don't 'cast a vision', issue directives, even insist that the others believe what I do. All I want to see is people growing in their relationship with Jesus. To do that they need genuine freedom in and for their own lives. I live and teach when it's my turn, as an expression of who I am and what I believe. It's up to each one to decide what they want to accept or follow.

Over the decade we have been together we have witnessed the development of a mature, caring, spiritually mature group, each one being effective in their own areas of life. Apart from example and gifting we have no defined role within our group. Church can be different.

John
NZ

 

[PapaB]

Thank you for the reminder.



I dreamt of it since reading the scriptures in my early teens. When at the age to simply believe what is written and not through colored glasses.

We have tasted this, and other things usually associated with simple, organic or NT church. With many people, relationships and small groups through the years. But we primarily experienced it with 2 house church groups over about a 6 year period. Unfortunately those groups do not exist anymore.

So, it's partially been back to the IC, and it has nearly been intolerable to be so bound again. If weren't for having children, we probably wouldn't even be there.

But I thank you for the reminder that there is life out there.