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Casting The Vision for LifeNet Groups
The History Behind It All
The Scriptural Setting:
The Early Church did not have church building or beautiful facilities. The first believers gathered in the porches of the Temple in Jerusalem and in smaller groups in private homes.
Acts: Read all of Chapters 1 & 2
Please Note: Acts 2:13, 37-47
1. People heard the Gospel - through the preaching of God's Word by the Apostles and the individuals, one on one witnessing of those who were "New Believers".
The results were amazing. In Acts 2:41, Scripture teaches that 3000 were birthed* into the Church on the first day of Evangelism. And verse 47 says this continued every day there after. Later in Acts 4:4 - scripture records another 5000 were added to the church. In fact, 4:32 says in the days that followed, multitudes believed and again in 5:14 and in Acts 6:7 - The church grew geometrically…"
2 became 4
4 became 8
8 became 16
16 became 32
32 became 64
etc…
But then, problems began to develop that forced the church leaders to change their whole approach to deal with these problems.
First When the leaders could not deal with the care of the people - Acts 6:1-7.
They began to organize and more leaders were raised up. We call them Deacons. Another whole level of leadership was sat in place but other problems also began to manifest.
Second Opposition from other religious groups started. In Acts 5:17+18 persecution began to hit the Apostles. Groups from all over began to assail the infant church. Then, in Acts 6:8-12, issues of doctrine erupted. Many, for example, didn't like the Power of God that was manifesting in wonders and miracles in response to the teaching of faith. (Sadducees)
Third Following the martyrdom of Stephen, open persecution broke out and Acts 8:3+4 says - The church was scattered. People began to flee Jerusalem in all directions taking the Gospel with them everywhere.
So big public meetings for believers became dangerous. The Church leaders began to meet with believers in small groups. They met in homes, in basements, in barns, even in tombs and caves and open fields. Anywhere and everywhere, even the times for meetings changed, but the church continued to grow; in the homes.
Today, the value and importance of small home groups meeting in different places in the community, is widely recognized. Leaders in the greater Body of Christ are endorsing the redirection of our congregational life and the redesigning of our church structures to make room for these smaller groups.
Simply put - the structure of church as we know it is moving from being "Program" driven to being Cell led. This means all of us have to be willing to "let go" of our favorite program or ministry for the greater good. We need each other, and "relationships" must take priority over our present "lecture format" that elevates a few to positions of responsibility and leadership but leaves everyone else to watch and listen.
Here in Full Gospel Christian Center our Pastors in concert with our entire Eldership Council have endorsed this new direction. By moving in harmony with what the Holy Spirit is saying, world wide, we will begin now to prepare for whatever changes lies ahead for the church in America. Perhaps our religious foreclosures in America will stay like they are today, for another 100 years. But if anything should change in the life and liberties of our nation, we will be ready to carry on the work of Evangelism and Relationship Building for the sake of the Gospel and God's Kingdom.
Lost Souls finding Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord carries a far heavier weight of importance than does the Entertainment of the Saints or the performance of a few 'up front' people. Together, we are embarking on an adventure.
Let's pray together, work hard and move forward.
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Adam DiLernia, 2/21/2003 |
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