The Church in Action: Eight E’s to Remember

(The biblical purposes for a local church that should drive the church’s vision)

  I.   EXALTING CHRIST IN WORSHIP: PERSONAL & CORPORATE

           

       A. Worshiping in spirit: Exalting Christ (the Head of the church)

       B. Worship in truth involves biblical worship (preaching, prayers, singing)

       C. Ordinances: Baptism, Communion

 II.   EDIFYING THE BODY [job # 1 of the church gathered]

       A.  Edification by teaching the Bible and Expository Preaching

       B.  Exhortation/Admonition

       C.  Discipline/Accountability

       D.  Discipleship one-on-one and group

III.  ENCOURAGING THE INDIVIDUAL BELIEVER BY THE BODY

      A. Caring for and meeting physical and spiritual needs

      B. Showing real love in practical ways to folks in the fellowship

      C. Body life expanded by spending time together and the use of our spiritual gifts

      D. Personal prayer with and for other members of the body

   IV. ENGAGING WITH OTHER BELIEVERS [fellowship, kononia]

         A. Fellowship involves sharing what we have learned from the Bible

         B. Fellowship is also sharing what we possess with those in need

         C. Fellowship also involves sharing ourselves (lives, stories, time)

         D. Fellowship includes ministering side-by-side to the lost and other believers

         E. Fellowship is practicing the 56 “one another” commands in the assembly

         F. Fellowship includes singing biblical truths - used to teach, exhort, and encourage

         G. Fellowship includes eating together

V.  EQUIPPING AND TRAINING CHRISTIANS FOR MINISTRY

      A. Each pastor’s main job description: “Equip the saints for the work of ministry”

      B. An important task of the gathered church (to be “outfitted” for service)

      C. Significant time will be invested in special training of potential leaders

 VI.  ESTABLISHING FAMILIES AND THE CHURCH IN THE FAITH

      A.  Setting up the N.T. house-order of Christ in the family

      B.  Setting up the N.T. house-order of Christ in the church

      C. This “strengthening” includes planned discipleship and training

 VII.  EXPANDING THE CHURCH (Church planting is a must!)

       A.  Starting daughter churches nearby to help reach our area for Christ

       B.  Starting churches overseas that can reach their own people with the gospel

       C.  Churches that will not plant churches are often allowed by God to split into two churches as He intended

VIII.  EVANGELIZING (Focus on the World) [job # 1 of the church scattered]

       A. Foreign Missions: To unreached people groups (go, or give, pray, and send)

       B. Local Outreach: Make disciples, baptize and teach them

       C. Planned outreach and evangelism as part of every program in the church

       D. Meeting physical needs in order to share the gospel (like Baptist Men)

       E. Beginning with the gospel in biblical counseling opportunities

       F. Planned training and harvesting events

       G. A team effort involving a care or support group that will also train and model evangelism   

           for its members         

       H. Prayer walking and prayer surveys

        I. Bible and tract distribution

        J. Intentional Mall evangelism